Many people believe losing balance is simply part of getting older, but research and modern physical therapy show that you can improve balance, reduce fall risk, and stay independent. Simple screening tests like single-leg stance, chair stands, and eyes-closed balance can reveal your risk. At Penrose Physical Therapy, we combine hands-on care with advanced technologies – including CE-marked Stimpod pulsed radiofrequency for peripheral neuropathy and upright virtual reality balance assessment – to pinpoint what is limiting your balance and build a personalized plan to help you move confidently and safely.
Losing your balance is not just “getting old.” You can train balance, improve strength, reduce fall risk, and stay independent. Simple home screens can reveal higher risk, and advanced physical therapy testing can show exactly what is limiting you. At Penrose Physical Therapy, we use 1-on-1 care, CE-marked Stimpod pulsed radiofrequency for peripheral neuropathy, and upright virtual reality balance technology to create targeted, science-based plans that help you move confidently.
The myth: “Of course my balance is worse – I am just getting old”
Imagine this: you are in your 60s or 70s, you turn too quickly in the kitchen, the room feels like it shifts, and you have to grab the counter.
Many people shrug and say, “That is just aging.”
The truth is different.
Age does change our bodies, but poor balance and frequent stumbles are not something you simply have to accept.
Balance is like strength or flexibility – it can be measured, trained, and improved, even later in life.
Why balance changes as we age
Good balance depends on three main systems working together:
- Your eyes (vision)
- Your inner ear (vestibular system)
- Your body sensors (proprioception and nerve signals from your feet and legs)
As we get older, we may lose muscle strength, move less, take more medications, or develop conditions like arthritis or peripheral neuropathy.
Each of these can quietly chip away at stability.
The good news: when we identify which system is struggling, we can build a focused plan to help it.
Simple self-checks: are you at higher risk for falls?
These quick checks are not a diagnosis, but they can give you clues about your fall risk.
If any of these are difficult, it is worth getting a professional balance and fall risk screening.
- Single-leg balance for 10 seconds
- Stand near a counter for safety.
- Lift one foot and try to balance for 10 seconds without holding on.
- Repeat on the other leg.
If you cannot hold for 10 seconds on either leg without wobbling or touching down, research suggests your fall risk may be higher than average for your age group.
- 10 sit-to-stands in 30 seconds from a chair
- Use a standard-height chair without armrests.
- Cross your arms over your chest.
- Stand up fully, then sit all the way down, as many times as you can in 30 seconds.
If you cannot complete 10 repetitions without using your arms, that may point to reduced leg strength and slower mobility, both linked with higher fall risk.
- Eyes-closed balance for 10 seconds
- Stand on both feet, close together, near a counter.
- Close your eyes and try to stand steady for 10 seconds.
If you sway, feel unsteady, or have to open your eyes or grab support, your body may be relying heavily on vision and struggling when it is removed.
If any of these tests make you feel unsafe, stop immediately. That alone is a sign that your balance deserves a closer look from a licensed physical therapist.
Peripheral neuropathy: when your feet stop “talking” to your brain
Peripheral neuropathy affects the nerves that carry information from your feet and legs to your brain.
People often describe it as numbness, tingling, burning, or a “thick sock” feeling in the feet.
When those nerves are dulled, your brain gets fuzzy or delayed messages about where your body is in space.
That makes it harder to sense uneven ground, react to a trip, or catch yourself if you start to fall.
Peripheral neuropathy is a major, and often overlooked, contributor to falls in older adults.
How we approach neuropathy differently
At Penrose Physical Therapy, we combine traditional strength and balance training with advanced technology when neuropathy is part of the picture.
One option we use is Stimpod, a CE-marked pulsed radiofrequency medical device designed to stimulate and modulate nerve function.
By targeting affected nerves in a non-invasive way, Stimpod can support programs aimed at improving sensation and comfort so people can participate more fully in balance and gait training.
We may also integrate modern regenerative tools like Shockwave therapy (CE-marked) or EMTT (Extracorporeal Magnetotransduction Therapy, CE-marked) when pain or tendon problems are limiting your ability to stand, walk, or exercise.
These technologies are never used in isolation – they are part of a broader, individualized plan built around your goals.
Upright virtual reality: seeing exactly where your balance breaks down
Many people tell us, “I did physical therapy before, but I still do not trust my balance in real life.”
That is where our upright virtual reality (VR) balance system becomes a powerful tool.
Unlike simple in-clinic tests, upright VR lets us safely simulate real-world challenges while we track how your body responds.
We can assess how you react to:
- Busy environments, like a grocery store aisle
- Moving visual scenes, which can trigger dizziness or unsteadiness
- Sudden shifts in surface or direction
The system gives us objective data on:
- How much you sway
- How quickly you react
- Which sensory system (vision, inner ear, foot sensation) you rely on most
From there, we can target the exact areas that are holding you back instead of guessing.
Why strength and individualized care matter
Balance is not only about your inner ear or your nerves.
Leg and core strength are critical, especially when you need to catch yourself during a slip.
That is why your plan at Penrose often includes:
- Progressive leg and hip strengthening
- Step training and quick reaction drills
- Walking and turning practice under safe supervision
And unlike many clinics, we never overlap your appointment with another patient.
You get your entire visit with a licensed PT or licensed PTA who is focused only on you.
That one-on-one attention means we can safely challenge your balance, watch closely for subtle changes, and adjust your program in real time.
You do not have to “wait for a fall” to get help
The best time to address balance is before you fall.
If you:
- Feel less steady in dim lighting
- Avoid curbs, grass, or stairs
- Have peripheral neuropathy symptoms in your feet
- Scored poorly on the self-checks above
it is completely reasonable to seek a professional fall risk screening.
At Penrose Physical Therapy, we combine:
- Evidence-based tests like single-leg stance and sit-to-stand
- Advanced tools such as CE-marked Stimpod and upright VR assessment
- Individualized strength, balance, and gait training
so you can better understand your risk and work proactively to protect your independence. Call us at (360) 456-1444 to schedule your fall risk physical therapy evaluation to determine the next steps towards preventing falls and regaining your balance. You can also email us at info@penrosept.com or go to our website www.penrospt.com.
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