How Physical Therapy Can Help Improve Your Balance
Do you frequently feel wobbly or off-balance? Do you worry about falling? Balance disorders affect approximately 15% of adults and can significantly impact your day-to-day life. Physical therapy at COAST Rehab offers evidence-based solutions for individuals struggling with balance-related issues.
While people of any age can develop a balance disorder, they are more prevalent among older adults, with women slightly more affected than men. Individuals with pre-existing health conditions, such as diabetes, hypertension, and arthritis, are also at a higher risk.
Balance disorders can manifest in different ways, depending on the cause of the disorder and whether it affects your inner ear, brain, musculoskeletal system, or a combination of all three. Here are some of the symptoms to look out for, although keep in mind they do vary from person to person:
- Unsteadiness
- Dizziness
- Vertigo (a sensation of spinning or movement when the body is still)
- Difficulty walking
- Falls
- Lightheadedness
- Blurred vision
- Difficulty focusing on moving objects
- Difficulty coordinating movements
Depending on their symptoms and severity, balance disorders often limit your daily activities, making it difficult for you to complete household chores, safely get around your house, or participate in your favorite leisure activities.
At COAST Rehab, we take a results-oriented approach to physical therapy. We pull from the latest research to ensure our personalized treatment approaches are proven and up-to-date. Our goal is to help enhance your balance, reduce your risk of falls, and restore your confidence in movement.
Don’t let balance issues keep you from living a healthy, active lifestyle. Request an appointment and take the first step towards better balance today!
Common Causes of Balance and Stability Disorders
The first step in addressing your issues with balance and stability is to identify what’s causing it. Several conditions can cause balance disorders; estimates suggest that they can affect as many as 40% of Americans at some point in their lives!
While age is a significant factor in developing a balance disorder, other factors come into play, too. Here are some of the most common causes of balance disorders:
Vestibular Disorders
Vestibular disorders occur when the inner ear’s balance system is disrupted. Because the inner ear plays a prominent role in our ability to balance, several inner ear conditions can cause dizziness and vertigo. Here are some common inner ear disorders:
- Vestibular neuritis
- Bilateral vestibulopathy
- Paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV)
- Meniere’s disease
- Labyrinthitis
Neurological Conditions
Stroke, Parkinson’s disease, and multiple sclerosis are all neurological conditions that can cause balance disorders. These conditions can impair coordination, muscle weakness, and sensory deficits, leading to a loss of balance.
Musculoskeletal Issues
Muscle weakness and joint instability can contribute to balance problems. Conditions such as osteoarthritis, muscle atrophy, or injuries can affect the body’s ability to maintain balance and stability.
Age-Related Balance Decline
As we age, changes in our sensory systems, muscle strength, and reaction time can lead to a decline in balance and an increased risk of falls.
The physical therapists at COAST Rehab will help you find an effective treatment solution for your balance issues, regardless of the root cause. Our team of experts will consider your condition, symptoms, and medical history in developing a personalized treatment plan designed to get you results.
With proven treatment techniques like strength training, vestibular rehabilitation, lifestyle modifications, and more, we’ll help you regain your balance and confidence.
Schedule a consultation with our expert physical therapists today!
Find Your Balance Again With Physical Therapy
When you come in for your initial consultation, our experts will thoroughly evaluate your balance loss so we can provide the best possible treatment. We’ll begin by reviewing your medical history, pre-existing conditions, injuries, medications, and balance-related symptoms.
But we don’t just perform a medical history. We’ll also perform several movement screens, including gait analysis, balance, and coordination tests. These screens help us identify any underlying issues, such as muscle weakness, mobility loss, or sensory deficits that could be contributing to your balance disorder.
Once we have a complete picture of your condition, we’ll develop a customized treatment plan using proven, scientifically-backed techniques. While these plans will vary based on your particular conditions and symptoms, you can expect them to include one or more of the following:
- Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT): VRT is a specialized form of physical therapy designed to address balance issues related to inner ear disorders. VRT involves exercises and activities that help retrain the brain to process information more effectively, reducing dizziness, vertigo, and other symptoms.
- Strength and Conditioning Exercises: Weak or imbalanced muscles can contribute to balance problems. We’ll prescribe targeted exercises to strengthen key muscle groups and improve overall stability.
- Gait Training: Gait training focuses on improving walking patterns and minimizing the risk of falls. If necessary, we might recommend using assistive devices, such as canes or walkers, to enhance stability during the retraining process.
- Balance Training Exercises: Physical therapists incorporate balance exercises, such as single-leg stands, tandem walking, or balance board activities, to improve an individual’s ability to maintain stability during daily activities.
- Education: Finally, we’ll provide you with detailed information and strategies for managing your balance disorder outside our clinic, such as creating a safe home environment, correctly using assistive devices, and performing prescribed exercises consistently.
With the help of our skilled physical therapists in Manasquan, Toms River and Freehold, NJ, you can regain your stability, confidence, and independence–so you can safely return to the activities you love.
Reach out to us to schedule your comprehensive balance assessment at our clinic today!
Your Next Steps…
Request An Appointment
Receive A Custom Treatment Plan
Work Hard and Progress In Your Recovery
Recover & Enjoy Life Pain-Free!