Are you noticing that you are having a hard time standing upright? Do you feel unsteady when walking and not as stable as you used to be? You may be having a balance problem. If you are losing your balance and are feeling frustrated, physical therapy may be the right place for you.
What Causes Balance Problems?
Balance problems are typically caused by several different reasons. Here is a list of reasons that may contribute to balance impairments:
- Muscle Weakness
- Inner Ear Impairments
- Lack of Physical Activity
- Normal Aging
- Stroke
- Parkinson’s Disease
- Arthritis
- Poor Circulation
- Decreased Proprioception
How Do Physical Therapists Test for Balance Problems?
Balance issues can be diagnosed with a variety of tests that look at strength and other factors that contribute to balance problems. These tests will be used to determine if you are at an increased risk for falls. Balance tests include:
- Visual Tracking
- Single Leg Balance Test
- Gait Analysis
- Tandem Balance Test
- Rhomberg’s Balance Test
- Berg Balance Scale
- Visual Tracking
- Coordination
- Manual Muscle Tests
What to Expect From Physical Therapy?
Your Physical Therapist will determine which factors are contributing to your balance dysfunction. The plan of care will be based around the deficits found. Some things that you will be working on in physical therapy include:
- Balance Activities Challenging Base of Support
- Visual Tracking Tests
- Strengthening
- Inner Ear Training
- Proprioception Training
- Gait Training
How Does Physical Therapy Help?
Physical Therapy can help:
- Reduce Risk for Falls
- Improve Steadiness and Confidence During Functional Activities
- Increase Strength and Flexibility
- Decrease Dizziness
If you are tired of dealing with balance problems, a trained physical therapist can guide you in a treatment plan to improve your steadiness and decrease your fear of falling. Call Respire Physical Therapy at 703-671-1871 or click here to schedule an initial evaluation. Get a personalized plan of care that will help you get back to a life without fear!
Tags: Fall Risk, choosept, arlingtonva, alexandriava, fallschurchva, movement freedom, ptworks, Physical Therapy, gait training, Respire Physical Therapy, balance training, physical therapist
