--- title: What's your BALANCE SCORE? Find out today. description: This article explains the importance of knowing your balance score. image: https://hwypt.clinic/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/intermittent-walking-workout-mature-woman-exercising-683x1024.jpg --- [![1-1](https://hwypt.clinic/hubfs/1-1.svg)](https://hwypt.clinic/) - [BLOG](https://hwypt.clinic/blog) - [SHOP](https://shop.hwypt.clinic) - ABOUT - [ABOUT RAJ](https://hwypt.clinic/aboutus) - [CONTACT US](https://hwypt.clinic/contact) - [JOB OPENINGS](https://hwypt.clinic/job-openings) - [PRIVACY POLICY](https://hwypt.clinic/privacy-policy) - RESOURCES - [LOCAL RESOURCES](https://hwypt.clinic/local-resources-for-seniors-in-salem-oregon/) - [50+ ORIENTATION CLASS](https://hwypt.clinic/senior-fitness-safety-training-center-50-plus-salem-oregon) - [STEADI](https://hwypt.clinic/steadiriskassessmentquiz) - [MAKE A REFERRAL](https://hwypt.clinic/make-a-referral) - [PAY MY BILL](https://hwypt.securepayments.cardpointe.com/pay) [BOOK MY VIRTUAL VISIT](https://meetings.hubspot.com/raj-pusuluri/virtual-pt-visit) salem # What's your BALANCE SCORE? Find out today. This article explains the importance of knowing your balance score. [Dr. Raj Pusuluri, PT, DPT](https://hwypt.clinic/blog/author/raj-pusuluri) Aug 30, 2023 --- ![an older adult balancing on one leg on a small piece of wood](https://hwypt.clinic/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/intermittent-walking-workout-mature-woman-exercising-683x1024.jpg)                          **What is Your Balance Score?** The balance score, in the context of human body mechanics, reflects how well a person can maintain their equilibrium, both statically and dynamically. It is a measure of how well you can control your body position, particularly when moving or performing tasks that require physical coordination, strength, and agility. Balance is divided into two types: static and dynamic. Static balance refers to maintaining stability while in a non-moving state, such as standing on one leg. Dynamic balance, on the other hand, refers to maintaining stability during movement, such as walking or running. ## Why is Balance Important? ![](https://hwypt.clinic/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/senior-couple-dancing-home-1024x683-1.jpg) Balance is critical for everyday activities, including walking, climbing stairs, and even turning to look behind you. Good balance not only helps prevent falls and related injuries but also enhances overall mobility and fitness. As we age, maintaining good balance becomes increasingly crucial. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, falls are the leading cause of injury and death in older adults. Improving balance can significantly reduce the risk of falls and the health complications they can bring. Moreover, good balance improves athletic performance and can help prevent sports-related injuries. It aids in better body control, allows quicker reactions during dynamic movements, and contributes to strength and flexibility. ## How Can You Determine Your Balance Score? There are several tests and methods to assess your balance, which can be done at home or with the help of a professional. - - **The Single-Leg Stance Test**: Stand near a wall or a sturdy object you can hold onto if you lose your balance. Stand on one leg and see how long you can maintain your balance. The goal should be to stand for at least 30 seconds without using your arms or the wall to stabilize. - - **The Heel-To-Toe Walk Test**: This test assesses dynamic balance. Stand with the heel of one foot touching the toes of your other foot. Take 20 steps forward, heel-to-toe. You should aim to keep a straight line without wavering to the sides. - **Professional Assessment**: For a more accurate and detailed evaluation of your balance, you may consider a professional assessment. Physical therapists can perform comprehensive balance tests like the BERG balance test, and Dynamic Gait Index, and provide detailed feedback and a training plan to improve balance and prevent falls in the future. ### [**Here is the self-assessment of fall risk from the National