What causes balance disorders?
Our body’s ability to correctly identify and manage our sensations and how we interact with our surrounding environment is the key to keeping our balance.
Any injury or condition (acute or chronic) can impair the regulation of our senses and disrupt our body’s ability to balance.
Balance is usually thought of in two ways, static and dynamic.
- Static balance is the ability to maintain an upright posture with the line of gravity inside the base of support (i.e., standing still)
- Dynamic balance is the ability to maintain stability during changes to the base of support (i.e., moving, walking, running, etc.)
One of the most important systems responsible for our ability to stay balanced is our vestibular system (our inner ear). The vestibular system controls your sense of position, statically and dynamically, and often a vestibular system dysfunction is at the root of many balance issues.
How are balance disorders treated at PhysioPlus Health Group?
Physiotherapy is one of the most effective treatments for all types of balance disorders. Our team is highly skilled at identifying all the factors that may be influencing your balance and addressing each one with the most effective treatments. At your initial evaluation, a thorough assessment will be performed.
At PhysioPlus Health Group, our physiotherapists will thoroughly examine your static and dynamic balance. This will include specific tests for your balance and gait. We will also examine your posture including your natural stance, and typical movement patterns. In addition, we will ask about your past medical history, any injuries (old and new), or any other symptoms you may be experiencing.
A comprehensive clinical risk assessment usually consists of:
- A review of fall history
- An examination of gait, balance, mobility, and muscle weakness
- An assessment of perceived functional ability and fear of falling
- Assessment of visual impairment and effects of corrective eyewear
- Home hazards/environment assessment
- A cardiovascular exam including resting heart rate checks, active heart rate check
- A medication review
The results of your evaluation will help us get to the root of your problem and give us the tools to design a personalized treatment plan. The strategy we use will be based on proven techniques and will be tailored to your specific requirements.
It is estimated that around 50% of all dizziness stems from a problem with your vestibular system. The vestibular system gives our brains vital information about how we move and how our heads are positioned. It also involves motor functions controlling our overall balance, stability, and posture.
A few balance disorders related to the vestibular system include:
- Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV)
- Meniere’s disease
- Vestibular Neuronitis
- Perilymph Fistula
Our vestibular physiotherapists frequently use the following strategies and treatment methods:
Vestibular physiotherapy treatment
Vestibular physiotherapy is a specialized area of physiotherapy that treats balance, dizziness and vertigo disorders. It focuses on retraining the vestibular system through various exercise and hands-on treatment.
If you have a balance or gait problem, our Toronto vestibular physiotherapist will assess your vestibular system to determine if it’s contributing to your balance issues and then teach you specific exercises to improve your balance and stability, reduce dizziness and help you feel more steady on your feet.
Vestibular physiotherapy uses some of the following techniques:
- Specific head positioning techniques
- Balance and coordination training
- Home programs
- Patient Education
Our team uses daily balance training to train the vestibular system, along with exercises that help retrain your eyes and how they perceive the movement around you.
Exercising for strength and mobility
Physical impairments like joint issues or muscle weaknesses can make you unsteady on your feet and lead to loss of balance. Fortunately, these types of conditions respond very well to exercises.
During your assessment, you will also learn about the areas of your body that need strengthening. You will learn muscle-building exercises and targeted mobility training that will make it much easier to move around and reduce your risk of injury.
Our therapists at PhysioPlus Health Group will prescribe balance, coordination, strengthening exercises, and targeted stretches. Our movement techniques can help restore your vestibular system’s functioning and get your balance back on track!
READY TO RECOVER FROM YOUR BALANCE DISORDER?
At our clinic, we are happy to say we can provide you with the right treatment plan for your needs, so you can get back to living your life comfortably!
Are you ready to get back on your feet and decrease your risk of a balance-related injury? If so, contact PhysioPlus Health Group in Toronto to schedule a consultation and start on the road to recovery today!
