How Chiropractic Care Can Reduce Falls Risk and Improve Balance

Supporting Safer Movement for Adults and Seniors in Tarneit and Surrounding Suburbs

Falls are one of the most common causes of injury in adults, particularly as we get older. A simple slip, trip or loss of balance can lead to fractures, hospital stays, loss of confidence and reduced independence.

The good news? Falls are not an inevitable part of ageing.
Many of the factors that increase falls risk — such as poor balance, spinal stiffness, reduced strength, nerve function and posture — can be improved with the right care.

At Tarneit Chiropractic & Sports Clinic, we help adults and seniors improve balance, mobility, coordination and confidence, reducing their risk of falls and helping them stay active and independent for longer.

This article explains:

• Why falls happen
• What affects balance as we age
• How chiropractic care can help reduce falls risk
• What the research shows
• Who can benefit
• Why Tarneit Chiropractic & Sports Clinic is a trusted local choice
• How to get started

Why Are Falls Such a Serious Health Issue?

Falls are one of the leading causes of injury and hospitalisation in older adults.

Research shows:

• Around 1 in 3 adults over 65 will experience a fall each year
• Falls are a leading cause of injury-related hospital admissions
• Many falls result in fractures, head injuries and long-term mobility issues

Even if a fall doesn’t cause serious injury, it often causes fear of falling again. This fear can lead people to move less, exercise less and become weaker — which actually increases future falls risk.

Falls prevention is about maintaining:

• Strength
• Balance
• Coordination
• Confidence
• Good movement habits

What Causes Poor Balance and Increased Falls Risk?

Balance relies on multiple systems working together. When one or more of these systems is not functioning well, falls risk increases.

1. The Nervous System

Your nervous system constantly receives information from:

• The spine
• Joints
• Muscles
• Inner ear
• Eyes

This information helps your brain keep you upright. If signals are delayed, distorted or reduced, your ability to react quickly is affected.

2. Spinal and Joint Mobility

The spine — particularly the neck, mid-back and lower back — plays a key role in balance and posture.

Spinal stiffness can lead to:

• Reduced awareness of body position
• Slower balance reactions
• Poor posture
• Difficulty correcting a stumble

3. Muscle Strength and Coordination

Strong, coordinated muscles — especially in the legs and core — help you recover from slips or uneven surfaces.

Common contributors to poor balance include:

• Back pain
• Neck stiffness
• Arthritis
• Poor posture
• Previous injuries
• Reduced physical activity
• Nerve irritation

How Chiropractic Care Helps Improve Balance and Reduce Falls Risk

Chiropractic care focuses on improving the function of the spine, joints and nervous system — all essential for balance and stability.

Here’s how it helps:

1. Improving Spinal Mobility and Posture

Restricted spinal joints reduce movement and proprioception (your body’s awareness of position).

Chiropractic adjustments help to:

• Restore normal spinal movement
• Improve posture and alignment
• Reduce stiffness in the neck and back
• Improve balance reactions

Better movement allows the body to respond more effectively when balance is challenged.

2. Supporting Nervous System Function

The spine protects the nervous system. When spinal joints are stiff or not moving well, nerve signalling can be affected.

Research suggests chiropractic care may help improve:

• Sensory feedback from joints
• Coordination
• Reaction time
• Balance control

This allows faster and more accurate responses when you trip or lose balance.

3. Reducing Pain That Affects Confidence

Pain significantly increases falls risk.

People with:

• Back pain
• Neck pain
• Hip pain
• Knee discomfort

Often:

• Walk more slowly
• Take shorter steps
• Avoid movement
• Feel less confident

Chiropractic care helps reduce pain and stiffness, allowing people to move more naturally and confidently.

4. Improving Joint Awareness (Proprioception)

Proprioception helps you know where your body is in space — even without looking.

As we age, proprioception declines. Spinal and joint dysfunction can make this worse.

Chiropractic care has been shown to improve:

• Joint position sense
• Coordination
• Balance performance

This is especially important for older adults.

5. Combining Care With Balance Exercises

At Tarneit Chiropractic & Sports Clinic, we don’t just focus on hands-on treatment.

We often include:

• Simple balance exercises
• Strengthening programs
• Postural education
• Mobility advice

Combining chiropractic care with exercise is one of the most effective ways to reduce falls risk.

What Does the Research Say?

Scientific research supports the role of chiropractic care in balance and falls prevention:

• Studies show improvements in postural stability after spinal manipulation
• Research demonstrates improved sensorimotor integration following chiropractic care
• Chiropractic care has been associated with improved reaction time and proprioception
• Multimodal approaches (manual therapy + exercise) consistently reduce falls risk

Chiropractic care is considered a safe, conservative option when delivered by qualified practitioners — making it suitable for older adults.

Who Can Benefit From Chiropractic Care for Balance?

Chiropractic care may help:

• Adults aged 50 and over
• Seniors wanting to maintain independence
• People who feel unsteady on their feet
• Those with a history of falls
• Individuals with chronic back or neck pain
• People with postural issues
• Anyone wanting to improve balance and confidence

You don’t need to wait until you fall — early intervention works best.

What to Expect at Tarneit Chiropractic & Sports Clinic

Your care begins with a thorough assessment to understand your specific needs.

Assessment May Include:

• Postural analysis
• Spinal and joint mobility testing
• Balance screening
• Neurological checks
• Discussion of previous falls or concerns

Your Care Plan May Include:

• Gentle spinal adjustments
• Joint mobilisation
• Soft tissue therapy
• Balance and coordination exercises
• Strength and mobility guidance
• Education to improve confidence and safety

Care is always tailored to your comfort level, health history and goals.

Why Choose Tarneit Chiropractic & Sports Clinic?

Tarneit Chiropractic & Sports Clinic is trusted by locals for caring, evidence-based chiropractic care.

Why patients choose us:

✔ Gentle, personalised approach
✔ Clear explanations
✔ Focus on movement and independence
✔ Evidence-informed care
✔ Supportive and friendly team

Conveniently Located for Melbourne’s West

We proudly care for patients from:

• Tarneit
• Truganina
• Hoppers Crossing
• Werribee
• Wyndham Vale
• Williams Landing
• Point Cook
• Derrimut
• Laverton

Making it easy to access quality chiropractic care close to home.

Simple Things You Can Do Today to Reduce Falls Risk

• Stay physically active
• Keep your spine and joints moving
• Address pain early
• Practice balance exercises
• Maintain good posture
• Have your balance checked regularly

Small steps can make a big difference.

Take Control of Your Balance and Confidence

Falls are not just accidents — they’re often a sign the body needs support.

Chiropractic care offers a natural, conservative way to improve balance, mobility and confidence — helping you stay active and independent for longer.

If you or a loved one are concerned about balance or falls risk, the team at Tarneit Chiropractic & Sports Clinic is here to help.

Book an Appointment Today

📍 Conveniently located in Tarneit
📞 Friendly, experienced team
📅 Appointments available

Don’t wait for a fall to take action.

Book your balance and spinal health assessment today and take the first step toward safer, more confident movement.