Winter in Ottawa brings icy sidewalks, slippery driveways, and shorter daylight hours, all which increase the risk of falls. Fall can happen to anyone, but certain injuries and health issues can make them more serious. Let's take a closer look at fall-related injuries, risk factors, and how you can prevent them.
Common Fall-Related Injuries
Falls can result in a range of injuries, including:
- Sprains and strains
- Bruises and soft-tissue injuries
- Fractures, especially in the hip, wrist, and spine
- Head injuries
- Whiplash or neck-related injuries
Who is at Higher Risk?
Certain factors can increase the likelihood of falls:
- Adults over 60 years old
- Jobs that involve heights (like ladder work) or slippery/uneven surfaces
- Alcohol or substance use
- Medical conditions affecting balance, such as vision problems, heart issues, neurological conditions, or medication side effects
- Busy, crowded, or usafe living and working environments
Fall Prevention Strategies
- Footwear
- Wear properly fitting shoes with good traction
- High ankle support helps reduce slips on icy conditions
- Crampons can provide extra grip on ice
- Keep Paths Clear
- Shovel and salt outdoor walkways
- Remove clutter inside your home
- Use Supportive Equipment
- Handrails, canes, walkers, or walkig poles can improve stability
- Improve Lighting
- Make sure you can see your surroundings, borh indoors and outdoors
- Arrange Your Environment
- Keep rugs secure, wires tucked away, and paths clear of pets, toys, or loose objects
- Prepare for Falls
- Learn safe falling techniques like rolling and controlled landings
- Practice getting up from the floor safely, using furniture for support if needed
How Physiotherapy Supports Fall Prevention
Physiotherapy plays an important role in reducing fall risk and helping people feel more confident with daily movement. A physiotherapist can assess factors that contribute to falls, such as balance challenges, muscle weakness, joint stiffness, pain, or changes in walking patterns.
Based on your individual needs, physiotherapy care may include:
- Balance and coordination training
- Strengthening exercises for the legs and core
- Flexibility and joint mobility exercises
- Walking and stair-climbing practice
- Education on safe movement strategies at home and outdoors
These approaches are designed to support safer movement during winter conditions common in Ottawa, such as icy sidewalks and uneven terrain.
Physiotherapy After a Fall
If a fall has already occurred, physiotherapy can help support recovery. Falls may result in injuries such as sprains, strains, fractures, bruising, or neck and back symptoms. Even without serious injury, many people experience lingering pain, stiffness, or fear of falling again.
Physiotherapy after a fall may focus on:
- Managing pain and swelling
- Restoring movement and strength
- Improving balance and walking confidence
- Supporting a safe return to daily activities
Addressing these issues early can help reduce the risk of future falls and ongoing limitations.
Balance Changes Are Not "Just Part of Aging"
Feeling unsteady, avoiding certain activities, or relying more on furniture for support may be signs that your balance or strength has changes. These changes can often be addressed with physiotherapy.
A physiotherapist can help identify contributing factors such as reduced strength, slower reaction time, joint limitations, or altered movement patterns, and provide guidance tailored to your abilities and goals
Physiotherapy Care in Ottawa
At Premier Physiotherapy Clinic in Ottawa, physiotherapy care is individualized and focused on helping patients move safely and confidently. Whether you are recovering from a fall or looking to reduce your risk of future falls, physiotherapy can be part of a proactive approach to staying active through the winter months.
When to Consider Physiotherapy
You may benefit from physiotherapy if you:
- Have experienced a recent fall
- Notice decreased balance or confidence with walking
- Feel weaker or stiffer than usual
- Are avoiding activities due to fear of falling
- Have had previous fall-related injuries
Speaking with a healthcare provider can help determine whether physiotherapy is appropriate for your situation.
Take the Next Step
If falls or balance concerns are affecting your daily life, Premier Physiotherapy Clinic in Ottawa offersn assessment and treatment options to support recovery and fall prevention.
Book an appointment with a physiotherapist can help you better understnad your movement, address contributing factors, and develop strategies to move more safely this winter.
