Improving Balance

For many people, balance seems to worsen as you age.

It is common to think that decreased balance is just part of the normal aging process. This leaves a person feeling helpless, but I’m letting you know there is hope. In fact, many of the factors that lead to poor balance can be improved with some exercises and practice.

Physical Therapy helps improve balance

There are several factors that can impact your balance. Vision, your inner ear, muscular strength, endurance, and flexibility are some of the major components. Your vision tells you where you are in relation with other objects around you. A problem with your balance could be brought on by poor eyesight or even poor lighting in a room. Balance can also be negatively impacted by disturbance with your inner ear or by some medications that can lead to dizziness. Your health care providers can help diagnose the causes of your dizziness.  Muscle strength, endurance or flexibility deficits could also increase your risk of falling. There may also be some hazards in your own home that can increase your risk of falls. Learning to improve each of these factors can be as simple as going to a health care professional for some help.

Here are a few questions to ask yourself to see if you have an increased risk of falling

  • Do you walk slowly or have a wide base of support?

  • Do you use a cane or walker for when you are at home or in the community?

  • Are you insecure when you walk outdoors?

  • Do you have difficulty standing from a sitting position without using your hands to push off?

  • Have you had a fall or have you tripped several times in the past year.

  • Do you rest in a slouched posture?

  • Do you experience dizziness?

If you answered yes to any of these questions your risk of falls may be increased.

Starting to improve your balance may seem like too big of a task to conquer, but Back in Motion Physical Therapy is offering you a chance to help. Physical Therapists there are trained in each of the components of balance and how to improve them.

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By Ryan Martin, PT

Back in Motion Physical Therapy – Gorham, Maine

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