Council On Aging (NCOA)**](https://www.ncoa.org/age-well-planner/assessment/falls-free-checkup) ![](https://hwypt.clinic/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/athletic-man-doing-lunges-workout-with-swiss-ball-during-self-isolation-683x1024.jpg) ## Improving Your Balance Score If your balance score isn't where you want it to be, don't despair. Like muscle strength, balance can be improved with regular practice. Incorporating balance exercises into your regular workout regimen, practicing yoga or Tai Chi, or using fitness equipment like balance balls or discs can enhance both your static and dynamic balance. Remember, everyone's balance abilities are different, and what's important is to find your current balance score, set realistic goals for improvement, and work consistently towards them. By giving our balance the attention it deserves, we can not only enhance our physical health and safety but also improve our overall quality of life. So, the question remains - do you know your balance score? If you live in or near Salem, Oregon, give us a call or fill out this [Contact Us form](https://www.hwypt.clinic/contact-us/) for a free balance score assessment. **HWY Physical Therapy** 2615 Portland Rd NE Salem OR 97301 971-202-197   [Limited Time Offer - $10 - Book My Health Screening Call](https://hwypt.clinic/healthscreeningcall) [salem](https://hwypt.clinic/blog/tag/salem) [salem physical therapy clinic](https://hwypt.clinic/blog/tag/salem-physical-therapy-clinic) [physical therapist in salem](https://hwypt.clinic/blog/tag/physical-therapist-in-salem) [balance](https://hwypt.clinic/blog/tag/balance) [find a physical therapist in salem](https://hwypt.clinic/blog/tag/find-a-physical-therapist-in-salem) [how to improve balance](https://hwypt.clinic/blog/tag/how-to-improve-balance) [physical therapy](https://hwypt.clinic/blog/tag/physical-therapy) [salem physical therapy](https://hwypt.clinic/blog/tag/salem-physical-therapy) [balance score](https://hwypt.clinic/blog/tag/balance-score) ## Similar posts Aging In Place ### [How Home Health Teams Coordinate Care: PTs, OTs, Nurses & Aides](https://hwypt.clinic/blog/coordinating-home-health-care-pt-ot-nurse-aide-roles) Discover how physical therapists, occupational therapists, nurses, and aides collaborate to deliver seamless, effective home health care for better... Dr. Raj Pusuluri, PT, DPT Jul 31, 2025 Benefits of Physical Therapy for Seniors ### [How to Stay Active with Arthritis After 65](https://hwypt.clinic/blog/stay-active-with-arthritis-after-65-exercises) Learn how to stay active with arthritis after 65 using safe exercises that reduce pain and improve mobility. Get expert tips from HWY Physical... Dr. Raj Pusuluri, PT, DPT Jul 10, 2026 Conditions Treated By Physical Therapy ### [Physical Therapy for Spinal Stenosis](https://hwypt.clinic/blog/physical-therapy-spinal-stenosis-oregon-portland-salem) Discover how physical therapy for spinal stenosis helps reduce pain and improve mobility in Portland, Eugene, Salem, Gresham, and Hillsboro, Oregon. Dr. Raj Pusuluri, PT, DPT Jun 26, 2025 ### Sign up for Our Free HWY Senior Community Weekly Newsletter Here Be the first to know about everything latest in physical therapy ![Book_image](https://hwypt.clinic/hubfs/Untitled%20design%20(10).png) ## Transform Your Health Journey With Expert Insights from Dr. Raj Pusuluri, PT, DPT Whether you have questions about enhancing strength, increasing mobility, ensuring home safety, managing pain effectively, or preventing falls, I am here to provide expert guidance. [Limited Time Offer - $25 - Learn More](https://hwypt.clinic/healthscreeningcall) © 2024 All Rights Reserved HWYPT Clinic LLC 2615 Portland Rd NE, Salem, OR - 97305 [Powered by Atlas - a B2B SaaS HubSpot theme](https://www.kalungi.com/atlas-hubspot-theme-for-b2b-saas-software) ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "Dr. Raj Pusuluri, PT, DPT", "url" : "https://hwypt.clinic/blog/author/raj-pusuluri" }, "dateModified" : "2026-05-16T23:09:29.946Z", "datePublished" : "2023-08-30T22:39:50.000Z", "headline" : "What's your BALANCE SCORE? 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