Loss of balance can happen at any age due to disease or injury. However, balance challenges are more frequent as we age. If you are experiencing imbalance, dizziness, or unsteadiness that makes you feel as if you may fall over at any given time, it is a sign that you may be living with a balance or gait disorder.
Our balance system consists of many components, but the key is the vestibular system. The vestibular system is a delicate collection of fluid-filled chambers and sensory nerves located in the inner ear.
If you have been noticing issues with your balance, contact FYZICAL Therapy & Balance Centers today, and we will work with you to figure out the root of your balance problems and treat you appropriately.
Defining your balance issues and seeking help
How do you know if you need help with your balance? Have you had a recent fall? Do you experience dizzy spells when you stand up from a chair? If you feel unsteady and are worried about falling, we can help.
What are some simple ways to test yourself at home? Here is a series of steps to self-assess:
- Stand barefoot next to a counter or other stable support with your hand gently touching the surface.
- Place one foot directly in front of the other (stand heel to toe).
- Gently lift your hand, but keep it close to the surface if you need to catch your balance. Hold this for 10 seconds if safe to do so.
- Try it with your eyes closed.
- Did you feel unstable? Did you lose your balance?
Suppose you are concerned about your balance or recently sustained a fall. In that case, it is essential to seek the help of a physical therapist to avoid additional injuries in the future. The good news is that most falls can easily be prevented. Physical therapists are educated in the anatomy of the balance system and the treatments that address various conditions leading to balance problems and falls.
Here are some signs and symptoms that indicate you have balance problems:
- Dizziness
- Vertigo
- Inability to focus or remain alert
- Double vision or tunnel vision
- Nausea and vomiting
- Arm or leg weakness
- Abnormal eye movements
- Difficulty standing up from a seated position or standing for prolonged periods
- Hearing loss
What is causing my balance issues?
Some balance issues arise suddenly, and some are more subtle and slow in their development. Pathology to various parts of your nervous system can cause instability. Here are some of the conditions that can cause balance problems:
- Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV)
- Meniere’s disease.
- Vestibular neuritis
- Migraines
- Brain injuries
- Stroke
- Parkinson’s disease
- Cardiac conditions
- Peripheral neuropathy
Your treatment plan will be dependent upon the origin of your balance issues. A physical therapy evaluation will include an assessment of your strength, range of motion, balance, coordination, and cognition. Standardized assessments like the Timed Up and Go (TUG) will be included to quantify your balance challenges and gauge your recovery.
Your physical therapy program will include exercises to make you stronger, improve your joint function, and address your specific balance issues. What will be key to your recovery is a home exercise program that you follow to maximize the benefits of your physical therapy sessions.
Vestibular rehabilitation
Vestibular treatment will specifically address pathology of your inner ear if that is the cause of your balance problems. Your physical therapist can use manual techniques and sophisticated balance technology to manage your symptoms. Treatment for balance issues due to vestibular dysfunction varies by patient, and we will be sure your program is specific to your needs.
Ready to get started?
At our clinic, we are happy to say we can provide you with the right treatment plan for your needs, so you can get back to living your life comfortably!
Are you ready to get back on your feet and decrease your risk of sustaining a balance-related injury? Contact FYZICAL Therapy & Balance Centers in to schedule a consultation and start on a plan of recovery today!
Sources:
- https://vestibular.org/article/diagnosis-treatment/treatments/vestibular-rehabilitation-therapy-vrt/
- https://www.choosept.com/guide/physical-therapy-guide-balance-problems
- https://www.choosept.com/guide/physical-therapy-guide-vertigo
- https://www.choosept.com/guide/physical-therapy-guide-benign-paroxysmal-positional-vertigo-bppv