Balance function is derived from sensory input and motor output.
When there is a deficiency in the capabilities of these functions, people can experience difficulty maintaining stable positions while standing, walking or sitting. In any of these instances, balance therapy can help significantly reduce or resolve these issues.
MANY ISSUES WITH BALANCE ARE OFTERN THE RESULT OF:
- Orthopaedic injury to the lower extremities
- Stiff joints
- Vestibular disorders
- Neurological disorders
- Sedentary lifestyles
- Some Medications
- Weak muscles
For those with any of the above ailments, it’s common to experience higher instances of dizziness, imbalance, tripping, falling and stumbling.
Balance therapy is an exercise-based program that is used to reduce or resolve the above mentioned issues. As an integral part of physical therapy, all patients are likely to go through some level of balance therapy and rehabilitation.
A qualified physical therapist will conduct tests to assess your motion, strength, coordination and balance, and they will also evaluate your overall physical abilities. Baseline data is collected using a force platform that measures sway in static standing positions with and without vision and compares performance against age matched norms. Based on these assessments, the therapist will prescribe specific static and dynamic movement activities to improve balance function.