Balance and Fall Prevention Physical Therapy in Chardon, OH
You don't trust your balance like you used to.
You hold the railing on the stairs. You avoid icy driveways, uneven trails, and crowded stores. Maybe you've already fallen once, and now you're afraid it will happen again. You want to stay active and independent without worrying about every step.
You deserve to feel steady and confident on your feet again.
We know how frustrating this is
Most of our clients come to us after other treatments didn't work. We know how discouraging it is to hurt, feel stuck, and not know who to trust. That's why the Doctors of Physical Therapy at Chardon Performance Therapy start by listening, until we understand your story and your goals.
We've helped thousands of active people regain confidence, strength, and control, even after other treatments didn't work.
What we help with
Poor balance and unsteadiness
Fear of falling
Recovery after a fall
Leg strength for stairs and getting up from the floor
Dizziness and vertigo
Staying active and independent
How it works
1. Share your story. Your initial assessment is a 75-minute, one-on-one visit with a Doctor of Physical Therapy. We listen to your goals, your history, and what you've already tried, so we understand what truly matters to you.
2. Get a comprehensive care plan. We test your balance, leg strength, and walking, including VALD force plate testing, and explain your fall risk in clear, simple language.
3. Work with an accountable guide. Your follow-up sessions are a full hour, one-on-one. We use hands-on manual therapy, dry needling, and a strength program built for your life and your sport. We stay invested in your progress and push you toward higher performance, not just symptom relief.
Our three-phase approach
1. Pain management. We ease any pain that's keeping you from moving.
2. We move you. We retrain your balance and walking with guided practice.
3. You move you. You build leg strength and balance you keep, with a home program you can do on your own.
What the research says
A Cochrane review of exercise for older adults found that balance and functional exercise reduces falls by about 23%. In 1,000 older adults, that's roughly 195 fewer falls each year (Cochrane, 2019).
What our clients say
"My very independent 89-year-old grandmother was hit hard with a case of sciatica… In my grandma's words, Dave is a "Miracle Worker." Amazingly, the very next day she was back to 90% of herself."
Steven and Elise A. ★★★★★
"I knew it was more than that and when I could no longer keep up with the grandkids I reached out to Dave… I am getting my life back!"
Enzyme D. ★★★★★
"I was barely able to move… walking better within an hour… Absolutely pleased and feeling limber!!!"
Ronald K. ★★★★★
Rated 5.0 stars from 253 Google reviews.
Don't stay stuck
If you wait, fear of falling leads to moving less, which leads to weaker legs and a higher risk of falling. Let's break that cycle.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a doctor's referral for physical therapy in Ohio?
No. Ohio law lets you see a physical therapist directly, without a referral.
How long are the sessions?
Your initial assessment is 75 minutes. Follow-up sessions are 60 minutes, always one-on-one with a Doctor of Physical Therapy.
Do you take insurance?
We're out of network with all insurance companies. We accept HSA and FSA cards, and many clients are reimbursed through their out-of-network benefits. We'll walk you through your options on a quick call.
Can balance really improve?
Yes. Balance is a skill, and it improves with the right practice and strength work, at any age.
Can a family member come with me?
Yes. Family members are welcome, and it helps them learn how to support you at home.
When should I see a doctor instead?
Call 911 for sudden dizziness with face drooping, arm weakness, slurred speech, or a severe headache. See a physician after a fall with an injury, or if you're fainting or blacking out.
More balance help: Balance and Reaction Training (video) · Single Leg Glute Med for Hip Stability (video) · Bulgarian Split Squat for Single-Leg Strength (video)
Serving Chardon and Northeast Ohio
Our clinic is at 520 5th Ave in downtown Chardon. Clients come to us from Chesterland, Mentor, Painesville, Perry, Eastlake, Willoughby, Pepper Pike, Cleveland Heights, and across Geauga and Lake County.