Physical therapists are movement experts. They improve quality of life through hands on care, patient education and prescribed movement no matter what the diagnosis is. If you are losing your balance and are feeling frustrated, keep reading. Physical Therapy might be the place for you!
Are you noticing that you are having a hard time sitting or standing upright, feel like you are falling over when walking and just not as stable as you use to be? You may have a balance problem. These issues can be static (losing balance while you are sitting or standing still) or dynamic (when you move or try to do more than one thing at a time). Luckily for you, our movement experts at Loudoun Sports Therapy can help you gain your confidence back!
What causes balance problems?
These problems can be caused by several different reasons ranging simply from normal aging, lack of movement or from varying medical conditions. Other reasons may include but are not limited to:
- Muscle weakness
- Inner ear problems
- Lack of physical activity
- Stroke
- Parkinson’s
- Arthritis
- MS
- Certain medications
- Poor circulation
How is a balance problem diagnosed?
They can be diagnosed by going to see a physical therapist. During your initial evaluation, there will be multiple tests and measures preformed to look at your strength and do standardize balance tests that will determine if you are at an increased risk for falls. These tests may include but are not limited to:
- Single leg balance test
- Tandem balance test
- TUG test
- Berg balance scale
- Visual tracking
- Coordination
- Muscle testing (strength)
How can physical therapy actually help me with these things?
After you come to your initial evaluation and the PT figures out what is going on and causing your balance dysfunction, the fun begins! Your plan of care will depend on what is causing the problem and will always focus on the deficits and challenges you have and working towards reaching your goals.
Things you will be working on at physical therapy may include:
- Strengthening
- Stretching
- Visual tracking tasks
- Inner ear training
- Proprioception
- Multitasking
- Balance
What can I expect to gain from going to physical therapy?
If you are on the fence about whether physical therapy will help you with your balance dysfunction, listed below are some of the things you can expect to gain from going to PT.
- Reducing risk for falls
- Increasing confidence in yourself
- Increasing strength and flexibility
- Being able to live a life without fear or hesitation
- Be able to go to your kids or grandkids sports and activities
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