What is causing your balance problem?

            Balance is the ability to control your body's center of gravity over a given base of support.  Your body takes information from different systems to keep you from falling or feeling unbalanced.  These systems include the visual, sensory, and vestibular systems.  Vision is needed to see the obstacles that may be in your way.  Sensation helps you feel the ground underneath you and allows the muscles to respond to changes in body position as you move.  The vestibular system is located within your ears and gives the brain information on the current body position such as standing, lying on your back, or lying on your side.  Balance is best when all three of these systems are working properly.  When one or more of these systems become impaired you may begin to feel off balance.  Whether you have a balance problem or just want to prevent a balance disorder, there are simple steps you can take to prevent falling. 

What can you do to prevent falls?

  • Have an annual eye exam
  • Make sure there is adequate lighting at night especially in the bedroom, in hallways, kitchen and in the bathroom.
  • Keep a flashlight by the bed
  • Install grab bars in the shower and near the toilet
  • Have railings on both sides of the stairs
  • Remove or fasten down throw rugs
  • Remove clutter and keep walkways clear of objects you can trip over
  • Ask your physician or pharmacist if any of your medications can cause lightheadedness or dizziness
  • Wear non-slip shoes around the house
  • Keep commonly used kitchen items within easy reach
  • Secure loose wires to avoid tripping
  • Use non-slip mats in the tub and on bathroom floors 

How can Physical Therapy improve your balance and prevent falls?

            Often the fear of falling leads to an inactive lifestyle that may further cause balance problems.  At Sports Physical Therapy Institute, a physical therapist can help diagnose the source of your balance problem and develop a personalized exercise program to decrease these impairments in a safe way.  During physical therapy, you may work on flexibility of muscles, strength of muscles, range of motion of joints, endurance, or exercises targeted to decrease dizziness caused by the vestibular system.  A physical therapist can also assess your risk of falling and recommend appropriate assistive devices if you are at an elevated risk. The goals in physical therapy are to reduce the fear of falling and allow the patient to continue to lead an independent and active lifestyle.