SIPS, TRIPS & FALLS
and clutter, as well as ensuring adequate lighting, can help reduce risks. Regular vision checks and appropriate use of mobility aids can provide additional support.
“REHABILITATION SHOULD BE INDIVIDUALISED TO RESTORE STRENGTH, FLEXIBILITY, BALANCE, AND CONFIDENCE.”
In workplace settings, routine risk assessments and ergonomic considerations are essential, particularly in environments with manual handling or fast-paced foot traffic. Behavioural strategies also matter, encouraging individuals to avoid distractions like texting while walking and to move carefully in unfamiliar or cluttered spaces can significantly lower fall risk.
Q: WHAT ARE THE SHORT-TERM HEALTH IMPACTS OF SLIPS, TRIPS, AND FALLS FROM AN MSK PERSPECTIVE? JD: Falls frequently result in acute injuries such as sprains, strains, bruises, dislocations, and ligament tears, commonly affecting the ankles, knees, shoulders, and wrists. Fractures are also prevalent, with approximately 95% of all hip fractures caused by falls (NICE, 2019). Some injuries, like vertebral compression fractures, may not be immediately apparent, as symptoms can be vague or delayed. Soft tissue inflammation and pain often restrict mobility and function in the short term.
“ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY MEASURES ARE EQUALLY IMPORTANT. KEEPING WALKWAYS CLEAR OF HAZARDS LIKE LOOSE RUGS, CABLES, AND CLUTTER, AS WELL AS ENSURING ADEQUATE LIGHTING, CAN HELP REDUCE RISKS.”
Psychological effects such as distress, shock, or embarrassment can also influence how pain is perceived or reported, particularly in work settings. Interestingly, high concern about falling does not reliably predict future falls over one-month or one-year periods (Weijer et al., 2021).
Q: WHAT ARE THE LONG-TERM CONSEQUENCES OF MSK INJURIES CAUSED BY FALLS? JD: If not properly rehabilitated, MSK injuries can lead to chronic pain, stiffness, and compensatory movement patterns, which may cause secondary issues. While fear of falling doesn’t necessarily predict future falls, it can lead to activity avoidance, resulting in muscle deconditioning, reduced balance, and a higher risk of future incidents. Among older adults, falls can accelerate functional decline and increase dependence.
Q: HOW DO FALLS AFFECT DIFFERENT PARTS OF THE MSK SYSTEM? JD: The nature of the fall determines the type of injury. Forward or twisting falls often affect the lower limbs, leading to ankle sprains, knee strains, or hip contusions. Upper limb injuries, particularly to the wrist, elbow, or shoulder, are common when people instinctively reach out to break their fall. The spine may also be impacted, especially in older adults, with vertebral compression fractures being a particular concern. Fragility fractures
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due to conditions like osteoporosis are common in the spine, hip, and wrist (NICE, 2012).
Q: HOW DOES AGE AFFECT THE SEVERITY AND RECOVERY OF MSK INJURIES FROM FALLS? JD: Older adults experience higher risk due to decreased bone density, 50% of women and 20% of men over 50 will suffer an osteoporosis-related fracture (Coughlan and Dockery, 2014). While this risk can be managed through lifestyle and medication (Smit, Meijer and Winter, 2024), age-related conditions like sarcopenia (Larsson et al., 2019) and chronic pain (Cai et al., 2019) slow recovery. Coexisting issues such as arthritis or diabetes further complicate rehabilitation (Ding et al., 2021; Mieczkowski et al., 2022; Foulke et al., 2016).
Q: HOW CAN REHABILITATION SUPPORT RECOVERY FROM MSK INJURIES? JD: Evidence strongly supports exercise for fall prevention and recovery (Guirguis-Blake et al., 2024). Rehabilitation should be individualised to restore strength, flexibility, balance, and confidence. Early mobilisation reduces the risk of long-term complications, while education helps address gait and environmental risks. Seeing a chiropractor or other healthcare professionals, such as physiotherapists and occupational therapists, can play a crucial role in recovery by providing targeted interventions to improve musculoskeletal health, alignment, and mobility. Psychological recovery is also key, rebuilding confidence is vital to restoring independence. Multidisciplinary approaches, including physiotherapists and occupational therapists, yield the best results (British Geriatrics Society, 2024).
https://chiropractic-uk.co.uk
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