Balance Therapy to Prevent Falls and Dizziness
Maintaining our balance is often overlooked until we experience illness or injury. Losing our balance can be a daunting prospect, yet we often neglect to take proactive steps to improve it. Imagine having the confidence to walk downstairs, step up on a curb, or stand up from lying down without being afraid of falling. Bodywise Physical Therapy now has doctors with advanced balance, vestibular, and concussion management certifications. Prevent falls and dizziness with experts with specialty training to help those with balance problems.
How Does Balance Work?
We maintain our balance using our muscles, joints, sense of touch, and vestibular system in our inner ear. If any of these systems is impaired, we may experience dizziness or trouble balancing. Fortunately, there is a fix for poor balance or dizziness. Understanding the root cause of balance problems can bring relief, as it allows for targeted treatment. Multiple systems are often involved, so a careful history is necessary to determine the type of dizziness before initiating further workup.
People With Balance Problems.
According to the APTA (American Physical Therapy Association), balance trouble is the number one reason people over 70 see their doctor. Certain conditions can lead to people developing balance problems. These conditions include but are not limited to
- Concussion
- Stroke
- Parkinson disease
- Multiple sclerosis
- Traumatic brain injury
- Arthritis
- Spinal cord injury
- Cognitive diseases (conditions that affect learning or thinking)
- Diabetes
How Can I Improve My Balance?
Thankfully, treatment for falls and dizziness is available and can quickly improve your balance. Taking charge and actively engaging in your treatment will enhance your balance and confidence through targeted exercises, initially under the guidance of a physical therapist and later at home. The best thing you can do is to keep moving at home and start a program that is specific to your balance impairment. We have specialists with advanced education and experience in managing balance problems. Bodywise Physical Therapy & Wellness has doctors in Stratham, NH, and Epping, NH, who are certified to treat people with balance, vestibular, and concussion issues that result in balance or dizziness.
Tips to Improve Your Balance:
- Strengthen your muscles with resistance training. This includes both legs and arms!
- Scan the area you are in for obstacles and take a mental note of them before proceeding.
- Take up yoga or Tai Chi with a certified instructor.
- Walk more every day. If you are not confident walking, see a physical therapist for a solution.
What Can Bodywise Do to Help?
Balance training is an essential and influential part of fall prevention. The proper home exercises can help strengthen your lower body to promote balance. Also, a specialized home program will reduce the overall risk of falling and other health benefits. According to the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, physical activity, including exercise, reduces falls by 13% to 40% in community‐dwelling older adults.
A doctor of physical therapy will test your balance with an evaluation. With these results, they will recommend appropriate exercises tailored to your specific needs and goals. The doctors at Bodywise have specialty training in balance and vestibular conditions. Seeking out expert help is a crucial step in your journey to better balance. The doctors at Bodywise can provide the support and guidance you need to succeed.
