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Regain Your Balance: How Physiotherapy Can Help Older Adults with Dizziness

Are you or a loved one feeling dizzy, unsteady, or off-balance? These sensations are common in older adults, but they are not something you just have to live with. At Physica Knoxfield, we provide targeted physiotherapy for dizziness and balance conditions, helping residents in Knoxfield, Boronia, Ferntree Gully, and Rowville regain stability and confidence in their daily lives.

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Dizziness in Older Adults: A Treatable Concern

Dizziness and imbalance affect one in three older adults. Among those over 85, more than half report frequent unsteadiness. These issues are often linked to vestibular conditions—problems in the inner ear that disrupt your body’s balance system.

At Physica Knoxfield, our Vestibular and Balance Rehabilitation Service is designed to diagnose and treat these conditions using evidence-based, personalised physiotherapy.

Common Vestibular Conditions Treated by Our Knoxfield Physiotherapists

We regularly help clients from Boronia, Rowville, and Ferntree Gully with the following balance disorders:

Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV)
Caused by tiny crystals in the inner ear moving out of place, BPPV leads to sudden dizziness with head movements. It’s especially common in older adults and responds well to specific physiotherapist-guided repositioning manoeuvres.

Presbyvestibulopathy (PVP)
An age-related balance condition, PVP causes feelings of unsteadiness, particularly in dark environments or on uneven surfaces.

Bilateral Vestibulopathy
This condition reduces function in both inner ears, making walking challenging in low-light situations and often causing blurred or unstable vision.

Vestibular Neuritis
Triggered by inflammation of the vestibular nerve, this condition causes sudden, intense vertigo followed by long-lasting imbalance. Physiotherapy helps speed up recovery, especially in older adults.

 

Why Balance Declines With Age

Residents of Ferntree Gully, Knoxfield, Boronia, and Rowville often ask why dizziness becomes more common over time. Several body systems work together to maintain balance, and all are affected by ageing:

  • The vestibular system loses nerve sensitivity

  • Vision changes, reducing peripheral awareness and adaptability to lighting

  • Muscles weaken, especially without regular strength training

  • Proprioception (our sense of joint position) becomes less accurate

  • Brain coordination may slow, affecting multitasking and stability

These factors can lead to increased falls, unsteadiness, and anxiety about movement.

When Should You See a Local Physiotherapist?

If you're living in Knoxfield, Boronia, Rowville, or Ferntree Gully and experiencing any of the following, we recommend booking an assessment:

  • Dizziness lasting more than three months

  • A history of falls or unexplained wobbliness

  • Blurry or bouncing vision when you move

  • Difficulty recovering from vertigo

  • A constant sensation of being off-balance

Early intervention can prevent further complications and restore your independence.

What Our Vestibular Rehab Program Offers

Our team at Physica Knoxfield provides expert care for residents throughout Melbourne’s eastern suburbs. Our services include:

  • Thorough assessments of vestibular and balance function to uncover the root cause of your symptoms

  • Individually tailored vestibular rehabilitation exercises to retrain your balance system

  • Small-group balance and falls-prevention classes to build strength and coordination

  • Education and home safety strategies to reduce fall risk and support independence

We regularly support older adults from Boronia, Rowville, and Ferntree Gully who are looking for ways to stay active and steady on their feet.

Start Your Journey Toward Confidence and Stability

Dizziness and balance issues can severely impact your lifestyle, but they are not something you have to accept. With the right treatment, many people return to walking, exercising, and socialising without fear.

If you’re based in Knoxfield, Boronia, Ferntree Gully, or Rowville, reach out to us today. We’re here to help you or your loved ones feel steady, safe, and supported.

Contact Joshua Jekot – APA Musculoskeletal Physiotherapist
Physica Knoxfield
josh.j@physica.com.au