Falling in Cool Places: Lessons From a Parkinson’s Patient and the Art of the Breakfall

By C², Connie Colleen Wyatt, Occupational Therapist, PNW Home for Life PLLC

Today, during a therapy session with one of my incredible patients who lives with Parkinson’s, we were deep in conversation about falling—how to prevent it, and just as importantly, how to fall better.

As I documented her most recent tumble, I couldn’t help but notice something remarkable: her falls always happen in really cool places. I teased,

“I don’t want you falling—ever—but if you are going to fall, at least it’s always in amazing places!”

She laughed and quickly replied,

“Make sure you write that down!”

And she’s right. She’s not falling while walking to the bathroom or getting out of bed.
She’s falling in her garden, gathering chicken eggs in the barn, or shopping at the store.
She’s falling while living her life.

That, right there, is the beautiful—and complicated—truth of Parkinson’s (and aging in general). There’s a constant tension between staying safe and staying engaged. You can minimize your risk by staying home, but you also risk losing joy, strength, and purpose. Movement is life—and sometimes life means taking a few calculated risks.

Enter the Breakfall: A Smart Way to Fall

In jiu-jitsu, practitioners learn a movement called a breakfall (also known as ukemi in Japanese martial arts). The breakfall is a controlled way to land when you lose your balance. Its goal? Absorb impact, protect vulnerable joints, and prevent head injuries.

Here’s what a basic breakfall looks like:

1. Tuck the chin – Protect the back of the head by bringing the chin toward the chest.
2. Round the back – Think of making a “C” shape with your spine to distribute impact.
3. Slap the arms and hands – Extend your arms out at an angle and slap the ground to spread the force across a larger area (never reach straight back).
4. Engage the core – A tight core stabilizes and protects the spine.
5. Roll if possible – When practiced, a gentle sideways or backward roll can further reduce impact.

The result is a softer, safer landing that keeps your head, wrists, and hips out of harm’s way.

Why This Matters for Parkinson’s and Aging

As we age—or when living with conditions like Parkinson’s—balance reactions naturally slow. Even with great prevention strategies, falls can still happen. Learning a breakfall offers several key benefits:

• Reduces Head Injuries: Tucking the chin and spreading impact lowers the risk of hitting the skull.
• Protects Wrists and Hips: Slapping the ground correctly avoids the instinct to “catch” yourself with fragile wrists.
• Builds Confidence: Knowing how to fall safely can reduce fear, which improves balance and keeps people moving.
• Improves Core Strength: Breakfall practice strengthens the very muscles that help prevent falls in the first place.

How to Start Safely

Before you attempt a breakfall, always check with your healthcare provider or occupational therapist. Here are some gentle ways to explore the concept:

• Practice backward sitting-to-floor transitions on a thick mat with guidance.
• Learn to tuck your chin and round your spine while seated or lying down.
• Gradually add arm “slaps” to absorb impact—starting small and slow.
• Consider a jiu-jitsu or martial arts class that specializes in seniors or therapeutic movement.

(This is never about learning to fight—it’s about learning to land.)

Living Boldly, Falling Smartly

My patient is a perfect example of what it means to live fully despite Parkinson’s.
She still gardens, shops, and collects eggs. Yes, she falls sometimes—but she’s doing it while embracing the life she loves.

Fall prevention is critical, but so is fall preparation.
By blending the wisdom of martial arts with occupational therapy, we can help people stay strong, keep moving, and—when necessary—fall with grace.

Stay safe, stay curious, and keep exploring those “cool places,” one confident step at a time.

By C²
pnwhomeforlife@gmail.com
360-770-1752