Balance & Fall Prevention

Balance and Fall Prevention Physical Therapy in the Chicagoland Area

Feel More Confident Taking Your Next Step

Feeling unsteady can change how you approach everyday activities—from walking outside to climbing stairs or getting out of a chair. ReLive Physical Therapy provides balance and fall prevention therapy for patients throughout the Chicagoland area.



Our team evaluates your movement, strength, and balance to develop a rehabilitation plan around your needs. Whether you have experienced a fall, noticed changes in your walking, or become concerned about losing your balance, an evaluation can help you understand your next steps.

What Is Balance and Fall Prevention Therapy?What Is Balance and Fall Prevention Therapy?

Balance and fall prevention physical therapy addresses movement difficulties that can affect your stability during daily activities.



Treatment may include individualized balance exercises, strengthening, walking practice, and education about potential fall hazards. Your therapist selects activities based on your abilities, medical history, and goals.


At ReLive Physical Therapy, the focus is practical: helping you work toward moving more confidently at home and in your community.

How Do I Know If I Need Balance Therapy?

You do not have to wait until you fall to discuss your balance with a healthcare professional. An evaluation may be helpful if you:


  • Feel unsteady when standing or walking.
  • Have experienced a fall or repeated near-falls.
  • Reach for furniture or walls to steady yourself.
  • Have difficulty turning, stepping over obstacles, or navigating uneven surfaces.
  • Find it harder to rise from a chair or use stairs.
  • Avoid activities because you are afraid of falling.
  • Notice changes in your balance after an injury, surgery, or period of reduced activity.


Dizziness and changes in balance can have several causes. Your therapist may recommend additional medical evaluation when needed.

What Can Contribute to Balance Problems?

Balance depends on several body systems working together. Muscle weakness, changes in sensation or vision, inner-ear conditions, and certain medical conditions can affect how steady you feel.



Medication effects and changes in blood pressure may also contribute to dizziness or fall risk. Environmental factors, such as poor lighting, loose rugs, and uneven walking surfaces, can create additional challenges.


Understanding the contributing factors helps guide appropriate care. Physical therapy can address movement-related limitations, while other concerns may require attention from your physician, pharmacist, eye care provider, or another clinician.


Do not stop or change medications without speaking with the prescribing provider.

How Physical Therapy Can Help

Improve Balance During Everyday Movement

Your therapist may guide you through activities that challenge balance while standing and moving. Exercises are selected for your current abilities and progressed as appropriate.

Build Strength for Daily Tasks

Strengthening may focus on muscles used for standing, walking, rising from a chair, and other activities. The goal is to address weaknesses that affect your movement.

Address Walking Difficulties

Gait training focuses on how you walk. Depending on your evaluation, treatment may include practice with stepping, turning, changing direction, or navigating everyday obstacles.

Practice Activities That Matter to You

Your goals may include walking to the mailbox, moving around your kitchen, using stairs, or participating in community activities. Rehabilitation can incorporate movements related to those goals.

Identify Ways to Reduce Fall Risk

Your therapist can discuss potential hazards and practical safety considerations, including footwear, lighting, and obstacles around the home. If you use a cane or walker, ask whether its fit and use should be reviewed.

No program can eliminate every fall risk. Treatment aims to address factors that can be improved and help you make informed decisions about daily movement.

Balance Therapy and Vestibular Therapy: What Is the Difference?

Balance therapy addresses difficulties with stability, walking, and movement that may have several contributing causes.

Vestibular therapy focuses on certain conditions involving the inner-ear balance system and related symptoms. Some patients may benefit from both approaches, depending on their evaluation.


If dizziness, vertigo, or symptoms triggered by head movement are part of your concern, tell our team when scheduling. We can help identify the appropriate provider and confirm service availability.

What to Expect at Your First Appointment

Discuss Your Symptoms and Concerns

Your therapist will ask about falls, near-falls, dizziness, medical history, and activities that feel difficult. Share when symptoms began and whether they have changed.

Supporting Confidence and Independence

Concern about falling can make familiar activities feel intimidating. It can also lead people to limit outings or depend more heavily on others.


At ReLive Physical Therapy, your concerns are part of the conversation. Tell your therapist which situations make you feel uncertain and what you would like to work toward.



With your permission, a family member or caregiver can also be included in discussions about your goals, home instructions, and support needs.

Frequently Asked Questions About Balance and Fall Prevention

  • Is balance therapy only for older adults?

    No. Although fall risk increases with age, balance difficulties can affect adults at different stages of life. An evaluation can help determine whether physical therapy is appropriate for your concerns.

