The Fall Doc

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...

The weeks leading up to knee replacement surgery may be the most important part of your recovery — but many patients overlook them. In this episode of The Fall Doc Podcast , hosts Dennis Fraise and Dr. John Thompson discuss the crucial eight weeks before knee replacement surgery and why preparation can dramatically improve recovery outcomes. Too often, patients "coast into surgery" without prepari...

Summary In this episode of The Fall Doc, hosts Dennis Fraise and Dr. John Thompson discuss the realities of gym memberships and the importance of finding a sustainable workout routine. They explore why many people fail to stick with gym workouts, the psychological barriers to exercise, and the benefits of simple, consistent movements at home. The conversation emphasizes that success in fitness is...

Summary In this episode of The Fall Doc, Dennis Fraise and Dr. John Thompson discuss the often unspoken realities of knee replacement surgery. They explore the gap between patient expectations and the actual post-operative experience, emphasizing the importance of understanding pain, swelling, and recovery challenges. The conversation covers practical advice for managing recovery, including home p...

Episode Summary Maintaining independence is one of the most important goals as we age. But many older adults begin losing strength, balance, and mobility gradually — often without realizing the early warning signs. In this episode of Fall Doc , hosts Dennis Fraise and Dr. John Thompson explore the subtle red flags that may signal declining independence and increased fall risk . From difficulty get...

Choosing the Right Surgeon for Your Knee or Hip Replacement If you or a loved one are considering knee or hip replacement surgery , one of the most important decisions you will make is choosing the right surgeon . In this episode of the Fall Doc Podcast , hosts Dennis Fraise and Dr. John Thompson walk through the key factors patients and caregivers should consider when selecting an orthopedic surg...

For many older adults, a single fall begins a difficult journey of surgery, rehabilitation, and loss of independence. But the good news is that many hip fractures are preventable with the right strategies. In this episode of The Fall Doc , Dennis Fraise sits down with Dr. John Thompson to talk about why hip fractures are so devastating for older adults—and what you can do today to lower your risk....

Falls are one of the leading causes of injury for older adults—but preventing them isn't just about adding grab bars and removing rugs. In this episode of The Fall Doc , Dennis Fraise sits down with Dr. John Thompson to talk about how to fall-proof your home while still maintaining strength, mobility, and independence . They discuss practical environmental fixes—like better lighting, reducing clut...

In this episode of the Fall Doc podcast, Dennis Fraise and Dr. John Thompson tackle a topic that worries many active adults — knee replacement surgery . If you've been told you're "bone on bone"… if joint pain has slowed you down… or if you're wondering whether physical therapy and exercise can truly help — this episode is for you. Dennis and Dr. Thompson break down the five biggest health mistake...

Many seniors believe that walking is the gold standard for staying healthy. And while walking is excellent for heart health and staying active — it's not enough on its own to prevent falls or maintain independence. In this episode of the Fall Doc podcast, Dennis Fraise and Dr. John Thompson explain why  strength training and reactive balance are essential parts of healthy aging. They break down th...

Do you really need a knee replacement — or is there another path? In this powerful episode of the Fall Doc Podcast, Dennis Fraise and Dr. John Thompson unpack one of the most common (and misunderstood) questions older adults face: When is knee replacement actually necessary? If you've been told you have "bone on bone" arthritis, this conversation may change how you think about surgery. Dr. Thompso...

In this episode of The Fall Doc Podcast, Dennis Fraise and Dr. John Thompson tackle one of the most important topics in healthy aging: building leg strength to prevent falls and maintain independence. Every year, 14 million older adults fall — and many of those falls lead to loss of mobility and confidence. But here's the good news: the exercises that build strength and balance don't require a gym...

Show Notes In this episode of The Fall Doc Podcast , hosts Dennis Fraise and Dr. John Thompson tackle one of the most important—and misunderstood—topics in healthy aging: fall risk . Are falls really just "bad luck"? Or are they often predictable and preventable? Dennis and Dr. Thompson explore why so many people underestimate their risk of falling and how common misconceptions can keep older adul...