Physical Therapy for Balance Disorders: Not Just for Seniors
When you hear the words “balance problems,” you might picture an elderly person carefully walking with a cane or behind a walker. The truth is balance disorders can affect people at any stage of life. They can be caused by injury, illness, or a neurological condition. They can come on suddenly or develop slowly over time. In any case, no matter your age, a balance problem will significantly impact almost every area of your life, and if you are experiencing a balance disorder of some sort, you will realize how important it is to manage it.
Understanding Balance Disorders
Balance disorder is a very general way of describing a wide range of medical conditions. This can encompass obvious problems like a sprained ankle or broken leg, and also more subtle situations like a concussion or inner ear problem. Neurological conditions like Multiple Sclerosis or Parkinson’s can cause balance problems. They can even be a side effect of certain medication. Yes, aging can be a natural cause of balance problems, but it’s not inevitable, and at any age there are things you can do to mitigate the problems they cause.
While we may not always recognize it. balance is an essential part of nearly everything we do: working, playing, walking, driving – nearly every waking moment of every day is affected by our ability to be balanced. When our balance is working correctly, we hardly notice it, but as soon as there’s a problem, it’s impossible to ignore. Not only will it impact your ability to do many of things you would normally do, but it can lead to falls and injuries, and over time can lead to a loss of independence, increased anxiety, and reduced confidence.
The Role of Physical Therapy
The good news is, balance disorders – no matter the cause – can be addressed and improved. One of the greatest tools available is physical therapy. Obviously, balance disorders caused by injuries like broken bones or sprains can benefit greatly from physical therapy. What’s less well-known is that balance disorders caused by neurological conditions, inner ear (vestibular) problems, and even aging can be helped by a physical therapist as well. A skilled PT can give you an assessment of your condition and create a personalized treatment plan that can include:
- Strength and flexibility training
- Vestibular rehab for dizziness/vertigo
- Gait training and posture correction
- Functional exercise to mimic daily activity
A physical therapist will typically have many tools and techniques to help you through your treatment – tools like balance boards and techniques like stability exercises. The knowledge and experience they offer will help you through your treatment and get you back on your feet quickly and confidently.
Many senior citizens use physical therapy to improve their balance and prevent falls, but it’s not just for the elderly. Young athletes recovering from concussions or ankle/knee injuries can benefit from PT. A person of any age suffering from postural issues, migraines, or vestibular (inner ear) conditions can benefit from PT. Balance problems can affect anyone at any age, and physical therapy is a safe and effective treatment for all.
Are You Experiencing Balance Problems?
Unfortunately, many people will experience problems with their balance at some point in their lives – not just senior citizens. The good news is that physical therapist are very experienced with these types of problems and are well-equipped to help you deal with them. If you or a loved one is having trouble with balance due to an injury, illness, medication side effect – or simply aging – reach out to a qualified physical therapist today for an assessment and personalized treatment plan that will get you back to doing what you love as quickly and safely as possible.
At Strive! Physical Therapy Center, we’ve been helping people improve their balance for more than 40 years, and we would love to help you. Reach out to us today to schedule a free consultation by clicking here or calling 1.352.351.8883.