  • Should I seek help if I have not fallen?

    Yes. Unsteadiness, near-falls, or avoiding activities because of balance concerns are reasons to discuss an evaluation. You do not need to experience an injury before asking for help.

  • Can physical therapy prevent every fall?

    No. Falls can involve several factors, and no treatment can guarantee that you will never fall. Physical therapy can help address relevant strength, walking, and balance limitations as part of a broader fall prevention plan.

  • Can you help if I use a cane or walker?

    An evaluation can include discussing your mobility aid and how you use it during daily activities. Bring your usual device to your appointment and ask whether adjustments or additional instruction would be helpful.

  • What if I also experience dizziness?

    Tell our team when scheduling. Dizziness has different possible causes and may require medical assessment or a provider with vestibular rehabilitation training. Treatment recommendations depend on the cause and your evaluation.

  • What should I wear and bring?

    Wear comfortable clothing and supportive shoes suitable for movement. Bring your usual walking aid, medication list, relevant medical instructions, and any referral or insurance information requested when scheduling.

  • Will I have exercises to do at home?

    Your therapist may recommend exercises tailored to your abilities and home environment. Follow the instructions provided, including any support or supervision requirements. Avoid trying challenging balance exercises on your own without guidance.

  • How long does balance rehabilitation take?

    The timeline depends on your symptoms, underlying conditions, starting abilities, and goals. Your therapist can discuss expectations after the evaluation and reassess your progress throughout care.

  • Do I need a referral, and will insurance cover therapy?

    Referral requirements and coverage vary. Contact ReLive before scheduling to review appointment requirements, and confirm benefits and out-of-pocket costs with your insurance provider.

  • When should I seek urgent medical care?

    Sudden balance loss or severe dizziness accompanied by symptoms such as facial drooping, weakness, trouble speaking, or a severe new headache requires emergency medical attention. Do not wait for a physical therapy appointment.

Find Balance and Fall Prevention Therapy in the Chicagoland Area

ReLive Physical Therapy serves patients throughout the greater Chicago area through a network of local clinics.



Whether you are looking for care close to home or coordinating appointments with a family member, our team can help you identify a convenient location and confirm the appropriate provider for your needs.


Explore our locations for clinic addresses and contact information. If you need vestibular therapy or another specialized service, ask about availability when scheduling.


Call (630) 339-3849 for help getting started.

Services Offered

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Aquatic Physical Therapy

Patients love our aquatic therapy! It is easier on your joints and muscles as you get moving again. Aquatic therapy is fun and effective! Learn more here

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Auto Accident Physical Therapy

Have you been in a car, truck or motorcycle accident? Whiplash, back pain, headaches - ReLive treats it all! Call us today.

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Balance & Fall Prevention

It can be difficult to keep our balance and falls become more common as we age. Check out ReLive's Balance & Fall Prevention program to reduce those risks.

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Certified Hand Therapy

Hand injuries can be a difficult area to achieve 100% recovery. However, our hand therapists are known for spectacular results.

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Dry Needling

Dry needling is becoming more and more popular for injury and muscle recovery due to immediate relief. See one of our certified dry needling experts today!

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Free Injury Screening

ake advantage of our Free Injury Screening offer. One of our PT's will be able to tell you and show you how we can help you get back to full mobility.

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Manual Therapy

ReLive's dedicated 1:1 therapy ensures you get manual therapies done thoroughly. Tired of being treated in groups? Call ReLive today!

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Post-Surgery Physical Therapy

PT after surgery ensures that you recovery fully and get the maximum range of motion. Get better faster with ReLive's post surgery program.

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Sports Medicine

With our passionate sports medicine physical therapists, you'll be back in the game and top performance in no time. Call today to learn more.

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Vestibular Therapy

Do you suffer from vertigo or dizziness? Did you know that physical therapy can help long & short term? Learn how we can help eliminate vertigo.

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Women’s Health & Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy

We have specialty therapists fluent in women's health therapy, including pelvic floor and other treatment needs. Call ReLive today to learn more!

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Work Injury Therapy

Physical therapy after a work injury is essential for preventing long-term damage. Our therapists will get you recovered and ready for work.

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Get started on your journey to healing

Take the Next Step Toward More Confident Movement

If unsteadiness or concern about falling is affecting your routine, start with a conversation about your symptoms and goals.



Call (630) 339-3849 or submit an appointment request online. A Patient Service Advocate will follow up to discuss scheduling details and help coordinate care at an appropriate location.