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Balance Therapy

Balance Therapy in Woodstock, GA

Bad falls are a constant worry for seniors and others with physical challenges. And those worries aren’t unfounded. Falls are the leading cause of injury-related deaths and serious health problems in the U.S.

Improving your walking skills—technically known as your "gait"—and balance are interrelated challenges. At FYZICAL Therapy & Balance Centers - Hickory Flat, we help you master these skills to decrease your risk of injury while at the same time increasing your confidence and independence.

How Do Your Balance and Gait Affect You?

Balance and gait are inextricably linked because they tend to impact one another. Even if you don’t think you’re in danger of falling over, that “running out of steam” while walking that you’re attributing to ageing muscles could be something else. The problem might be slowing reflexes, which make moving around seem more strenuous than it is. Poor posture and gait can throw off those reflexes.

The balance and gait systems both rely to some extent on a complex number of body systems that include the inner ear, the eyes, the joint-muscle-nerve system, and cognitive functions. Therapy that improves gait and balance works with all these systems to keep them in harmony.

Gait and balance training have a range of benefits, with avoiding injuries at the top of the list. Beyond lessening your chances of falling or feeling dizzy, you’re also more likely to feel confident with your footing. In addition, those aches and pains from poor posture are likely to decrease.

Balance Therapy in Woodstock, GA

What Disorders Can Balance Therapy in Woodstock, GA, Treat?

Balance therapy can help with several disorders.  The most common are the following;

Vestibular Disorders

Vestibular disorders affect the vestibular system. You may experience symptoms like unsteadiness, fatigue, lightheadedness, and ringing in your ears. Balance therapy for this condition is gradual. You will undergo habituation and gaze stabilization exercises. You can also do balance training exercises to reduce your risk of falling.

Peripheral Neuropathy

Peripheral nerves connect your brain and spine to your muscles, organs, and skin. If these nerves become damaged or irritated, you will experience poor balance, muscle weakness, and pain in your hands or feet.

Balance therapy for peripheral neuropathy includes aerobic exercises that improve flexibility and balance. Your physical therapist may also recommend braces or splints for pain relief and improved balance.

Lower Body Weakness

A lack of strength in your lower body will likely cause balance disorders. Age, sedentary lifestyle, and injury can cause lower body weakness and make you prone to falls. 

Your physical therapist will recommend balance retraining or strengthening exercises to improve lower body strength.

When Do You Need Balance Physical Therapy In Woodstock, GA?

Your physical therapist will recommend balance therapy if you feel like you will fall, especially when standing or walking. You may also get the treatment if you experience confusion and vision changes, like blurry vision. 

You should visit your physical therapist in Woodstock for balance therapy if you have trouble moving safely by yourself, have vertigo, have a history of falling, or have had surgery.

What Does Balance Physical Therapy In Woodstock, GA, Entail?

First, we’ll evaluate your gait to determine potential problems with strength and posture. Simple movements to test balance are also part of the assessment. Together, these basic evaluations point us toward what to focus on in terms of therapy.

Hip and ankle weakness often leads to balance problems, as does poor posture. Strength and flexibility movements can help counteract these problems. These are often as simple as leg lifts while seated in a chair or “knee marching.” We may also practice standing on one leg, walking heel-to-toe, or tracking the movement of your thumb with your eyes as you move it in various positions.

Treatments Used During Physical Therapy Balance In Woodstock, GA

At FYZICAL Therapy & Balance Centers - Hickory Flat, our therapists realize how important balance and walking are for independent living, as well as for work activities, exercise, sports, and enjoying life in general.

That’s why we provide a range of programs and therapies to evaluate and treat balance disorders:

  • Assessment and Evaluation Programs
  • Difficulty Walking
  • Gait Training and Balance Programs
  • Fall Prevention and Balance Retraining
  • Manual Therapy
  • Fitness and Wellness Programs
  • Vestibular Rehab
  • Functional Training

How Are We Different From Others For Balance Therapy In Woodstock, GA?

Regaining your balance and training your gait are essential to us. You can undergo a tailored treatment program that helps you heal and manage the symptoms of balance problems. 

You can schedule a consultation with us in Woodstock, GA. With our dedicated team of physical therapists behind you, you’ll regain confidence in navigating challenging terrain and learning how to avoid dizzy spells. You may even be able to leave that cane or walker behind!

FAQs

What Is Balance Physical Therapy?

Balance physical therapy is a treatment that focuses on improving your posture. This treatment can help identify, diagnose, and treat your balance problems. Your physical therapist will design a customized treatment plan to address your health issues.

Balanced physical therapy aims to reduce your risk of falling and your fear of falling. This treatment can also help to improve your strength, mobility, posture, and flexibility.

What Is Balance Therapy For Vertigo?

Vertigo is when you feel like you are moving or spinning, even when you are not. Because the symptoms of vertigo can be mild or extremely severe, balance therapy is important. 

Balance therapy for vertigo can reduce the symptoms by dealing with balance issues. This therapy involves exercises that train eye movements independent of your head and head movements that cause dizziness. Gradually increasing your exposure to the cause of your vertigo can improve your tolerance and help manage your symptoms.

Can Physical Therapy Improve Balance?

Physical therapy can improve your balance. This treatment involves techniques to improve your balance, strength, and mobility. Your physical therapist will also prescribe exercises that can strengthen the system responsible for balance, also known as the vestibular system.