Vestibular neuritis is a disorder characterized by inflammation of the vestibular nerve, which is responsible for transmitting balance-related signals from the inner ear to the brain. This condition typically presents with a sudden onset of severe vertigo, often accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and imbalance, but notably without hearing loss. It is usually caused by a
Walking may seem effortless, but it is actually one of the most complex movements your body performs. Every step involves a finely tuned sequence of muscle activations, joint movements, and balance adjustments. As physical therapists, we analyze these gait patterns. Understanding your gait pattern allows us to understand how your body moves, identify inefficiencies, and
Diabetic neuropathy is a type of nerve damage that occurs as a complication of diabetes, often due to prolonged high blood sugar levels. It primarily affects the peripheral nerves, which are responsible for transmitting sensory information to and from the brain and spinal cord. This condition can lead to symptoms such as tingling, numbness, pain,
Winter brings cold weather, snow, and ice—but unfortunately, it also brings an increased risk of injuries. From shoveling heavy snow to slipping on icy sidewalks, many of us find ourselves dealing with strains, sprains, and other injuries during the colder months. Here’s a look at some of the most common winter injuries and how physical
Reactive balance is the ability to recover your balance quickly when something unexpected happens, like tripping, slipping, or losing your footing. It’s different from planned movements because reactive balance requires you to respond fast and automatically to keep from falling. Your brain, muscles, and senses work together to help you regain stability in these sudden
When healthy, it’s easy to take our ability to walk without difficulty for granted. We may be able to walk several hours without issue. However, as our habits change and as we age, we may notice greater difficulties with walking even shorter distances. People can develop difficulty with walking due to a number of reasons,
Ensuring a safe environment at home is crucial, especially for those seeking to prevent falls. In this blog post, we’ll explore five practical ways to minimize fall risk and promote a secure living space. Clear Pathways: One of the simplest yet most effective measures is to declutter living spaces. Remove any obstacles or items that
Biomechanical factors can significantly impede a person’s ability to navigate stairs. Musculoskeletal issues such as joint stiffness, reduced range of motion, or muscle weakness can make it difficult to lift the legs and generate sufficient force to climb stairs. Balance deficits, whether due to vestibular dysfunction or proprioceptive impairment, increase the risk of falls during
Many people heavily focus on strength training and/or cardio exercise to improve their fitness and overall sport performance. These are both key components that can help performance, but there is one other type of training that has been shown to be beneficial in prevention of ankle injuries. Studies evaluating ankle injuries in soccer players have
