Balance By The Numbers

Did you know that more than 10 million people go to the doctor for dizziness each year? The people who suffer from balance and vestibular issues are often passed around and overlooked. On average, they consult 4 or 5 doctors before receiving a diagnosis. Physical therapy is key to treating these patients and serving an increasingly growing patient population.

Physical therapy can:

• Find the root cause of balance issues and provide customized treatment
• Strengthen and improve mobility
• Help patients recover and stay well, addressing those with chronic conditions
• Help patients 'retain' their balance and vestibular system

A Growing Population at Risk

Older Adults (Age 65 + Up)

80% of people over 65 have experienced dizziness. 50% of dizziness is caused by Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV). It is the most common vestibular disorder in older people.

Middle Adults (Age 40 + Up)

69 Million Americans in the U.S. age 40 or older have experienced some form of vestibular dysfunction.

Children (Under 18)

8%-18% of children are estimated to experience dizziness and vertigo.

The Impact of Falling on Quality of Life

Falling can affect:

• Social Isolation
• Depression
• Feelings of Helplessness
• Further Physical Decline

In 2015, the total cost of fall injuries was $50 Billion and that cost is expected to increase to $67.7 Billion heading into the 2020s.

The Financial and Fatal Tolls of Falling

• Every 11 minutes an older adult is treated in the emergency room for a fall
• 850,000 hospitalizations annually due to fall and balance incidents 
• 29,000 fall-related deaths annually every 19 minutes an older adult dies from a fall