Balance Therapy
Bad falls are a constant worry for seniors, those who have physical challenges, and others who live in areas that get ice and snow. 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 your balance are interrelated challenges. At FYZICAL Therapy & Balance Centers we help you master these skills to decrease your risk of injury, while at the same time increasing your confidence and independence.
What are the benefits of balance and gait training?
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 aging muscles could be something else. The problem might actually be slowing reflexes, which make moving around seem more strenuous than it is. By the same token, poor posture and gait can throw off those reflexes.
In fact, 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 of course cognitive functions. Therapy that improves gait and balance works with all of these systems to keep them functioning in harmony.
Gait and balance training has a range of benefits, with avoiding injuries being 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 as well.
What does balance and gait training 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 in the direction of 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.
At FYZICAL Bridgeville, our therapists realize how important balance and walking is 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:
We use a proprietary Safety Overhead System (SOS) Track And Harness System, which consists of a high-performance, overhead track and trolley mounted to the ceiling. An attached harness protects patients from falling, which helps instill confidence.
The SOS provides support for a patient during all aspects of physical therapy, including sit-to-stand, walking therapy, balance training, and climbing stairs.
Patients using the SOS Fall Protection And Balance System during gait, balance, or strength training will be able to experience a level of independence they've never felt before!
Here are some of the benefits patients can experience:
- Eliminates the fear of falling down
- Gives patients a boost of confidence
- Allows patients to challenge themselves with advanced therapies
- Creates a safe environment for balance, strength, and gait training
- Builds Confidence
- 100% safety from any fall related injuries
It can be used with virtually any type of patient who is at risk of falling or just needs some extra confidence to reach their next milestone.
There are many different types of patients who could benefit from using this system:
- Neurological Disorders
- Balance Disorders
- Geriatrics
- Bariatrics
- Pediatrics
- Amputees
- High Performance Athletes
- Adaptive Athletes
- Anyone at risk of falling
Ready to “balance” your life again?
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!
FYZICAL Bridgeville is located in South Fayette Township. Make an appointment with us today!