Physiotherapy Can Help You Reduce Your Risk of Falling
When was the last time you had your balance checked? No matter what age you are, your balance can always be improved– in fact, even those who do not live with a balance or gait disorder can still suffer from balance-related injuries that occur from poor posture or reflexes.
However, if you frequently notice an imbalance, dizziness, or unsteadiness that makes you feel as if you may fall over at any given time, it is a sign that you may be living with a balance or gait disorder. Balance disorders and balance issues in general stem from the vestibular system.
The vestibular system is a delicate collection of fluid-filled chambers and sensory nerves located in the inner ear. Your vestibular system helps manage your “proprioception,” or sense of position, and when this is altered, it can be challenging to keep yourself steady.
Fortunately, physiotherapy is a great way to help with fall prevention and reduce your risk of sustaining a fall-related injury. If you have been noticing issues with your balance, contact our physiotherapy clinic so we can help you figure out the root of your problem and treat it accordingly!
Do I need to improve my balance?
As stated by Physiopedia, “Falls and poor bone health are major causes of disability and accidental home deaths in the older population. Research into causative factors and prevention of falls show that many of the interventions provided through physiotherapy, or physiotherapy as part of a team, can be administered in different settings, and can modify the risk and help to prevent future falls. There is a notable trend of increasing falls in the older population, and these have been recorded as being common causes for admission into hospitals.”
It can sometimes be difficult to determine if your balance is in need of improvement. Most patients notice a change in their balance when the following activities become difficult:
- Stepping over a curb
- Going up or downstairs (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 for nonfatal injuries in emergency departments in 2013. In older adults, falls are the leading cause of fatal and nonfatal injuries. Most people don’t think about keeping their balance in shape until it is too late and they suffer a harsh fall.
The good news is that most falls can easily be prevented simply by regular exercising of your balance system. If you have recently sustained a balance-related injury, it is important to seek the help of a physiotherapist immediately to avoid additional injuries in the future. It is important to note that you should also contact a physiotherapist if you have any of the following symptoms:
- 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.
Why do I have balance issues?
Several factors can impact your balance. Just a few include:
- 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 makeup of your treatment plan will be dependent upon the origin of your balance issue. When you arrive for your appointment, your physiotherapist will walk you through a comprehensive exam in order to gauge the nature of your condition and figure out the best course of treatment for your needs. They will conduct a Fall Risk Assessment to see where your problem areas are and how they can be helped.
Whatever the case may be, all treatment plans will contain targeted balance exercises and stretches to help improve your core, vestibular system, and overall proprioception. Depending on your condition, vestibular rehabilitation may also be included in your treatment plan.
Ready to find your balance? Get started today!
Are you ready to get back on your feet and decrease your risk of sustaining a balance-related injury? For more information on Special Program – Dizziness, Vertigo, and Balance Clinic, contact us today to get started!