Balance & Falls Prevention Physiotherapy in Brisbane.
Falling is not an inevitable part of ageing — and the fear of falling shouldn’t dictate how you live your life. With the right physiotherapy, balance and strength can be significantly improved at any age, dramatically reducing your risk of falls and giving you back the confidence to move freely.
At Moov Physio, our falls prevention physiotherapists deliver evidence-based balance programs including the internationally validated Otago Falls Prevention Program — in our clinics and at your home across Greater Brisbane.
Why Falls Are a Serious Health Issue?
Falls are the leading cause of injury hospitalisation in older Australians
1 in 3 Australians over 65 falls each year
A hip fracture from a fall is associated with significant loss of independence and increased mortality
Fear of falling causes people to restrict activity — which further reduces strength and balance, increasing risk
Up to 35% of falls are preventable with structured exercise programs
Common Causes of Falls
| Risk Factor | Examples |
|---|---|
| Muscle weakness | Reduced leg strength, especially quads, glutes, and calves |
| Balance impairment | Vestibular, proprioceptive, or visual dysfunction |
| Gait abnormalities | Shuffling, wide-based walking, reduced step height |
| Medications | Sedatives, blood pressure medications, polypharmacy |
| Neurological conditions | Parkinson's, stroke, MS, peripheral neuropathy |
| Environmental hazards | Rugs, poor lighting, slippery floors, uneven paths |
| Cognitive factors | Reduced attention to environment and dual-task ability |
| Vision impairment | Cataracts, glaucoma, reduced depth perception |
The Otago Falls Prevention Program:
The Otago Exercise Programme is an evidence-based, physiotherapist-prescribed home exercise program specifically designed to reduce falls and fall-related injuries in older adults.
What the research shows:
Reduces falls by up to 35%
Reduces fall-related injuries
Most effective in people aged 65+ and those with previous falls
Benefits are maintained for at least 2 years with continued exercise
How it works:
Assessment of strength, balance, and fall risk by a physiotherapist
Personalised prescription of Otago exercises (leg strengthening + balance)
Walking plan tailored to current fitness
Regular reviews every 4–8 weeks with exercise progression
Can be delivered at home — ideal for frail or housebound patients
Who is it for?
Older adults (65+) who have had a fall, are afraid of falling, or have reduced strength or balance.
Our Falls Prevention Assessment
Your physiotherapist will conduct a thorough falls risk assessment including:
Timed Up and Go (TUG) test — measuring functional mobility
Berg Balance Scale — rating static and dynamic balance
Strength testing — lower limb power and endurance
Gait analysis — walking speed, pattern, and step quality
Home environment assessment (mobile visits) — identifying hazards
Medication review discussion — flagging falls-risk medications to your GP
NDIS & Funding for Falls Prevention
Falls prevention physiotherapy is available under:
NDIS — Capacity Building (Improved Daily Living / Improved Health & Wellbeing)
Medicare — GP referral required under CDM/EPC plan
DVA — Gold & White card holders
Private Health — Extras cover
Home Care Package (HCP) — Ask your package provider
Frequently Asked Questions.
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Absolutely. Prevention is far better than rehabilitation after a fall. If you’re noticing reduced balance, feeling unsteady, or have started avoiding activities due to fear of falling, early physiotherapy is the best time to start.
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Yes — in fact, home delivery is the original evidence-based model. Our mobile physiotherapists prescribe and supervise the Otago Program at your home, which also allows us to address environmental hazards.
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Measurable improvements in balance typically occur within 4–8 weeks of consistent exercise. Meaningful reduction in falls risk builds over 3–6 months.
