Balance Therapy
Falls are a constant worry for seniors and other individuals who have physical impairments that affects their balance. And those worries aren’t unfounded: falls are the leading cause of injury-related deaths and a serious health problems in the U.S.
Improving your walking skills — also known as your “gait” — and your balance are key factors of therapy at FYZICAL Therapy & Balance Centers. We help you master these skills to decrease your risk of injury, while at the same time increasing your confidence and functional independence
What are the benefits of balance and gait training?
Balance and gait are inextricably linked because they directly impact one another. Even if you don’t think you’re at risk of falling, what about that “running out of steam” feeling you experience while walking? These symptoms often get dismissed as typical signs of aging; however, the problem may actually be a slowing in your reflexes, which makes moving around seem more strenuous than it is. By the same token, poor posture and gait can further impair those reaction speed and timing of those reflexes.
In fact, the balance and gait systems both rely on a complex number of body systems that include the inner ear, the eyes, the joint-muscle-nerve systems, and cognitive functions. Therapy that improves gait and balance works with all of these systems to helps keep them functioning in harmony.
Gait and balance training has a range of benefits, and avoiding injuries is at the top of the list. Beyond decreasing your chance of falling or feeling dizzy, we also work on improving your confidence with activities that challenge your balance, such as walking on uneven surfaces or at night.
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, we use these findings, as well as our patients’ individual goals, to design a plan of care which details what we will focus on during therapy.
Hip and ankle weakness often leads to balance problems, as well poor posture. Strength and flexibility help counteract these problems. These are often as simple as leg lifts while seated in a chair, or “knee marching.” We may also practice activities like 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 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:
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!