We've all been there:
* When you get a spell of dizziness or headache, you close your eyes or keep your head still.
* When you step over an object or onto a curb, you find yourself holding onto something or somebody.
* When you stand up slowly or make sure a part of your body is touching a part of the chair before you start moving.
* When you feel unsteady, you stand with your feet apart or walk with shorter steps.
* When you've been sitting in the car for awhile, you look at something in the car rather than out the window to make you feel less woozy or nauseated.
* When you reach something from a high shelf but don't have the confidence to do that without holding onto something.
* When you start sleeping with the head of your bed elevated because laying flat makes you dizzy.
* When you move slowly because turning quickly will set you off-balance or make you dizzy.
* When you find yourself furniture walking at home to feel more secure and steady going through the house.
These are just some examples of "avoidance behaviors." Avoidance behaviors are things that you do because carrying on normally will cause symptoms. These symptoms can be pain, imbalance, dizziness, insecurity or anxiety. They are great to be used when necessary to keep yourself safe, avoid injury, or prevent falls or dizziness. If they become routine, however, these "avoidance behaviors" should be a signal that lets you know that physical therapy is warranted. If you avoid doing certain things, you won't get the practice. If you don't get the practice, your issue will get worse with time. For instance, if it is pain or disuse on one side, overusing the other side could cause problems. If it is balance or dizziness, the avoidance will cause disuse of normal mobility, which your body needs to stay properly functional and tuned-up. With avoidance behaviors, your body, the motor activity of your eyes, or the vestibular system (inner ear function), it will worsen over time. Also, core and leg strength is likely to decline. This can happen to people in their 30's and 40's. For those who are older, most just will say it just happens with age, and they have to learn to accept it. This is not true! This is common, but not normal. These things can be prevented or improved with the proper exercise, so you can live a happier, fuller life.
In other words, avoidance behaviors will cause decline; appropriate activity or exercise will help you get back on your feet. It's that simple. So, if you find yourself doing some of the above behaviors on a regular basis, do yourself a favor and give us a call. FYZICAL Therapy & Balance Centers was created to help you and get you to live your life more fully and independently. Or, if you would rather send an email - sheri.st.clair@fyzical.com.