How Physical Therapy Can Help Improve Your Balance
Do you frequently feel wobbly or off-balance? Do you worry about falling? Balance disorders affect approximately 15% of adults and can significantly impact your day-to-day life. Physical therapy at Miss-Lou Physical Therapy offers evidence-based solutions for individuals struggling with balance-related issues.
While people of any age can develop a balance disorder, they are more prevalent among older adults, with women slightly more affected than men. Individuals with pre-existing health conditions, such as diabetes, hypertension, and arthritis, are also at a higher risk.
Balance disorders can manifest in different ways, depending on the cause of the disorder and whether it affects your inner ear, brain, musculoskeletal system, or a combination of all three. Here are some of the symptoms to look out for, although keep in mind they do vary from person to person:
- Unsteadiness
- Dizziness
- Vertigo (a sensation of spinning or movement when the body is still)
- Difficulty walking
- Falls
- Lightheadedness
- Blurred vision
- Difficulty focusing on moving objects
- Difficulty coordinating movements
Depending on their symptoms and severity, balance disorders often limit your daily activities, making it difficult for you to complete household chores, safely get around your house, or participate in your favorite leisure activities.
At Miss-Lou Physical Therapy, we take a results-oriented approach to physical therapy. We pull from the latest research to ensure our personalized treatment approaches are proven and up-to-date. Our goal is to help enhance your balance, reduce your risk of falls, and restore your confidence in movement.
Common Causes of Balance and Stability Disorders
The first step in addressing your issues with balance and stability is to identify what’s causing it. Several conditions can cause balance disorders; estimates suggest that they can affect as many as 40% of Americans at some point in their lives!
While age is a significant factor in developing a balance disorder, other factors come into play, too.
We fully recognize the potency of information and its significance in our patients’ lives. If you’ve already self-diagnosed a condition or have been diagnosed by a doctor, we view it as a starting point for our collaborative journey. Nevertheless, our ultimate goal is to equip you with a profound comprehension of your body, enabling you to transcend the constraints of your condition and embrace a more wholesome lifestyle.
Central to our approach is patient education, empowering you with knowledge so that you need not feel restricted by symptoms or diagnoses.
Here are some of the most common causes of balance disorders:
- Vestibular Disorders
- Neurological Conditions
- Musculoskeletal Issues
- Age-Related Balance Decline
The physical therapists at Miss-Lou Physical Therapy will help you find an effective treatment solution for your balance issues, regardless of the root cause. Our team of experts will consider your condition, symptoms, and medical history in developing a personalized treatment plan designed to get you results.
With proven treatment techniques like strength training, vestibular rehabilitation, lifestyle modifications, and more, we’ll help you regain your balance and confidence.
Schedule a consultation with our expert physical therapists today!
Find Your Balance Again With Physical Therapy
When you come in for your initial consultation, our experts will thoroughly evaluate your balance loss so we can provide the best possible treatment. We’ll begin by reviewing your medical history, pre-existing conditions, injuries, medications, and balance-related symptoms.
But we don’t just perform a medical history. We’ll also perform several movement screens, including gait analysis, balance, and coordination tests. These screens help us identify any underlying issues, such as muscle weakness, mobility loss, or sensory deficits that could be contributing to your balance disorder.
Once we have a complete picture of your condition, we’ll develop a customized treatment plan using proven, scientifically-backed techniques. While these plans will vary based on your particular conditions and symptoms, you can expect them to include one or more of the following:
- Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT)
- Strength and Conditioning Exercises
- Gait Training
- Balance Training Exercises
- Education
With the help of our skilled physical therapists, you can regain your stability, confidence, and independence–so you can safely return to the activities you love.
Reach out to us to schedule your comprehensive balance assessment at our Natchez, Ferriday or Jonesville, MS clinic today!
Your Next Steps…
Request An Appointment
Receive A Custom Treatment Plan
Work Hard and Progress In Your Recovery
Recover & Enjoy Life Pain-Free!