Building balance and falls management
After an illness, or when you live with a neurological condition or when you are getting older, it is quite common for people to feel unsteady, anxious about falling, or avoiding activities they once enjoyed because of balance problems or a lingering fear of injury. Maybe you notice stiffness, weakness, or have you started walking slower, avoiding stairs, or using furniture for support? Perhaps you’ve lost confidence after a recent fall, or find yourself dizzy when getting up quickly. If any of this sounds familiar, you are not alone—these are common challenges as we age or when managing health issues that affect strength, coordination, or balance.
Our body’s balance can change for many reasons. One key factor is the impact of aging or illness on the musculoskeletal system. As we get older, we may lose muscle mass, experience joint stiffness, and develop changes in our bones and posture — all of which can affect stability.
The brain and nervous system also play a major role. With age, our reflexes and processing speed slow down. Vision, the vestibular system (inner ear), and proprioception (our sense of body position) all undergo changes too. The brain constantly integrates signals from these systems — the eyes, inner ear, and body — to keep us upright. When these signals become slower or less accurate, it becomes harder for the brain to coordinate them effectively, which can result in slower balance responses.
Balance problems can also occur at any age if there is a neurological condition involved. In addition, some medications — such as those for blood pressure, Parkinson’s disease, sleep, or mood — can cause dizziness or light-headedness as a side effect, further affecting balance.
At Stratford Health Hub, we take a comprehensive approach to tackling balance issues—looking at every factor that can influence your stability, from muscle strength, joint and nerve health to vision, inner ear function, medication, and underlying neurological conditions. We know that balance training and strength training, tailored to your needs, can re-train your body’s control systems, strengthen muscles, and literally rewire the brain for better balance through neuroplasticity.
At Stratford Health Hub we have a team ready to help you with this
- Our physiotherapist Joyce will start with a very thorough assessment to identify which aspects of your balance are affected and identify the reasons behind them. This involves testing your muscles for any weakness or postural imbalances and checking the mobility of your joints — including those in your neck and larger joints throughout the body. We also evaluate how well your proprioceptive system (your body’s ability to sense position and movement) is functioning and how you respond to sudden disturbances or if any balance issues are related to your inner ear system.
Joyce will also look at how your balance performs while walking in different conditions. If needed, she may assess your blood sugar levels, blood pressure, and pulse rate, particularly to detect any drops or changes that occur when standing up. Finally, Joyce may review the safety and suitability of any assistive devices you use, such as a walking stick or walker, to ensure they are supporting your balance effectively. Based on this assessment, a plan will be made for you. - Joel, our exercise physiologist will develop a progressive training program following this plan, that strengthens key muscle groups, improves reaction times, and enhances your ability to manage real-world balance challenges. With a focus on safety and gradual improvement, Joel will help you build the physical foundation needed to confidently engage in activities that matter most, whether it’s gardening, playing with (grand)children, or simply walking with confidence.
- Some people may need to see Jen, our dietician. She will make sure that your nutrition is aiding your recovery and well-being, aimed at support for stronger bones, improved muscle function, and optimal hydration. If medications or specific conditions are impacting your nutritional status or balance, you get practical guidance to manage these factors, too.
Together, our team will create a personalized program designed to improve your balance. This program will include activities you can do at home, as well as one-on-one sessions with your therapist and group classes in our gym. To make real progress, it’s important to safely challenge your balance — something that’s often difficult to achieve at home alone. If your
We’d love to see you on the very first indications of balance issues for the biggest future effect; however, it is never too late to start balance training.