The Fall Doc

Can you recover from knee replacement surgery while living alone—and what should you prepare before surgery day arrives? In this episode of The Fall Doc, hosts Dennis Fraise and Dr. John Thompson explore what it takes to recover from knee replacement surgery when you live by yourself. While recovery can be challenging for anyone, solo patients often face additional concerns around safety, mobility...

Is biking really the best exercise after knee replacement—or is it just one piece of the recovery process? In this episode of The Fall Doc, hosts Dennis Fraise and Dr. John Thompson explore the role of biking after knee replacement surgery. While many people see cycling as a go-to recovery exercise, Dr. Thompson explains that biking can be helpful, but it is not a complete solution on its own. The...

How can you support your spouse after knee replacement without doing too much or holding back their recovery? In this episode of The Fall Doc, hosts Dennis Fraise and Dr. John Thompson explore what spouses and caregivers need to know after a loved one has knee replacement surgery. The conversation focuses on the caregiver's role during recovery, especially during the first week when pain, swelling...

What if the reason you're still limping after knee replacement isn't because you're not trying hard enough—but because your body is still recovering? In this episode of The Fall Doc , hosts Dennis Fraise and Dr. John Thompson explore why many patients continue to limp after knee replacement surgery. While limping can feel frustrating or discouraging, Dr. Thompson explains that it is often a normal...

What allows some people to stay strong, independent, and active well into their 90s? It's not luck—it's a set of consistent habits and health foundations built over time. In this episode of The Fall Doc , hosts Dennis Fraise and Dr. John Thompson explore the four key traits they've observed in highly independent older adults. Drawing from Dr. Thompson's experience as a home care physical therapist...

Consistency doesn't come from motivation—it comes from systems you can stick to every single day. In this episode of The Fall Doc,  hosts Dennis Fraise and Dr. John Thompson explore the story behind a 1600-day walking streak and the deeper lessons it reveals about building long-term health habits that actually last. Dr. Thompson breaks down how small, repeatable actions—like daily walking—can crea...

Technology is often blamed for making people more sedentary—but when used intentionally, it can also become a powerful tool for healthier aging. In this episode of The Fall Doc , hosts Dennis Fraise and Dr. John Thompson explore how technology is shaping activity levels, nutrition awareness, and safety for older adults. Rather than avoiding tech, the conversation focuses on how to use it wisely to...

This episode takes a more personal turn, offering a behind-the-scenes look at Dennis's journey through life, career changes, health challenges, and the habits that shape his approach to aging and well-being. In this episode of The Fall Doc , host Dennis Fraise shares his story—from growing up in Iowa to transitioning from photography into economic development, and eventually building a career in p...

Sit-to-stand may look simple—but for older adults, it's one of the most important movements for maintaining strength, independence, and fall prevention. In this episode of The Fall Doc, hosts Dennis Fraise and Dr. John Thompson break down the sit-to-stand exercise in detail, explaining why it's considered a foundational movement for aging well and staying mobile. Dr. Thompson discusses proper tech...

Chair exercises are often seen as a safe starting point for strength training after 50—but they can also create a false sense of progress if relied on too heavily. In this episode of The Fall Doc, hosts Dennis Fraise and Dr. John Thompson break down the myth that seated exercises alone are enough to build real-world strength and maintain independence as we age. Dr. Thompson explains why true funct...

Falls in real life rarely happen in slow motion—and that's exactly why static balance training alone isn't enough to prevent them. In this episode of The Fall Doc, hosts Dennis Fraise and Dr. John Thompson focus on reactive balance training and why it plays a critical role in reducing fall risk as we age. The conversation challenges common misconceptions about balance exercises and explains why be...

Falls are often treated as random accidents—but many are predictable, preventable, and closely tied to strength and reactive movement. In this episode of The Fall Doc, hosts Dennis Fraise and Dr. John Thompson  break down the myths and realities of fall prevention, with a focus on reactive balance and strength training for older adults. Dr. Thompson explains why traditional balance exercises like...

Modern convenience has made life easier—but it has also quietly reduced how much we move, leading to long-term effects on strength, mobility, and overall health. In this episode of The Fall Doc, hosts Dennis Fraise and Dr. John Thompson explore how technology and modern lifestyle habits are contributing to increased sedentary behavior, rising stress levels, and declining physical function over tim...

