Balance Therapy Program
Bad falls are a constant worry for seniors and others who have physical challenges. And those worries are not unfounded. Falls are the leading cause of injury-related deaths and serious health problems in the United States.
Improving your walking skills — technically known as your “gait” — and your balance are interrelated challenges. At FYZICAL Therapy and Balance Centers- San Francisco we can help you master the skills you need to decrease your risk of injury, while at the same time helping you increase your confidence and independence.
What are the benefits of balance and gait training?
Balance and gait are inextricably linked. Even if you don’t think you’re at risk of falling, 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 was. Additionally, poor posture and gait can negatively affect those reflexes.
In fact, the balance and gait systems both rely to some extent on a complex number of body systems including the inner ear, the eyes, the joint-muscle-nerve system, and cognitive functions. Therapy that improves gait and balance works with the totality of these systems to keep them functioning in harmony.
Gait and balance training has a range of benefits with avoiding injuries siting at the top of the list. Beyond lessening your chances of falling or feeling dizzy, you are 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 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 - San Francisco, 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 such as:
Ready to “balance” your life again?
With our dedicated 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!
