There are numerous conditions which can impact our ability to balance, both orthopedic and neurological. There are 3 main components that directly affect our ability to balance. These 3 areas are our somatosensory, visual, and vestibular systems.

Our somatosensory system is what our feet are feeling; a narrow/wide stance, a firm/soft/uneven surface. Our visual system is what our eyes are seeing; is it dark or light, are our eyes open or closed, is our gaze moving or fixed. Lastly, is our vestibular system which is most dominant when our somatosensory and visual systems are being occupied. Our vestibular system is telling us where our head is in space.

Since there are so many ways to assess static and dynamic balance, we always challenge the individual systems separately to determine which system needs the most improvement for an individual. Then, we meet you where you are at to challenge you in a way that is most beneficial for you.

Sometimes the back, knee, ankle or the hip can be involved in cases of poor balance/history of falls. Since it is a case-by-case basis, we always perform a thorough screen of the surrounding, relevant structures anytime we suspect it may be involved.

Sometimes the fix for improving balance is to strengthen the surrounding musculature to improve or endurance and the ability to resist forces which would typically cause us to lose our balance.

We perform a comprehensive evaluation to determine the root cause of individuals’ balance, as there are many different presentations and we believe that a “one size fits all” approach is not the best.