A fall is never just a fall. It can mean a fractured hip, a hospital stay, lost independence, and a deepening fear of moving through the world. At Makovicka Physical Therapy, our Balance and Fall Prevention service is built around one belief: that losing your footing is not an inevitable part of aging — and it’s something we can address together.
Our physical therapists use advanced balance assessments, individualized exercise plans, and hands-on therapy to address the root causes of instability — not just the symptoms. Whether you’ve already experienced a fall or are noticing the early warning signs, this service is for you.
Why Balance & Fall Prevention Matters
- 1 in 4 adults aged 65 and older will fall each year in the United States.
- 95% of hip fractures are caused by falls.
- Targeted physical therapy can reduce fall risk by up to 55%.
Who Can Benefit from This Program?
Balance problems have many causes, and this program is designed to serve a wide range of patients. You may be a good candidate if any of the following apply to you:
Older Adults (65+)
Age-related changes in muscle strength, vision, and inner ear function naturally affect balance. Proactive therapy can dramatically reduce fall risk.
Post-Surgery Patients
Recovering from hip, knee, or spinal surgery can alter gait and coordination. Targeted rehab restores safe, confident movement.
Neurological Conditions
Parkinson’s disease, stroke, multiple sclerosis, and vestibular disorders frequently impair balance and require specialized intervention.
Medication Side Effects
Many common prescriptions — including blood pressure drugs and sedatives — list dizziness as a side effect. We help you compensate safely.
Previous Fall History
One fall significantly increases the likelihood of another. If you’ve fallen in the past year, early intervention is strongly recommended.
Fear of Falling
Even without a fall, anxiety about losing your balance leads to reduced activity, which weakens muscles and worsens the risk you fear.
What to Expect at Your Appointments
Every patient’s journey begins with a thorough evaluation. From there, your therapist builds a personalized plan of care — nothing generic, nothing one-size-fits-all.
- Comprehensive Balance Assessment
We use validated clinical tests to measure your current stability and identify specific deficits.
- Individualized Exercise Program
Strength, flexibility, and proprioception exercises targeting your specific weaknesses. Progressed each session as you improve.
- Gait & Mobility Training
We analyze how you walk and provide hands-on coaching to correct unsafe movement patterns and improve walking confidence.
- Vestibular Rehabilitation (If Needed)
For patients experiencing dizziness or vertigo, specialized vestibular exercises retrain your inner-ear and brain to work together more effectively.
- Home Safety & Environmental Education
We don’t just work on you — we help you work on your environment. You’ll leave with practical strategies to reduce fall hazards at home.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many sessions will I need?
This varies significantly based on your individual situation. Many patients begin to notice measurable improvements within 4–6 sessions, while more complex cases may benefit from 12 or more visits. After your initial evaluation, your therapist will give you a realistic estimate and explain what progress milestones to expect along the way.
I haven’t fallen yet. Is it too early to come in?
Absolutely not — and in fact, this is the ideal time to start. Preventive care is far more effective (and far less costly) than rehabilitation after a fall. If you’ve noticed yourself feeling unsteady, grabbing onto walls, or avoiding certain activities out of concern for your balance, those are important signals worth addressing now.
Will the exercises be too hard for me?
Our therapists are skilled at meeting you exactly where you are. Every exercise is carefully progressed — starting at a level that is safe and manageable for you, then incrementally challenged as your strength and confidence grow. Safety is our top priority at every single session, and you are always in control of the pace.
What should I wear and bring to my first appointment?
Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing and the shoes you typically use for walking or daily activities. Bring a list of your current medications (as these may affect balance), any relevant imaging or medical records, and your insurance cards. Your first session will last approximately 60 minutes and will be primarily an evaluation — no intense exercise on day one.
Why Makovicka Physical Therapy?
Choosing where to receive physical therapy is one of the most important decisions you can make for your health. At Makovicka Physical Therapy, we believe the quality of care — and the people delivering it — sets us apart. Here’s why patients across Nebraska trust us for balance and fall prevention care.
Locally Owned & Operated by Physical Therapists
Makovicka Physical Therapy is locally owned and operated by physical therapists — not a hospital system or corporate chain. That means every decision is made with your care in mind, and our therapists have the autonomy to truly advocate for you.
Vestibular-Trained Specialists
Many balance disorders originate in the vestibular system — the inner ear mechanisms that govern spatial orientation. Makovicka Physical Therapy has vestibular-trained specialists at many clinic locations, offering specialized treatment for dizziness and vertigo that many outpatient practices simply cannot provide.
Convenient Locations
With clinics across Omaha, Lincoln, and surrounding communities — including Bellevue, Millard, Bennington, Papillion, Plattsmouth, Wahoo, and more — you’re never far from expert care. Most of our locations offer early morning and evening hours so therapy fits your life, not the other way around.
Personalized Care, Every Visit
At Makovicka, you work with a physical therapist who listens, evaluates your specific symptoms, and creates a program tailored to your needs. There are no cookie-cutter protocols here — your plan evolves with your progress, session by session.
A Reputation Built on Real Results
Patients consistently describe their experience at Makovicka Physical Therapy as feeling like family. From the front desk to graduation day, the attention and expertise you receive is compassionate, consistent, and results-driven — as reflected in hundreds of five-star reviews across our communities.
Not sure if this program is right for you? Every Makovicka clinic offers a free consultation by appointment — no commitment, no cost. Talk to a physical therapist and get real answers before you decide.
Take the First Step Toward Stability
Don’t wait for a fall to take your balance seriously. Makovicka Physical Therapy’s team is ready to help you move through life with confidence — at a location near you.
- Find a location: makovickapt.com/location
- Request an appointment: makovickapt.com/contact-us