Balance Therapy

Balance Therapy is A Solution for Your Fall Risk Patients

By Andrew Longley DPT

At Fyzical in Londonderry NH we specialize in balance therapy. We utilize an overhead safety overhead support system on a rail and with single point fixations so that patients can practice balancing in a safe and free of fear of falling atmosphere. This allows them to push their vestibular, sensory, and vision systems so that they can get adaptation to improve their balance.

On day one we will utilize a paper version of the Clinical Test of Sensory Interaction on Balance, CTSIB, test to help us identify which sensory system is weak and which one is being depended upon. Typically most patients are vision and or sensory dependent , meaning they rely on their eyesight or the touch and feel of their feet to the floor. Based on the patient's score on the CTSIB, we can then utilize our copyrighted framework to help identify the proper point to start a patient.The higher the initial score will result in a greater initial challenge. For example a falls risk senior may start standing while holding the back of a chair and practicing different head positions, while an athlete who suffered a concussion may start on a complaint surface , such as a foam pad. 

If you are depending more on your visual system we will gradually disrupt your vision and challenge your sensory and vestibular systems more to help them adapt and become stronger at sensing your body position.With more severe imbalance, tests may include closing your eyes as you sit in a chair without back or arm support, or lie down with eyes closed. For more advanced patients that are visually dependent they may start standing or walking with their eyes closed attached to our safety overhead support system. As we progress we may start using visual conflicts such as virtual reality or gaze stabilization exercises to disrupt your vision.

If you're more surface dependent we will disrupt your surface to ground connection by using narrow stances or compliant surfaces. We will use cones, foam pads, balance boards, stability balls, trampoline, and our patented shuttle system. Then the next progression may be using a narrow stance on a compliant surface.

Balance therapy at Fyzical Therapy and Balance Center utilizing our copyrighted frameworks and overhead support system is truly a unique service for the southern New Hampshire community. We plan to help fall risk patients, concussed athletes, people suffering from vertigo/dizziness, and people with musculoskeletal balance disorder such as knee pain, foot pain, etc. Please stop in for a free consultation or falls risk assessment!