Overland ParkBlog
November 10, 2025
How to Talk to Loved Ones About Balance Problems
It’s not easy to bring up something as sensitive as balance. No one wants to tell a parent, spouse, or friend, “You seem unsteady lately.” But here’s the truth: 1 in 3 adults in the U.S. has some form of vestibular dysfunction, and those numbers rise sharply with age. Left unaddressed, even mild dizziness or imbalance can lead to a fall — the number-one cause of injury-related ER visits and hospitalizations in older adults.
At TruMove Physical Therapy in Overland Park, we help people stay independent, confident, and safe by getting to the source of their balance problems before they become something more serious.
How to Recognize the Early Signs
You don’t have to wait for a fall to know something’s wrong. Small clues can reveal when someone’s inner balance system is struggling:
- They hesitate before stepping off a curb or turning quickly.
- They avoid uneven ground or stairs when they didn’t used to.
- They reach for walls or countertops for stability.
- They seem more cautious walking in crowds or at night.
These behaviors are common responses to vestibular hypofunction, a condition that affects roughly 35% of adults and often causes dizziness, imbalance, or a sense of disorientation.
Why It’s Worth Talking About
It’s not about taking away independence, it’s about protecting it. A gentle conversation now can prevent months of frustration or injury later. Here’s how to make it easier:
- Start with care, not criticism.
“I’ve noticed you seem a little unsteady lately, have you felt that too?” - Normalize it.
“A lot of people experience this as they get older, and PT can actually help.” - Focus on goals.
“I just want you to feel confident getting around, especially this winter.”
Research backs this up:
- Vestibular physical therapy provides a “clear and substantial benefit” for dizziness and imbalance.
- In one large study, patients who received PT within three months of reporting dizziness saw an 86% lower risk of falling over the next year (JAMA Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg, 2023).
How Physical Therapy Helps
At TruMove, we specialize in vestibular and balance rehabilitation, a personalized program that helps retrain the body’s balance system through targeted exercises and, when needed, canalith repositioning (which is effective after a single session up to 89% of the time).
Our focus is to find the root cause, whether it’s the inner ear, posture, strength, or coordination, and build a plan that restores confidence and stability.
Take the First Step (Literally)
If someone you care about shows signs of imbalance or dizziness, don’t wait for a fall to start the conversation. Encourage them to schedule a Balance & Mobility Evaluation at TruMove Physical Therapy.
We’ll identify the source, explain what’s happening, and help them move safely and confidently again, so they can keep doing what they love, without fear of falling.
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