Balance is what gives us the ability to walk on two legs and perform our daily routines. Our sense of balance changes over the course of our entire lives. Balance and the vestibular system develop as we grow from a baby all the way through adulthood, and then declines as we get older.
Most people don’t know their balance is not optimum until they suffer a sports injury, trip and fall, or lose their balance in the shower. No matter what your age, balance affects your ability to be active.
Why does our ability to balance decline?
- Changes in our vestibular system
- Changes in muscle mass, flexibility and strength
- Changes in eyesight
- Diminishing reflexes
- Previous injuries to ankle, knee, hip or spinal joints
How balance affects sports performance:
The more aggressive you are in sports, the better your balance and reflexes have to be. Many ankle, knee, hip and back injuries in running, tennis and other sports are attributed to poorly performing balance. By incorporating simple balance exercises into your workout routine, you can set yourself up for success and prevent injuries, as well as enhance your sports performance.
Preventing falls:
According to the Centers For Disease Control (CDC), more than 2.5 million adults were treated for nonfatal injuries in emergency departments in 2013. In older adults, falls are the leading cause of fatal and nonfatal injuries. Most people don’t think about keeping their balance in shape, until it is too late and they fall, fracturing an arm, leg or injuring their back. The good news is that most falls can easily be prevented, simply by regular exercising and challenging your balance system.
How can you improve your balance?
Balance training has been shown to be very effective in challenging the balance system so you are in turn reducing your fall risk. Our physical therapists here at LSTC can evaluate your specific needs and design a program focused on strengthening and balance exercises to improve overall function. Balance training exercises will be used to help the body practice reacting to things that might create balance issues like an uneven walkway or getting pushed suddenly. Strengthening exercises will also prepare the body to better respond and react to a loss of balance and therefore reduce the risk of falling.
Call LSTC today at 703-450-4300 to learn more about our specialized programs and how you can get back to an active, pain-free lifestyle!