Is balance getting in the way of your ability to do everyday tasks? Have you noticed you’re not as steady on your feet as you used to be? Fortunately, you can get your balance checked at Beyond Limits Physical Therapy and learn to stay steady on your feet doing what needs to be done!
Balance disorders are typically treatable conditions too many people ignore, hoping they will resolve on their own. Feeling imbalanced or noticing an instability is a sign that you need to get an assessment sooner than later.
Although it is more common for balance problems to get worse as we age, it affects people of all ages and can be debilitating. Physical therapists at Beyond Limits Physical Therapy are highly trained movement specialists that will work with you to identify and resolve the factors affecting your balance so you can get back to the activities you have had to avoid!
If you have been noticing issues with your balance, our physical therapists can help you get to the root of your problem(s) and treat them accordingly.
Call today and request an appointment with one of our movement specialists!
What does balance mean?
Balance, simply put, is the ability to keep your body within your base of support (i.e., your feet). To maintain good balance, whether static or dynamic, our bodies must coordinate several complex interactions between several systems in the body. The following exchanges are needed to regulate our sense of balance:
- The vestibular system in our inner ears monitors the directions of motion (i.e., turning, forward-backward, side-to-side, and up-and-down motions).
- Our visual systems observe where the body is in space and the directions it is moving.
- Receptors in our skin sense the different pressures in our feet touching the ground and how the body moves through space.
- Our muscles and joints have specialized sensory receptors to detect and monitor what parts of the body are moving.
All these systems report information to our central nervous system, which then processes and coordinates how we move to ensure we maintain balance while performing everyday activities.
The interconnected systems in your musculoskeletal and central nervous systems constantly receive, share, and integrate information to control your balance while standing, walking, changing positions, reaching, and even anticipating movements.
If you have noticed any changes to your balance, it is highly recommended that you let one of our Beyond Limits Physical Therapy physical therapists assess your physical capabilities. We will create a customized treatment plan to improve your balance so you break free of any limitations you may have!
How balance affects your physical abilities
The main concern for people with poor balance is an increased risk of falling. It can sometimes be challenging to determine what is causing your balance deficits, which is why getting an assessment at Beyond Limits Physical Therapy, is so important.
Most people don’t think about keeping their balance in shape until it is too late, and they suffer a harsh fall. In fact, falls are the leading cause of fatal and nonfatal injuries in older adults. The good news is that our physical therapist can help you prevent most falls.
The most common physical and/or health-related causes of balance impairments include the following conditions:
- Disorders of the vestibular system (i.e., vertigo)
- Muscle weakness (i.e., core and lower extremities)
- Arthritis (especially in the spine and lower extremities
- Vision loss
- Long-term health conditions like heart disease, dementia, or neurological disorders like Parkinson’s, MS, or neuropathies
Our environment also affects balance, which typically can be reduced or eliminated with guidance from our physical therapists. For example, your therapists can help you identify hazards within the home that affect your balance and make you at risk for falling, such as:
- Wet floors, such as in the kitchen or bathroom
- Poor lighting
- Throw rugs or carpets are not properly secured
- Reaching outside abilities into a cupboard or cabinet or when on a step stool or ladder
- Stairs without railings
- Drinking alcohol or improper medication
Risk factors relating to your physical health and/or your surroundings can contribute to balance deficits and increase your risk of falling. If you have recently sustained a balance-related injury, it is crucial to seek the help of a physical therapist at Beyond Limits Physical Therapy to get to the bottom of your issues!
How physical therapy at Beyond Limits Physical Therapy can help your balance
When you arrive at Beyond Limits Physical Therapy, our physical therapists will perform a comprehensive evaluation to determine the nature of your condition and the factors associated with your balance difficulties. Specifically, we will assess your mobility, strength, and any aches and pains you may have. In addition, we will perform a physical examination and balance assessment to identify all the factors contributing to the deficits.
Your therapists will review your history of falls and work with you to identify any home hazards or other environmental factors that may contribute to your fall risk. We will use all this information to figure out the best course of treatment for your individual needs.
Our treatment plans will contain targeted balance exercises and coordination drills to stimulate your nervous system and improve the interaction of your bodily systems. In addition, we will utilize strengthening exercises to help improve your core and lower extremities. Depending on your condition, your treatment plan may include vestibular rehabilitation, joint mobility, and gait training to help achieve the best outcomes.
If you have recently sustained a balance-related injury, it is important to seek the help of a physical therapist immediately to avoid additional injuries in the future. Our physical therapists at Beyond Limits Physical Therapy will diagnose your movement and balance problems and develop a personalized treatment plan to help you feel more steady and reduce your fall risk.
Request an appointment today!
Our physical therapists have extensive knowledge to identify and treat your balance problems. Call Beyond Limits Physical Therapy today for a comprehensive assessment and learn what steps you can take to improve your balance and help you break through any physical limitations to stay active and healthy!
