Therapy Resources » Loss of Balance and Fall Risk Rehabilitation

Loss of Balance and Fall Risk Rehabilitation

Balance is essential for everyday activities such as standing from a chair, walking, bending, or reaching. The ability to maintain balance depends on several systems working together: accurate sensory input, the brain’s ability to process that information, and coordinated muscle and joint control. The sensory systems involved in balance include touch (feet, ankles, and joints), vision, and the inner ear, which helps regulate motion and spatial awareness. When one or more of these systems is impaired, a person may experience instability, unsteadiness while walking, dizziness, or frequent falls.

Why Balance Problems Occur

Balance disorders can develop due to aging, neurological conditions, injury, weakness, or vestibular dysfunction. When coordination between the sensory systems, brain processing, and muscular response is disrupted, stability may decline and fall risk can increase.

Falls can lead to injuries such as wrist or hip fractures, making early evaluation important.

How Physical Therapy Can Help

A physical therapist can assess balance function, gait mechanics, strength, and movement patterns to determine the underlying contributors to instability. Based on this evaluation, a structured plan of care may be developed in coordination with your physician when appropriate.

Treatment may include gaze stabilization exercises, lower extremity strengthening, gait training, balance retraining, and functional mobility exercises tailored to the individual’s needs. The goal is to improve coordination, increase confidence with movement, and reduce fall risk.

When to Seek Evaluation

If you experience frequent unsteadiness, repeated falls, or persistent balance concerns, a physical therapy evaluation can help determine appropriate next steps and develop a plan focused on safe mobility.

To learn more about neurological and balance-related rehabilitation services, visit our Neurological and Balance Therapy page.

Related Physical Therapy Services

Back and Spine Physical Therapy

Joint and Sports Injury Rehabilitation

Vestibular Therapy and Dizziness Treatment