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Balance Therapy Program

Balance Therapy Program

Balance Therapy Program

Balance Disorders

Vestibular conditions such as vertigo, dizziness, and disorientation are side-effects that tend to affect patients who are suffering from balance-related disorders. Customarily, geriatric patients are more susceptible to experiencing complications related to maintaining balance. However, balance disorders can affect patients of all age groups, and these conditions are never to be taken lightly.

Symptoms

For most patients, dizziness and other conditions tend to crop up when standing for a prolonged period. Symptoms can also develop when you are lying or sitting down, with sensations that feel as though you’re spinning or floating. Vertigo is commonly referred to as an intense feeling of dizziness, that often seems as though it’s never-ending. Other potential symptoms of a balance disorder can include the following: 
  • Sensations of spinning or dizziness – which can be due to vertigo.
  • Inability to keep your balance when walking. Constantly staggering your feet. 
  • Falling sensations when moving. 
  • Inexplicable lightheadedness, or feeling as though you’re about to faint. 
  • A spontaneous blurring of your vision. 
More severe symptoms can include nausea or vomiting, perhaps even increased anxiety or panic. Despite the troublesome conditions of balance disorders, efforts can be made to maintain your ability to stay on your feet. Consider regular household changes, such as increasing the lighting in your home or wearing comfortable fitting shoes. Your physical therapist can even recommend the use of assistive devices or balance training methods that will put your mind at ease.

Causes

Unfortunately, many balance disorders tend to develop suddenly without any warning. Potential causes can include complications from a head injury or low blood pressure. Communicate with your physical therapist and accurately describe your symptoms to them. By doing so, they’ll be able to formulate a personalized treatment plan that is capable of tackling your specific condition. FYZICAL Buffalo has professionals who are certified to help you lead a pain-free life. If you’re in the area and suffering from vestibular conditions, don’t delay making an appointment today!
Balance and gait problems can stem from a variety of conditions including orthopedic imbalances or weakness, neurological disorders and inner ear issues. At FYZICAL, we know that balance is core to your wellness. Our skilled team will identify and address the root cause of your imbalance to help you restore your physical stability and coordination while regaining your control and independence.

Poor balance or gait can lead to falls, and falling is a constant worry for seniors and others who have physical challenges. These worries are not unwarranted, as falls are the leading cause of injury-related deaths and serious health problems in the United States.

Benefits of Balance & Gait Training

Balance and gait training works with your neurological, musculoskeletal, and sensory systems to keep them functioning together properly.

With the help of our dedicated team of physical therapists at FYZICAL, you’ll regain your confidence in navigating difficult terrain and learn how to avoid dizzy spells.

Balance and gait training provides a range of health benefits, including:
  • Helps to maintain your independence and carry out your daily activities with less difficulty
  • Reduces your risk of falling and injuries
  • Improves your mobility, stability, and flexibility
  • Strengthens the muscles of your core, lower back, and legs
  • Improves your posture
  • Reduces aches and pains
  • Enhances your athletic performance
  • Reduces your dizziness symptoms
  • Improves your vision stability
  • Improves your confidence navigating difficult terrain
If you or a loved one is concerned about imbalance or could benefit from gait retraining, please contact us today.

The Relationship Between Balance & Gait

Improving your walking skills — technically known as your “gait” — and your balance are interrelated challenges. At FYZICAL, we help you master these skills to decrease your risk of injury while at the same time increasing your confidence and independence.

Balance and gait are two aspects of movement that depend on the interaction of several systems in your body, including:
  • Neurological system - including your brain and nervous systems. Your neurological system controls both the voluntary and involuntary movements of your muscles and the sensory input and feedback from your eyes, ears, and skin. Your neurological system also helps to maintain your posture, coordination, and reflexes, which are crucial for balance and gait.
  • Musculoskeletal system - including your muscles, bones, and connective tissues. Your musculoskeletal system provides structure and support for your body and also allows for movement. Your musculoskeletal system also provides flexibility and stability for your joints, which are crucial for balance and gait.
  • Sensory systems - including the visual (eyes), vestibular (inner ear), and proprioceptive (receptors in the muscles, ligaments, tendons, and joints) systems. Your sensory systems provide information about your body’s position and movement relative to your environment.
These systems need to be functioning together properly to provide you with optimal balance and normal gait. Many conditions, such as arthritis, Meniere’s disease, peripheral neuropathy, and stroke, can interfere with these systems and cause balance and gait disorders.

FYZICAL offers a variety of services to evaluate and treat balance and gait disorders, including:

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