3 Types of Balance Disorders Explained

3 Types of Balance Disorders

Feeling dizzy, unsteady, or off-balance? You’re not alone. Balance problems are common, especially as we age — and they often come from different causes. At Health Plus Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation Center, balance training is a key part of recovery and fall prevention.

Here are the three main types of balance disorders you should know about:

1. Vestibular (Inner Ear) Disorders

These occur when the inner ear — the body’s main balance center — isn’t working properly. Conditions like BPPV or Ménière’s disease cause spinning sensations, dizziness, and loss of stability.
Treatment: Vestibular rehabilitation therapy (VRT) helps retrain the brain through gaze and movement exercises.

2. Neurological or Sensory Disorders

When the brain, nerves, or muscles can’t coordinate properly, balance becomes harder. This can happen after a stroke, with Parkinson’s disease, or from nerve damage in the feet and legs.
Treatment: Physical therapy builds strength, improves coordination, and restores sensory awareness.

3. Orthostatic or Circulatory Disorders

These cause dizziness or lightheadedness when standing up quickly — often due to low blood pressure, dehydration, or medications.
Treatment: Medical review, hydration, slow posture changes, and targeted balance training help reduce symptoms.

Regain Your Stability

Don’t ignore frequent dizziness or unsteadiness — early assessment can prevent falls and improve your confidence.
At Health Plus PT, our therapists design personalized balance programs to help you move safely and live confidently.

Summary:

The Balance Awareness Challenge is a simple and eye-opening way to understand how your body maintains stability. Try standing on one foot for 10 seconds, turning your head side to side, or walking heel-to-toe in a straight line. Pay attention to how steady you feel — do you get dizzy, sway, or lose balance when you move your head or close your eyes? These small self-checks can reveal how your inner ear, muscles, and circulation work together to keep you upright. By noticing these subtle changes, you become more aware of your body’s balance system and can take early steps to prevent falls, improve coordination, and move with greater confidence every day.

Schedule Your Appointment with Health Plus Physical Therapy

At Health Plus Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation Center, we understand that balance is the foundation of safe, confident movement. Whether your dizziness stems from the inner ear, nerve changes, or circulation issues, our team designs personalized programs to restore stability and reduce fall risk. Through focused vestibular therapy, strength and coordination exercises, and gait training, we help retrain your body to respond better to everyday movements. Our goal is to help you move freely, improve control, and regain the confidence to enjoy an active, balanced life — one steady step at a time.

Contact us today to get started and book your appointment!

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