Did you know that physical therapy can help you feel more steady on your feet? PT is a safe and effective way to improve your balance and decrease your risk for falls.
Patients that may be at increased risk for falls:
- History of past falls (or near misses) with or without injury
- Leg or postural weakness
- Vertigo
- Impaired vision
- Recent surgery, hospitalization, or illness
- Underlying conditions such as history of stroke, Parkinson’s disease, Multiple Sclerosis, etc.
What therapy can do:
Therapy can help the balance systems in your body react better to different scenarios such as uneven ground (like walking on grass or sand), turning your head while walking, or walking safely with dim lighting. Just like we do exercises to strengthen muscles, we can do exercises to strengthen our bodies’ abilities to maintain our balance in different situations. Examples of these may include performing activities in challenging balance positions while standing on an uneven surfaces like foam. Patients with vertigo may undergo additional specific maneuvers to help the realign the crystals in your ears (otoconia) to dramatically reduce symptoms. Your therapist will also assess your muscle strength at your evaluation to determine whether any underlying weaknesses may be contributing to impaired balance.
