2 Strategies That Physical Therapists Use To Help With Balance Issues

Posted on: 3 February 2023

Physical therapy effectively addresses balance problems, as it provides tailored strategies and exercises to improve balance. Because balance requires coordination among the sensory systems in your body, it is important to have a qualified therapist providing guidance.

Here are a few strategies physical therapists may use to help with balance issues. 

Sensory Re-Education

Physical therapists are specially trained to help people with balance issues. Through sensory re-education, they can help retrain the body's pathways to improve balance and prevent further injuries. With their expertise and personalized approach, physical therapists can assess your needs and develop a plan of action that helps you regain your balance, safety, and mobility.

Sensory re-education is an important part of any physical therapist's toolkit. This technique helps to restore sensation when balance is compromised due to other neurological symptoms like brain injury or stroke.

The physical therapist begins by assessing your range of motion, stability, and reactions to different types of stimuli. In doing so, they can determine any areas that lack proper signaling from the brain to the body.

From there, the therapist will often introduce toys or objects that can help stimulate visual or auditory input during rehabilitation exercises. This technique can help increase awareness of your surroundings and rewire your balance system. 

Physical therapists may also encourage activities such as tai chi or yoga for improved postural control and equilibrium, which encourages patients to be mindful of how their bodies are moving through space. These activities can also promote muscle strength and stability, which is essential for improved balance.

Strength and Balance Exercises

Physical therapists can also provide strength and balance exercises, which are essential for improving balance. Exercises such as standing on one leg or performing a heel-to-toe walk can help improve coordination and stability, as well as reduce the risk of falls.

These exercises may also involve stretching, which can help increase flexibility and range of motion. This workout is important for improving balance, as it allows the body to move more freely and efficiently.

Other exercises, such as weight-bearing and proprioceptive activities, can help improve balance. Proprioceptive activities involve using your own body weight to challenge your sense of balance.

These activities can help you better recognize and respond to changes in your environment. They help you learn how to control your body's position and respond quickly when it needs to make sudden and unexpected movements.

Weight-bearing exercises, on the other hand, involve using weights or resistance bands to strengthen your muscles and increase support for balance. These exercises work to strengthen muscles and joints, making them more resilient and capable of dealing with changes in your environment.

Your physical therapist will work with you to develop a program that incorporates exercises to address your needs. They can adjust the intensity of these exercises depending on your progress and capabilities.

Physical therapy can be a great way to address balance issues. With the help of a professional, you can develop a plan of action that improves your balance, stability, and safety. With the right guidance, you can regain full mobility and enjoy a healthy lifestyle.

Reach out to a physical therapy clinic near you to learn more.

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