Exploring the outdoors can reveal more than beautiful views—it can teach us about preparation, safety, community, and how different places adapt to their environment. In this episode of The Fall Doc, hosts Dennis Fraise and Dr. John Thompson take listeners through a wide-ranging conversation about hiking, travel, and the unique landscapes across the United States. From climbing state high points t...

Sleep is one of the most overlooked—and most frustrating—parts of recovering from knee surgery. In this episode of The Fall Doc, hosts Dennis Fraise and Dr. John Thompson explore why so many patients struggle with sleep after knee surgery and what can actually be done to improve it during recovery. The conversation breaks down how pain, anxiety, and sudden changes in routine all contribute to disr...

Not every knee replacement recovery goes smoothly—and when strength and rehabilitation are neglected, the long-term consequences can be significant. In this episode of The Fall Doc, hosts Dennis Fraise and Dr. John Thompson discuss the hidden challenges that can follow knee replacement surgery, especially when patients struggle to rebuild strength and mobility after the procedure. Dr. Thompson exp...

A successful knee replacement recovery starts long before surgery—and continues well after physical therapy ends. In this episode of The Fall Doc, hosts Dennis Fraise and Dr. John Thompson break down the key factors that separate strong recovery outcomes from frustrating setbacks after knee replacement surgery. Dr. Thompson explains why surgery alone doesn't "fix" the entire body and why strength,...

The weeks before knee replacement surgery can have a major impact on how well—and how quickly—you recover afterward. In this episode of The Fall Doc, hosts Dennis Fraise and Dr. John Thompson discuss the critical eight-week window leading up to surgery and why preparation matters far more than many patients realize. From building strength and staying active to preparing your home and managing stre...

For many patients recovering from a total knee replacement, stairs become more than just a physical obstacle—they become a mental one too. In this episode of The Fall Doc, hosts Dennis Fraise and Dr. John Thompson break down the realities of returning to stair climbing after knee replacement surgery, including the fears, frustrations, and common mistakes that can slow recovery. Dr. Thomson explain...

Just two minutes of movement a day could be the difference between maintaining independence—or losing it. In this episode of The Fall Doc, hosts Dennis Fraise and Dr. John Thompson explore how small, consistent daily exercises can dramatically improve strength, balance, and long-term mobility as we age. Dr. Thomson breaks down why inactivity creates a "slippery slope" toward weakness and dependenc...

What should you do after a fall—and why do so many people panic in the moment? In this episode of The Fall Doc , hosts Dennis Fraise and Dr. John Thompson tackle one of the most common—and most dangerous—situations older adults face: falling. From the immediate shock and fear after hitting the ground to the critical decisions that follow, Dennis and John break down what every older adult and careg...

The first 14 days after knee replacement surgery can make or break your recovery. In this episode of Fall Doc , hosts Dennis Fraise and Dr. John Thompson break down exactly what patients—and their families—need to know to navigate this critical window with confidence. Dr. Thompson shares practical, experience-driven advice on managing swelling and pain, choosing the safest mobility aids, and start...

How do you go from being a college athlete to becoming a leading voice in fall prevention? In this episode, Dennis Fraise sits down with Dr. John Thompson —better known as The Fall Doc —to explore his journey into physical therapy and his mission to help older adults stay strong, independent, and injury-free. From early athletic experiences and injuries to working in home care and building a large...

What does aging really look like—and have we been getting it wrong? In this powerful episode, hosts Dennis Fraise and Dr. John Thompson unpack the extraordinary story of Tom Green , a 60-year-old college football player who overcame stage 4 cancer and returned to elite-level strength and competition. But this isn't just a story about football—it's a wake-up call. Together, Dennis and John challeng...

Falls are one of the most common and dangerous events older adults face — but knowing how to respond can make all the difference. In this episode of The Fall Doc Podcast , hosts Dennis Fraise and Dr. John Thompson walk listeners through the reality of a fall and what to do immediately afterward . Many older adults panic when they fall. Adrenaline spikes, confusion sets in, and people often try to...