Balance Training & Fall Prevention

Balance is something most of us take for granted. We’re usually unaware of how many of our body systems participate in keeping us balanced. The eyes, muscles, and inner ear all send signals to the brain, which in turn interpret these signals and tell the body how to move in order to keep balance. The balance system is called the vestibular system, and if your system isn’t working as it should, you may feel dizzy, lightheaded, or unsteady, or you may feel like you’re moving or spinning when you’re not. If these sensations continue for more than a few days, you may have a balance disorder.
Symptoms of balance disorders include:

• Dizziness
• Lightheadedness
• Falling or feeling like you’re going to fall
• Inability to walk straight
• Blurred vision
• Difficulty moving into a standing position
• Nausea or vomiting
• Feelings of disorientation
• Fainting
• Anxiety

If you are experiencing any symptoms of balance disorders, see your doctor right away. When you can’t balance effectively, you’re more likely to fall. And falling can lead to significant injury.

Fall prevention training is often done as part of the physical therapy program, either with balance training or on its own.
A Fall prevention program may help you if you:

• Are at risk of falling or have fallen in the past
• Have weak muscles or limited mobility
• Have trouble walking or being steady when you stand
• Have sensory issues, like vision problems or lower extremity numbness

Your therapist will choose the type of therapy for you based upon your condition, strength, and ability. The length of your treatment will depend upon how quickly you progress. If you are interested in learning more about balance training or fall prevention, call us today!