If You’re at Risk of Falling, Physical Therapy Can Help!
When was the last time you had your balance evaluated? Balance can always be improved at any age; in fact, even those who do not have a balance or gait disorder can suffer from balance-related injuries caused by poor posture or reflexes.
If you frequently notice an imbalance, dizziness, or unsteadiness that makes you feel as if you could fall over at any moment, this could be a sign that you have a balance or gait disorder. The vestibular system is responsible for all balance disorders and issues in general.
In the inner ear, the vestibular system is a delicate collection of fluid-filled chambers and sensory nerves. When your vestibular system, which manages your “proprioception,” or sense of position, is disrupted, it can be difficult to maintain your balance.
Physical therapy, fortunately, is an excellent way to aid in fall prevention and reduce your risk of sustaining a fall-related injury. If you’ve been having trouble with your balance, contact our Missoula, MT physical therapy clinic. Our team at Element Physical Therapy can help you figure out what’s wrong and treat it properly!
How do I know if I need to work on my balance?
“Falls and poor bone health are major causes of disability and accidental home deaths in the older population,” according to Physiopedia.
“Many of the interventions provided through physiotherapy can be administered in different settings and can modify the risk and help to prevent future falls, according to research into causative factors and fall prevention. There is a noticeable trend of increasing falls in the elderly population, and these have been recorded as common causes of hospitalization.”
It can be difficult to tell if your balance needs to be improved at times. When the following activities become difficult, most patients notice a change in their balance:
- Stepping over a curb
- Going up or down stairs (especially while holding objects)
- Taking a shower
- Fatiguing after a walk down the block
- Bending over to pick up an object
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), over 2.5 million adults were treated in emergency departments for nonfatal injuries in 2013. Falls are the leading cause of fatal and nonfatal injuries in the elderly. Most people do not consider maintaining their balance until it is too late and they suffer a severe fall.
The good news is that most falls are easily avoidable by regularly exercising your balance system. If you have recently suffered a balance-related injury, it is critical that you seek the assistance of a physical therapist as soon as possible to avoid further injuries. It is also important to note that if you have any of the following symptoms, you should see a physical therapist:
- Dizziness or vertigo (“spinning” sensations, even when remaining still).
- Inability to focus or remain alert.
- Double vision or tunnel vision.
- Nausea or vomiting.
- Arm or leg weakness.
- Abnormal eye movements.
- Difficulty standing up from a seated position or standing for prolonged periods of time.
What’s causing my balance issues?
Several factors can have an effect on your balance. Here are a few examples:
- Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV).
- Meniere’s disease.
- Vestibular neuritis.
- Migraines.
- Poor posture.
- Injury or ailment.
- Neurological issues, such as brain injuries, stroke, or Parkinson’s disease.
The nature of your treatment plan will be determined by the source of your balance problem. When you arrive for your appointment, your physical therapist will conduct a thorough examination to determine the nature of your condition and the best course of treatment for your specific needs. They will perform a Fall Risk Assessment to determine where your problems are and how they can be addressed.
In any case, all treatment plans will include specific balance exercises and stretches to help improve your core, vestibular system, and overall proprioception. Vestibular rehabilitation and videonystagmography may also be included in your treatment plan, depending on your condition.
Get started with Element Physical Therapy today!
Are you ready to get back on your feet and reduce your chances of suffering from a balance-related injury? To learn more about our fall prevention services, please contact our Missoula, MT office today!