Blog
August 27, 2025
Balance Problems: A Physical Therapy Guide

The Balance Problem: Why Dizziness and Instability Aren’t Just “Part of Aging”
About 30% of adults 65 and older will experience balance issues or dizziness. And if you’re over 75? That number climbs even higher. Balance disturbance isn’t just “one of those things” — it’s emerging as one of the most common symptoms of aging.
At TruMove, we help older adults regain their confidence, coordination, and stability, because dizziness, or instability, shouldn’t keep you from living the life you love. Whether it’s walking safely across a room, getting in and out of a car, or feeling steady on stairs, our vestibular rehab specialists are here to help.
🧠 Why Balance Problems Happen
As we age, a combination of factors can affect our equilibrium:
- Decreased strength in postural muscles
- Changes in vision and depth perception
- Slower reaction time and reflexes
- Vestibular system degeneration (inner ear and brain coordination)
- Underlying medical conditions or medications
That’s why a tailored program — not a generic plan — is so important. Especially when common balance disorders like BPPV (benign paroxysmal positional vertigo), vestibular neuritis, and Meniere’s disease are in the mix.
📊 What the Research Shows
Falls are the leading cause of injury-related deaths in people over 65. And balance impairment is one of the biggest predictors. Research also tells us:
- Balance disorders affect 1 in 3 people over 65
- Vestibular dysfunction is often underdiagnosed and undertreated
- Early intervention reduces fall risk, improves mobility, and increases quality of life
💪 What Vestibular Rehab Looks Like
Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT) is a specialized form of physical therapy designed to treat dizziness, imbalance, and vertigo symptoms. It’s not “balance drills” — it’s a clinical, personalized treatment plan built around your nervous system and real-world function.
At TruMove, we focus on:
- Strengthening muscles that stabilize you during walking, reaching, and turning
- Re-training your brain and inner ear to process balance signals effectively
- Reducing fall risk through task-specific training and confidence-building
- Home-based tools to reinforce your progress outside the clinic
📣 Real Stories: Meet David, 75, Recovering with Confidence
I am a 75-year-old male, and I underwent surgery for spinal stenosis and fusion of three cervical vertebrae. I went through extensive rehab and a lot of physical therapy. I was fortunate to work with Erin to address my problems with reestablishing balance and stability in my everyday physical activities.
Erin gave me a very thorough initial evaluation. She asked a lot of questions and did a lot of observation before she determined the best course of action. She developed a program that was comprehensive, and at the same time organized in a manner that I could easily complete many of the exercises at home.
As I progressed, I was continuously challenged and the progress I have made has given me more confidence in my walking, climbing stairs, and maintaining a good posture. Not only did she explain the physical aspects of what I was doing, but she also explained physiological causes and the purpose for the exercises.
I must say that I am walking taller having been given treatment from Erin.
🎯 When to Get Help
If you or someone you love:
- Feels unsteady while walking
- Has trouble turning quickly or stepping down curbs
- Gets dizzy with head turns or sudden movements
- Feels anxious about falling, even if it hasn’t happened yet
Then vestibular rehab could be the missing piece — especially when paired with a thorough evaluation from a trained PT.
🧭 Take the First Step
You don’t have to settle for “getting old” as the reason for dizziness or falls. Book a balance and mobility evaluation with TruMove and start moving forward with confidence. We’ll build a treatment plan that meets your needs, at your pace.