Stay Steady: Why a Balance Assessment Could Be the Key to Staying Independent
If you’ve ever felt unsteady, dizzy, or nervous about tripping or falling, you’re not alone. Many people—especially older adults—experience changes in balance as they age, but those shifts don’t have to lead to a loss of confidence or independence. A balance assessment or evaluation can help uncover underlying issues and create a targeted plan to keep you safe, agile, and active.
Carolyn Tassini, PT, DPT, CBIST, and Board Certified in Neurologic Rehabilitation, shared her insights into balance assessments and why they’re essential for maintaining health and quality of life.
Warning Signs You May Need a Balance Assessment
How do you know if your balance isn’t where it should be? According to Dr. Tassini, common signs include:
- Frequent falls or near-falls.
- Changes in walking speed or difficulty stepping over objects.
- A general feeling of instability or weakness.
- Hesitancy with tasks like standing up, turning, or walking on uneven surfaces.
Ignoring these signs can lead to bigger challenges down the road.
The Importance of Addressing Balance Early
“Falls can lead to complications that negatively impact health,” explains Dr. Tassini. “By addressing balance issues early, individuals can improve their strength and stability, making them more agile and adaptive to their environment.”
Taking proactive steps not only reduces the risk of falls but also ensures greater independence and a better quality of life.
What Causes Balance Problems?
Balance isn’t just about standing still–it’s a complex system involving multiple parts of your body. Common causes of balance issues include:
- Loss of strength and flexibility.
- Fatigue or poor sleep.
- Neurological conditions like nerve injuries or neuropathies.
- Vision changes or vestibular (inner ear) disorders.
- Cognitive function changes and decreased sensation.
Identifying these factors through a professional assessment is key to creating an effective treatment plan.
A balance assessment is a thorough, non-invasive evaluation that examines how you use your senses—vision, vestibular function, and sensation—to maintain stability. Dr. Tassini describes it as a process where therapists also assess:
- Walking speed and quality.
- Strength, range of motion, and flexibility.
- Balance under different conditions (e.g., standing on one foot or with eyes closed).
- How you recover balance if you begin to lose it.
The session also focuses on what you, as the patient, identify as challenges, ensuring personalized care.
“Improving balance helps people feel confident and safe in their movements,” says Dr. Tassini. “This leads to better mobility, decreased fall risk, and fewer complications from injuries, which can significantly enhance overall quality of life.”
Whether it’s walking outdoors, climbing stairs, or simply getting around the house, better balance can make all the difference.
While professional guidance is essential, there are simple changes you can make to your home to enhance safety:
- Clear walking paths by removing clutter and throw rugs.
- Install night lights or motion-sensor lighting in hallways and bedrooms.
- Secure railings and ensure bath mats have a non-slip backing.
These small adjustments can create a safer environment and reduce your fall risk significantly.
“Getting a balance assessment isn’t painful—it’s a straightforward process with no poking or prodding,” says Dr. Tassini. “Changes in balance happen to many of us, and ensuring your balance is as good as it can be is key to a happy, healthy, safe, and independent life.”
Whether you’ve experienced a fall or simply want to stay ahead of potential issues, a balance assessment can provide valuable insights and a personalized plan to help you move confidently through life.
Ready to schedule your balance assessment? Contact us today or call 844-234-8387 to learn more and take the first step toward a safer, steadier you.
Dr. Carolyn Tassini is a board-certified neurologic physical therapist with extensive experience in brain injury rehabilitation. She holds a doctorate in physical therapy and completed a residency at MossRehab, where she later led the brain injury program. Currently at Bancroft NeuroRehab, she utilizes a high-intensity approach, empowers clients, and teaches and presents on TBI and anoxic brain injury. Her specializations include vestibular rehabilitation, TBI, stroke, and Parkinson’s disease.
