Movement Myth: Falling is Prevented by Better Balance

Balance and Falls: Is Falling a Result of Bad Balance?

As winter approaches, many of us become more mindful of our balance skills. We might think that practicing standing on one leg is all it takes to avoid falling. But is that really enough?

When the Unexpected Happens

The truth is most of us don’t plan on falling. Sometimes, s@*t happens.

Falls aren’t just an issue for the elderly or a result of slippery surfaces. They happen at all ages, often during recreational activities or sports. An incident earlier this year reminded me how easy it is to fall and how quickly your life can be changed. Many falls, such as mine in June, are not always our fault.

Even though the cause of our fall may not have anything to do to our balance skills, an accident or injury can leave your balance impaired. Why? Let’s dig deeper into understanding balance.

Understanding Types of Balance: Static, Dynamic, and Reactive

There are many nuances to balance and falling that we don’t often think about. To begin with, there are different types of balance.

Standing on one leg is a great example of static balance — the ability to control your center of gravity while stationary. This skill develops early in life through countless hours of practice, as our muscles learn to stabilize against gravity.

Dynamic balance, on the other hand, is your ability to maintain control while transitioning between positions, like stepping forward or turning. It is also learned beginning in infancy. Injuries often impair dynamic balance without you realizing it.

Reactive balance is the wild card. It’s your body’s ability to respond to unexpected challenges, like slipping on ice or being bumped from behind. Unlike static or dynamic balance, reacting is not easily improved by practice and exercise. (Spoiler– Bridging® does improve it.)

The Bridging® Assessment Routinely Tests Balance Reactions

At the Bridging® Institute, we test balance reactions as part of our initial assessment. This is done in a safe and controlled way — both standing and sitting.

We assess your responses in these aspects of movement control:

• left, right
• turning
• forward, and backward

These simple tests reveal key insights about your balance reactions which often relate to your pain or unsteadiness. And, yes, the reactions can be reset!

The Reality of Falls

My fall was not from a poor balance or slipping — a kid racing his bike ran into me from behind. I went flying and landed with quite a force. Nothing was broken but I literally was twisted and had the wind knocked out of me.

Once all my muscles calmed down, I could tell my movement and balance were off. Thankfully, I knew where to turn. With help from Bridging® specialists, my movement flow and balance reactions were restored.

After a fall, you know to let your body rest and recover. When you do this and your recovery seems to be taking forever, or you just don’t feel steady, it’s time for specific help.

That’s where Bridging® comes in. (Your rehab exercises will generally help restore strength, and only static and dynamic balance.) Coordination and reactive balance come from specific muscle sequencing. These muscle sequences do not automatically snap back when injured; they need to be reset and resequenced.

Bridging® Can Help You Recover from Unexpected Falls

Most of our clients come to us because of pain or lingering movement issues. During our Bridging® assessment, we uncover the underlying cause of stress, pain, and instability — the micromovement glitches which are often the result of a long-forgotten fall.

Our reset process rebuilds the muscle coordination based upon early developmental movement relationships. Then, we reassess your balance reactions so you will be moving confidently again.

Don’t wait for a fall to remind you of your balance blind spots. Schedule your Bridging® session today and take the first step toward moving confidently all winter long.