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Balance Therapy

Balance Therapy in Towne Lake Woodstock, GA

Many of us spend most of our lives without giving much thought to how we walk, not until something affects that ability. That’s why bad falls are a constant worry for seniors and others with physical challenges. And those worries aren’t unfounded. Falls are the leading cause of injury-related deaths and serious health problems in the U.S.

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

What Is Balance Therapy in Towne Lake, GA?

Balance Physical Therapy in Towne Lake, GA, entails exercises for seniors or people who suffer from injuries or diseases that affect their ability to walk, e.g., Stroke, Parkinson’s Disease, Multiple Sclerosis, Vehicle or Motorcycle accidents. Gait training exercises are a core part of this therapy, and many professionals refer to them as balance and gait training exercises.

The goal of therapy is simple. We prioritize an individual-based approach and will tailor your treatment to suit your needs. Why do we build balance? Think about it. Half of the time we spend walking is spent on one foot. Hence, you need to be able to stand on one foot without falling. Gait refers to our manner of walking, from the moment you lift your foot off the ground, take a step forward, land the foot, and lift it again. 

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 ageing 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.

What Are the Benefits of Physical Therapy Balance in Towne Lake, GA?

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. 

Another significant benefit of balance and gait training is improved muscle tone and flexibility. Muscle stiffness and reduced tone are common experiences for people with difficulty walking, especially those who suffer from diseases like stroke. Gait training takes that away and also improves the pain from the condition.

Gait training also helps to improve the range of motion at the joints that aid walking- hip, knee, and ankle. It’s all interconnected- flexible and well-toned muscles of the thigh and legs make mobility at the joint better. Consequently, walking is easier.

Physical therapy balance in Towne Lake, GA, will ultimately result in stronger muscles- an essential factor in gait and balance. Lastly, these exercises improve coordination as you get increasingly confident in your steps when you can hold your weight and shift it from side to side.

What Can You Expect at Balance Physical Therapy in Towne Lake, GA?

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.

Gait training typically includes monitored walking on a treadmill. Sometimes, our professionals may throw in a harness for support. Another method is using parallel bars set at either side of your waist so you can support your weight with your arms as you walk.  Muscle strength is key too, so we can recommend ankle pumps, hip rotations, stepping over progressively larger objects, climbing a flight of stairs, and hamstring stretches, among other exercises.

To build balance, standing on one leg on even surfaces, then unsteady surfaces, then with your eyes closed will do the trick.

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:

  1. Assessment and Evaluation Programs
  2. Difficulty Walking
  3. Gait Training and Balance Programs
  4. Fall Prevention and Balance Retraining
  5. Manual Therapy
  6. Fitness and Wellness Programs
  7. Vestibular Rehab
  8. Functional Training

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!

Frequently Asked Questions

What Therapy Is Best for Balance?

The best therapy for balance includes gait training and balance programs, vestibular rehab, and functional training, among others. However, the most important thing is to see a professional who will diagnose your balance issues and create a tailored treatment plan.

What Does a Balance Therapist Do?

A balance therapist will evaluate your balance problems and relevant medical history, perform tests to determine the nature and extent of your condition, and prescribe a treatment plan. Sometimes, they may collaborate with doctors or other health professionals who may perform further evaluation to diagnose the problem.

What is The Best Physical Therapy For Balance Issues?

The best physical therapy for balance issues includes assessment and evaluation programs, exercises that improve balance and gait, vestibular rehabilitation, fall prevention, and balance retraining.