DUNKIRK, N.Y. — George Civiletto, 76, has fallen about three times this year. The last one caused him to black out and then spend nine weeks in rehabilitation.

"It did a lot of damage to my leg. And I had hit my head. And they did a lot of testing to make sure everything was OK. It's a bad feeling when you go down, you, there is no way you can get back up so, it's scary," said Civiletto.

He now goes to physical therapy, where he grips the parallel bars and undergoes a series of eye movements as he works to regain stability.

"Very hard, very hard. Some days it's miserable. Some days you get discouraged," he said.

Millions of older adults visit emergency room yearly as falls are the third leading cause of injury-related death.

Long-time physical therapist Tammy Kiszak, from Brooks Memorial Hospital in Dunkirk, says even minor falls can be dangerous and result in a broken hip, wrist or shoulder, which could prevent an older adult from living on their own.

"That would be extremely devastating. They also have a fear of falling then, too, so they become more isolated. They may not want to go out and socialize as often, which then causes more weakness and more deconditioning," said Kiszak.

Kiszak runs an out-patient balance clinic for people like Civiletto, who might be facing dizziness and the inability to steady themselves. She uses a battery of tests and strategies to help patients support themselves as well as strengthen their hips and core, to reduce the risk of future falls.

"And it can be intense for the patient. Improve their strength and their understanding of their surroundings and how they can keep themselves safer in their surroundings," said Kiszak.

Civiletto, who still uses his walker, says he feels like he's regaining strength.

"I've come a long way. Very lucky. It was a tough comeback. A lot of lying in bed. A lot of therapy. But it's helped," he said.

If you or someone you know could benefit from physical therapy rehab, you're advised to contact your doctor or local hospital.