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Balance Therapy

Balance Therapy in Scottsdale AZ

Many times, a balance therapy program will be the only treatment you need for your dizziness or gait issues. Other times, this is a vital part of a comprehensive recovery treatment plan. 

Our Balance Therapy Program

Bad falls are a constant worry for seniors and others who are dealing with physical challenges. And those worries aren’t unfounded. Falls are the leading cause of injury-related deaths and serious health problems in the US, and South Scottsdale is no different. 

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

If you have struggled with balance problems in Scottsdale for too long and you want answers, you are probably wondering if you could benefit from going to physical therapy. The answer is: Most likely, yes!

Benefits of Balance and Gait Training in South Scottsdale AZ

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.

In most cases, if you continue to do the exercises you have learned, your dizziness and balance problems will decrease significantly or even completely disappear.

What Types of Exercises Will You Learn in a Balance Physical Therapy Program?

Your physical therapist will determine the right combination of treatment and exercises for you. You will receive specific instructions and assistance with several components to ensure the success of your treatment sessions. 

Examples of exercises your physical therapist may include in your recovery plan are:

  • Balance retraining
  • Ergonomic training to reduce contributing factors
  • General fitness exercises
  • Neck mobility
  • Neck stretching exercises
  • Posture training
  • Stretching and strengthening exercises
  • Vision stability training
  • Walking exercises

What to Expect at Balance Physical Therapy Sessions

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 Therapy & Balance Centers, our therapists realize how important balance and walking are 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:

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

What do You Need to Bring to Balance Therapy?

During the initial assessment, your Physical Therapist at FYZICAL Therapy & Balance Centers will ask you about your situation. Be ready to explain your previous medical and surgical history. If you have any relevant scan or MRI reports, bring those and a list of your current medications (or bring the medications themselves.)

How Many Balance Physical Therapy Sessions Do You Need?

Of course, everyone is different, so the number of treatments varies depending on the problem and individual. After your assessment, your physical therapist discusses the treatment plan, which includes an estimate of the number of sessions you’ll need. 

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!

Are you concerned about your balance, or have you been diagnosed with a balance disorder? Our Physical Therapists at FYZICAL Therapy & Balance Centers - South Scottsdale can help. If you are unsure if physical therapy is right for you, we’re here to help. Contact us for an assessment, after which you’ll know for sure. 

Our physical therapists help hundreds of people overcome balance problems with customized treatment plans. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.

Balance Physical Therapy FAQs

What is balance therapy?

You may know balance therapy as vestibular rehabilitation therapy. This specialized type of physical therapy uses hands-on therapy and exercises to help improve balance problems and reduce the risk of falls.

What therapy is best for balance?

To improve your balance and ability to stand, walk and sit confidently, physical therapy is the best therapy option. Specialized physical therapists begin by conducting a comprehensive evaluation that checks your balance, stance, gait, medical history, and symptoms before designing a customized physical therapy program.

Is there physical therapy for balance issues?

Absolutely, yes! Physical therapists with specialized training in vestibular and balance issues identify the causes of your symptoms and create a tailored physical therapy treatment plan. Patients improve their balance, increase strength, and prevent falls.