Short answer
Fear of falling is common in older adults, especially after a fall, and it often leads people to stop activities, hold on to furniture and stay home1. Less activity weakens muscles and balance, which raises the real risk of falling. Graded, protected balance training, practicing harder tasks safely, builds both ability and confidence, so you can get back to the things you have been avoiding.
Answered by Dr. Manan Patel, PT, DPT, TPS, Certified Vestibular Specialist and Therapeutic Pain Specialist. Updated October 18, 2026.
Why does fear make balance worse?
Fear makes people stiffen, take short shuffling steps, look down and hold their breath. Those changes reduce the natural sway and quick steps that keep you upright. Avoidance then removes practice, so balance declines further1.
How is fear of falling measured?
We ask about the activities you avoid and may use questionnaires such as the Falls Efficacy Scale, alongside BioSway testing and walking tests. Comparing confidence with measured ability matters: some people are steadier than they feel, and others are less steady than they think.
How do you rebuild balance confidence?
- Start with tasks you can do and progress in small steps
- Practice harder challenges safely in the Zero-Fall overhead harness at our Cumming clinic
- Learn how to get up from the floor and what to do after a fall
- Set goals around real activities: stairs, curbs, shopping, grandchildren
Balance-challenging exercise reduces falls in older adults2.
Where can I get balance confidence training in North Atlanta?
We work with older adults and their families from Alpharetta, Johns Creek, Milton, Cumming, Suwanee and Forsyth County in 60-minute, one-on-one visits, and we are in-network with Traditional Medicare.
Where can I get help in Alpharetta, Cumming and nearby?
Dr. Manan Patel, PT, DPT, TPS and our team of physical therapists see patients from Alpharetta, Johns Creek, Milton, Roswell, Cumming, Suwanee, Sugar Hill, Buford, Duluth and Forsyth County at two North Atlanta clinics. Every visit is 60 minutes, one-on-one, and urgent appointments are available within 48 hours. We are in-network with Traditional Medicare, BCBS / Anthem and Tricare, and offer a $129 rate per visit for self-pay and out-of-network plans. Not sure where to start? Take the free symptom self-check, or visit our Alpharetta clinic or Cumming clinic page.
Cumming clinic
Off GA-400 Exit 13 on Peachtree Parkway
Cumming, GA 30041
Alpharetta clinic
Inside Georgia Brain & Spine Physical Therapy
Alpharetta, GA 30022
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References
- Scheffer AC, et al. Fear of falling: measurement strategy, prevalence, risk factors and consequences among older persons. Age and Ageing. 2008.
- Sherrington C, et al. Exercise for preventing falls in older people living in the community. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 2019.
This answer is general education, not a diagnosis or a substitute for an examination. If you have new or worsening symptoms, contact your doctor. Call 911 for sudden severe dizziness with trouble speaking, weakness, numbness, double vision or a severe headache.
