Falls and a fear of falling can diminish your ability to lead a full and independent life. Although 1 in every 4 older adults falls each year, falling is not a part of normal aging. You have the power to reduce your risk of falls. A physical therapist can help you do so by: Assessing your risk for falling, and determining factors that may be contributing to your balance difficulties.

Balance deficits can be a result of a range of factors, and can be a result of dysfunction in many different body systems, including the muscles, joints, inner ear (vestibular), eyes, skin (sensation), and positional awareness (proprioception).

Physical therapists offer numerous options for treating balance problems, based on each person’s needs. They are experts in prescribing active movement techniques and physical exercise to improve: strength, mobility, posture, flexibility and proprioceptive exercises. Utilization of specific treatments to address dysfunction of the inner ear, known as BPPV, may also be a part of the therapist’s approach.

Not sure of the reason for your balance issues or what you should do? Contact one of our 3 locations to schedule an evaluation with one of our expert therapists!