Using PT to Build Strength and Prevent Falls
According to a number of studies, nearly 8 million Americans seek medical treatment every year because they have difficulties maintaining physical balance. The problem is significantly greater in older people—about one in every three persons over the age of 65 and more than half of all Americans over the age of 75 will fall in any given year.
What Factors Contribute to Good Balance?
Good balance requires the effective interaction of many different parts of your body:
- Your muscles must be strong enough to support your weight and give you effective control of movement
- Your vision must not send your brain mixed signals
- Your brain’s balance center must do its job
- The nerves throughout your body must communicate with your brain, so that you know where your body is in space
- Your inner ears must be healthy, as that contributes significantly to your sense of balance
What Are the Common Causes of Balance Issues?
While some medications can cause balance issues and some medical conditions can lead to dizziness or vertigo, most balance issues are the result of physical challenges:
- Muscle weakness caused by inactivity
- Joint stiffness related to decreased movement
- Loss of flexibility or muscle tone due to excessive sitting
How Can Physical Therapy Improve Your Balance and Minimize the Risk of Falls?
A physical therapist can offer a wide range of tools to help improve your balance:
- Progressive exercises to strengthen core and leg muscles
- Stretching exercises to improve flexibility and range of motion
- Exercises targeted at equilibrium or balance, so that you are better prepared to respond to interruptions of balance
- Movement exercises that increase your confidence and teach your body how to maintain better balance
- Increased physical activity to build muscle strength and tone
Contact Core Medical Center Today
At Core Medical Center, with offices in Blue Springs, Missouri, we offer physical therapy to help individuals address balance problems. Contact us online or call our offices at (816) 427-0201 to schedule an appointment.
