Balance
Balance problems can make you afraid of falling, and lead to serious injuries if you do fall. At their offices in Downtown Washington DC, the Sports Therapy and Rehabilitation team provides specialized therapy for balance problems that can improve your confidence and stop you from having falls. To find out more about the benefits of their Balance Program, call today or book an appointment online.
Why do people have problems with balance?
There are many reasons why people have balance problems. In some cases, it’s due to a balance disorder that affects your brain, inner ears, or eyes, all of which play important roles in balance.
Inner ear diseases and infections are frequent causes of balance problems, dizziness, and vertigo — the feeling that the room is spinning around you. Neurological conditions like Parkinson’s disease can also affect your balance.
In many cases, balance problems relate to your musculoskeletal system. You might have difficulties balancing because of issues with your spine or joints, for instance.
Balance is a particular concern for older people, who are more likely to have degenerative conditions like arthritis and osteoporosis, and weaker muscles.
Why is balance so important?
Having a balance problem could lead to falls, which can cause serious injuries. One-third of people 65 or over experience falls every year, and in those over 85, falls are the primary cause of injuries and accidental deaths.
Furthermore, feeling unbalanced is an unpleasant experience and can lead to a fear of falling. If you’re worried you might fall, it makes you less able to stay physically active. Unfortunately, lack of exercise makes you weaker and more likely to fall.
Other risk factors for falls include vision problems, taking four or more medications, and having conditions like diabetes and stroke.
How are balance problems treated?
The physical therapists at Sports Therapy and Rehabilitation are experts in evaluating and treating movement and balance problems. They assess your balance, strength, medical history, and risk of falls before creating a treatment plan for you.
The Sports Therapy and Rehabilitation team can help with a variety of balance problems caused by joint, muscle, and nervous system disorders with their Better Balance Program.
Balance retraining uses specialized exercises that strengthen your connective tissues and help you learn to balance more effectively. Pilates can also help restore your balance.
Physical therapy helps you stay physically active and avoid falls. Gait training improves the way you walk and increases your stability. It also strengthens weak muscles, improves your posture, and makes your joints more flexible.
Your therapist might also recommend changing your footwear or having custom orthotics (shoe inserts) to improve your balance.
If you’re experiencing balance problems, get expert help from the team at Sports Therapy and Rehabilitation. Call their office, or book an appointment online today.
To learn more about balance and physical therapy, see our blog post here: 4 Simple Steps to Prevent Falls