Why Wattage Physical Therapy is the Place for Balance Work and Why It Matters More Than You Think
By: Kelsie Mazur, DPT
Let’s talk about balance. Not the kind you see olympic gymnasts accomplish on the 4 inch balance beam (though, that’s cool too). I’m talking about the kind of balance that helps you stay upright when you walk down the sidewalk, in a busy environment (concert/grocery store), step off a curb, or turn around quickly without getting dizzy.
At Wattage Physical Therapy, I’m serious about helping people stay steady on their feet. Why? Because balance is one of the first things to slip as we get older, and most people don’t even realize it until they’ve already had a scare or a fall.
Here’s the deal: balance isn’t just about being careful. It’s controlled by a team effort in your brain and body. Think of it like a three-legged stool. If one leg gets weak, the whole thing gets wobbly. Let’s break down the 3 balance systems together.
1. Visual System (Your Eyes)
Your eyes send your brain constant updates about where you are in space. Looking around tells your body how to stay upright. If your vision changes or your brain doesn’t process those signals as well, your balance can take a hit.
2. Vestibular System (Your Inner Ears)
This is your internal gyroscope. Deep inside your ears are little canals filled with fluid that move when you move. They tell your brain when you’re spinning, turning, or moving up or down. When the vestibular system isn’t working well, you may feel dizzy, off balance, or even nauseous.
3. Somatosensory System (Your Body’s “Feel” Sensors)
This includes your feet, legs, joints, and skin. These sensors tell your brain what’s touching the ground and where your limbs are in space. Ever tried to walk across a dark room and felt unsteady? That’s your somatosensory system saying, “I can’t feel the floor, I need help!”
Now here’s the important part. As we age, all three of these systems get a little rusty. Not broken, but like muscles we don’t use, they can get weak. The good news? Just like muscles, we can train them. That’s where my background comes in. Before working at Wattage, I spent my first two years as a neuro-focused physical therapist, helping people with strokes, spinal cord injury, brain injuries, and other neurological issues. That experience taught me how to dig into the root causes of balance problems and build personalized, practical programs that actually help people feel steady again.
So when should you see a Doctor of Physical Therapy for balance?
If you’re wondering whether it’s “bad enough” to need help, here are some signs it’s time to get checked out:
You’ve had a fall, or even a near-fall
You feel unsteady when walking or turning quickly
You avoid certain activities because you’re afraid of losing your balance
You’ve noticed dizziness when getting out of bed or looking up
You’ve stopped walking outside or exercising because you don’t feel confident
You’ve been told your gait looks different, or you feel like you’re shuffling your feet
You have a medical condition (like neuropathy, Parkinson’s, stroke, or vertigo) that affects movement or balance
You just feel “off” and don’t trust your body the way you used to
These are all things I work with every day, and the earlier you address them, the better your chances of preventing bigger problems down the road. So whether you’re recovering from a fall, feeling more wobbly lately, or just want to be proactive, Wattage Physical Therapy is the place to be for balance. I don’t just throw exercises at you. I assess how each balance system is working and target what needs the most attention.
Because balance isn’t just about staying on your feet. It’s about staying independent, confident, and in control.
Feeling like your balance is off? Let’s chat. Book an assessment and let’s get you back to feeling good in your body. No referrals, no waiting, just answers. Did you know that we offer free 1-on-1 injury screens? Wattage Physical Therapy will take an in depth look at your ergonomics, posture, muscle tone, muscle weaknesses, and movement patterns to create a plan for YOU. If this article intrigues you, you can directly email me, Kelsie at Kelsie@wattagept.com. I would be happy to help you start the process of living a life free from pain.