A balance problem is not a diagnosis in itself but is usually the result of some other underlying diagnosis. It is critical to understand how the systems of the body work together to maintain balance and prevent falls. Second, it is important to know what to do when one (or several) components of this system are not functioning properly.
How We Handle
Balance Treatments ?
We understand the importance of balance and how it can affect your life. That’s why our treatment approach focuses on getting you back to being comfortable on your feet as quickly as possible. We do this with a serious focus on getting the most work done during your sessions Getting you back to a comfortable life is our one and only focus.
What Can Cause a Balance Problem?
Balance disorders occur when any part of the motor, sensory, or integration center in the brain is damaged. Many factors can cause problems in your balance system. A thorough evaluation by a physical therapist can help to identify systems that are not working properly and to provide the best treatment for YOUR balance problems.
Brain Lesions
Lesions in the brain and spinal cord occur with certain neurologic conditions (multiple sclerosis, devics disease, etc). Depending on the location of the lesions, can determine the severity of the balance impairment.
Medication
Some medications can cause a condition called orthostatic hypotension, a drop in blood pressure when moving from sitting to standing. This sudden drop in blood pressure can cause dizziness, visual disturbance, and/or lightheadedness which may lead to balance issues.
Peripheral Nerve Injury
Your peripheral nerves are fragile and easily damaged. If this damage occurs, it affects the communication to your muscles and can cause balance issues.
Peripheral Neuropathy
Sensory information about the surface underneath our feet or a change in the surface either does not get to the brain or is delayed and therefore the brain’s ability to coordinate a motor response is either delayed or does not occur at all.
Vestibular Impairments
The inner ear has a special sensory organ which detects a change in head position. With damage to this organ cause our brain to receive inaccurate information which causes an inaccurate balance response.
Aging
Changes can occur in this system due to the normal aging process. Complicating factors that are part of the normal aging process include changes in our vision, sensation, hearing, and reaction time.
Our Balance Treatment Approaches
Vestibular Rehabilitation
The cause of the balance problem may be due to a problem with the vestibular system (complex system in the inner ear that responds to head and eye movement to maintain balance). This may causes dizzyness, and the sensation that the room is spinning when the head moves in and out of certain positions. A physical therapist can perform specific repositioning maneuvers to treat the condition.
Habituation Exercises
A physical therapist can identify what part of the complex balance system is not functioning properly. Once these areas are identified, the therapist will incorporate specific combinations of head and eye movements to improve reaction time when a loss of balance occurs and to teach your body how to respond appropriately. The goal is that the body will become better at responding in a timely and appropriate manner to prevent a fall.
Static and Dynamic Balance Exercises
This involves static and dynamic standing in various conditions such as uneven and unfamiliar surfaces. This strengthens the balance and vestibular centers in the brain to work better. At REBALANCE Therapy, we take it one step further by developing a treatment plan that will incorporate activities and situations that are different and unique to each person.
Stretching and Strengthening Exercises
Impaired balance can also be the result of weak muscles, poor muscle flexibility, or generalized de-conditioning. These issues can also be addressed with strengthening and stretching the involved muscles. We can handle this for you through tested exercises and training sessions at your own pace.