Balancing issues are the reason why elderly adults have to consult a physician. A balance disorder can cause fatal injuries that can further worsen the situation. The treatment for balance issues is possible through medication, but it does have a few consequences. 

 

However, if you want a safer alternative, balance physical therapy is a perfect choice. A proper physical therapy regime can provide strength and stability without any repercussions. 

 

If you’re unaware of balanced physical therapy, then this article is for you. We’ll cover everything related to physical therapy and how it can benefit a balance disorder patient. 

 

Understanding Balance

Balancing plays a vital role in almost every other movement. Whether you’re walking or running, balance is essential. But with time, the muscle loses its strength and mobility, which can be an obstacle for balancing. 

 

There are few reasons which can demonstrate the cause of balance disorders. These factors are responsible for maintaining the correct posture: 

 

Visual

The visual receptors send a message to the brain, making it aware of the environment. Based on the information sent by the visual system, the brain makes decisions. Thus, a person with visual imparities can have balancing issues. 

 

There will be a visual test during the balance evaluation that determines the severity of balancing issues and their cause. If the visual impairment can be treated by lense correction, the therapist will recommend you visit an eye specialist.

 

Vestibular

The system which gives the information about your head position to the brain is the Vestibular system. It’s located near the inner ear and helps maintain the correct position of the eye from the surface. 

 

The system has two units working simultaneously on each side of your head. It’s like two levelers filled with fluid, indicating the brain’s position through liquid’s flow. Even a slight blow can damage the system as it’s highly vulnerable. 

 

Any damage to the vestibular system can result in temporary or permanent balance loss. 

 

Proprioceptive

The proprioceptive aligns your body position to the surroundings. A system consists of two special nerves at the end of the muscles, tendons, and joints. The nerves are responsible for establishing communication with the brain, which ensures the positioning of the body.

 

Reasons to Go For a Balance Physical Therapy

Balance is a motor skill that, like any other skill, can be improved. A physical therapist works as a mentor while you sharpen the skill of balancing. In the absence of proper guidance, there are more chances of injury and damage. 

 

Here are a few reasons which might force you to look for a physical therapist:

 

  • Can’t move safely without assistance
  • History of injuries due to falling
  • You suffered a stroke
  • You’re recovering from an injury

 

The first physical therapy session will be about your past injuries and issues. The next step will be to assess the movements like walking.  

 

Once the evaluation process is over, the therapist will hand over a customized therapy plan that will best suit your needs. 

 

Exercises for Balance in Physical Therapy

Let us now discuss the best exercises which can help you get rid of the walker or a cane. These exercises will not just increase muscle strength but it’ll also improve mobility and overall stability. 

 

Single-Leg Stance

The single-leg stance is an exercise that will target the muscle groups like thighs, hips, and abdomen. The single-leg stance is all about balancing yourself. 

 

It comes with several variations ranging from beginner to advanced. Follow these steps to perform this exercise:

 

  • Take support from something solid while standing beside it.
  • Bend knees up to the point where it’s almost parallel to the ground.
  • Move the stationary leg to the side or behind.
  • Stay in the position for 30 seconds and repeat the process after switching the leg. 

 

Tandem Walking

The exercise monitors your balance and the pattern of your movement while walking. Tandem walking is handy in determining the cause of balance disorder. It can find out whether the problem is due to a hip injury or any other neurological issue. 

 

You can follow these simple steps to perform this exercise:

 

  • Find a stable object and stand beside
  • Walk in a straight line such that both the feet fall in front of one another
  • Walk for ten steps back and forth.

 

You can monitor your foot placement while performing the exercise. 

 

Walking With Various Head Motions

Motion training is crucial to create a flawless connection between three balancing systems.

 

This skill is crucial for the times when your attention is abruptly pulled by something. 

 

It’s best to perform this exercise in a space:

 

  • Face the wall in front of you
  • Now, walk straight while constantly moving your head left to right
  • You can move your head up and down or vibrate your head for variations.

 

Walking With Various Visual Fields

The exercise plays a vital role in establishing a connection between vestibular and proprioceptive systems. The movement will ensure maximum stability even during dizziness.

 

You can perform this exercise following these steps:

 

  • Print out visually riddles, like a spiral
  • You can place it in front of your eyes at a distance
  • Slowly walk towards it
  • Once you’re comfortable, walk in the backward direction.

 

People with motion sickness might find this exercise difficult, but it’s an excellent way to strengthen the proprioceptive system. 

 

Conclusion

You can consult a physician and try these exercises under their supervision for the best results.