Case-series · July 29, 2026
Retrospective Case-Series: Improvements in Balance and Proprioception in Patients Undergoing Chiropractic Care at Radiance Chiropractic
Abstract
Background: Balance and proprioception dysfunction can significantly impact daily activities and increase fall risk. This retrospective case-series investigates the outcomes of neurologically-based chiropractic care on balance and proprioception in a clinical setting. Methods: A retrospective review was conducted on 50 de-identified patient records from Radiance Chiropractic in Canonsburg, PA, presenting with impaired balance and proprioception. Patient outcomes were assessed using serial postural sway and cognitive-motor assessments. The primary outcome measure was the percentage improvement in total sway scores. Results: Across 50 patients, the mean mobility improvement, as measured by a reduction in total sway scores, was 56%, with a median improvement of 56%. Individual cases demonstrated substantial improvements in postural stability and cognitive function. For example, one patient experienced a 69% reduction in total sway score over 13 weeks. Conclusions: Neurologically-based chiropractic care at Radiance Chiropractic appears to be associated with significant improvements in balance and proprioception in patients presenting with dysfunction. These findings suggest a potential role for chiropractic interventions in addressing balance-related challenges and enhancing overall stability.
Methods
This study was a retrospective case-series conducted at Radiance Chiropractic, located in Canonsburg, PA. The study population consisted of 50 de-identified patients who presented at the clinic with a chief complaint of impaired balance and proprioception. Inclusion criteria for this retrospective review were all patients seen at Radiance Chiropractic with documented balance and proprioception dysfunction and who completed at least two assessments allowing for pre- and post-treatment comparison. Patient data were collected from existing clinical records, ensuring the de-identification of all personal health information. The primary metric captured for assessing balance and proprioception was the total sway score, with higher scores indicating worse balance. Cognitive count, a measure of dual-task cognitive performance, was also recorded. Pre- and post-treatment measurements of these metrics were obtained through serial postural sway and cognitive-motor assessments, serving as an objective measure of functional improvement. Chiropractic care provided was neurologically-based, although specific treatment protocols were not uniformly documented or analyzed for this retrospective summary. The timeframe for observation and re-evaluation varied among patients, ranging from approximately 10 to 15 weeks, encompassing multiple examinations. The primary outcome analyzed was the percentage improvement in the total sway score. All outcome data were derived from verified patient records at Radiance Chiropractic. This retrospective design is subject to limitations, including the absence of a control group and the potential for selection bias inherent in clinical practice data.
Discussion
The observed outcomes in this retrospective case-series suggest that neurologically-based chiropractic care at Radiance Chiropractic may play a beneficial role in improving balance and proprioception in individuals experiencing dysfunction. The mean mobility improvement of 56% across 50 patients, as indicated by reduced total sway scores, is noteworthy and aligns with the clinic's focus on addressing the neuromusculoskeletal basis of such complaints. This degree of improvement in objective balance metrics is generally considered clinically significant, potentially contributing to enhanced daily function and a reduced risk of falls. The individual case examples highlight varied but consistent improvements, from a 42% reduction in sway (Case 9) to a 71% reduction (Case 6). Such a range of responses is typical in clinical practice, reflecting individual patient variability in presentation, chronicity, and response to care. The concurrent increase in cognitive count, indicating improved dual-task performance, suggests a broader beneficial impact on cognitive-motor integration, which is crucial for dynamic balance and fall prevention in real-world scenarios. General clinical expectations for balance and proprioception rehabilitation often involve long-term exercise programs and specialized therapies. While direct comparisons cannot be made due to the study design, the observed improvements within a relatively short timeframe (10-15 weeks across 3 exams for most cases) are encouraging. These findings imply that chiropractic care may offer a viable complementary or primary approach for patients seeking to improve their balance and proprioceptive function. The clinical implications are that chiropractors, particularly those employing neurologically-based approaches, could be key providers in the management of balance disorders, assisting patients in regaining stability and reducing fall risk. Further prospective research, including controlled trials, would be valuable to more definitively establish the efficacy and mechanisms of these interventions.
Limitations
This retrospective case-series has several inherent limitations. Firstly, its retrospective design relies on existing clinical records, which may introduce biases in data collection and completeness. The study was conducted at a single chiropractic clinic, Radiance Chiropractic, limiting the generalizability of these findings to other practice settings or patient populations. The absence of a control group prevents direct comparison with alternative treatments or no treatment, thus precluding definitive conclusions about causality. Furthermore, the specific chiropractic techniques used were not consistently documented or analyzed for this summary, making it difficult to pinpoint the exact interventions contributing to the observed outcomes. While objective measures like total sway score and cognitive count were utilized, the overall patient experience or self-reported outcomes were not typically captured. Finally, the potential for selection bias exists, as the included patients sought chiropractic care and continued treatment, which may represent a segment more likely to respond positively to intervention.