Improving Balance Through Physical Therapy
Physical therapy benefits people of all ages suffering from balance disorders.
Proper balance is essential for comfortable everyday living and the overall well-being of an individual. Unfortunately, several people struggle with balance disorders, causing them to trip, fall, and sustain moderate to severe injuries. In addition, balance problems begin to occur as people get older, affecting their ability to stay stable or maintain balance while walking, standing, or sitting.
Millions of older adults in America end up in an emergency room due to fall injuries yearly. If not managed correctly, balance problems can worsen further and create more severe physical and psychological issues. Physical therapy benefits people of all ages suffering from balance disorders. It helps the patient recuperate faster and resume strength to perform routine activities.
Causes of poor balance
The three systems in the body that work together to maintain body balance are the visual system, proprioceptive system (in muscles and joints), and vestibular (in the inner ear). Problems with balance occur when something disrupts the working of these systems or the connection between them. Balance problems are caused mainly by one or more of the following reasons:
Weak muscles and stiff joints
Aging
Inner ear disorders
Certain medicines
Stroke
Blood circulation disorders
Cognitive diseases
Sedentary lifestyle
Medical conditions like Parkinson’s disease, diabetes, arthritis, brain or spinal cord injury, and multiple sclerosis
How physical therapy helps improve balance
Physical therapy is a rehabilitative treatment that can help improve balance and regain mobility. Physical therapists are trained and certified movement experts that use hands-on care, patient education, and prescribed movement to enhance a patient’s quality of life.
A physical therapist suggests individualized balance therapy after evaluating the balance and identifying the cause of the problem. Then, they work with the patient to improve static and dynamic balance. Physical therapy helps treat issues affecting any of the three systems - visual, proprioceptive, and vestibular - to restore balance and increase the ability to carry out daily tasks.
Physical therapy is helpful in:
Reducing fall risk
Physical therapists first work on reducing the risk of falling in daily life by identifying potential hazards. It may include evaluating the use of stairs, eliminating things that can lead to instability, poor lighting, type of footwear, unrestrained pets, and loose rugs. The physical therapists may also suggest using assistive devices if required.
Improving balance
Exercises are an essential part of physical therapy for improving balance. A physical therapist designs a customized exercise program depending on the cause to enhance balance while sitting, standing, walking, and turning. Some common exercises include tandem walking, single-leg stance, walking with different visual fields, side stepping, and sit to stand and stand to sit.
Building strength
Physical therapy for balance training also includes strength training to reinforce and stabilize weak muscles to improve stability. The therapist prescribes specific exercises for the purpose. Patients with balance problems require a comprehensive approach to regain their health.
Improving posture and flexibility
Good posture and flexibility are essential for balance. Physical therapy involves gentle stretches to loosen up stiff muscles and improve posture. Balance training improves patients’ activity levels and allows them to lead a more active life.
Improve balance with physical therapy
Physical therapy is an effective treatment method for balance problems. Consider physical therapy and consult a certified physical therapist if you are experiencing loss of coordination, reduced mobility, and poor balance.
Liberated Rehabilitation is a mobile physical therapy service in the Phoenix metro area specializing in fully personalized in-home physical therapy. We provide tailored physical therapy in the home or work setting for faster, better recovery. Call (602)755-2276 to schedule an appointment.
