Balance exercise therapy Expert in Perumbakkam
Your Trusted Partner in Balance exercise therapy
Balance is defined as an individual’s ability to control their centre of gravity within the limit of Base of support (BOS).We are here to provide you with top-notch care and guidance to tackle your problems.
Understanding Balance exercise therapy
What are Balance Exercises?
Balance exercises are exercises which are prescribed by a physiotherapist to challenge your balance in order to improve it. Balance exercises will challenge the body’s vestibular system and the musculoskeletal system. They aim to improve the body’s ability to maintain posture and centre of gravity and to improve muscle reaction time and joint proprioception (the body’s ability to recognize where the joints and limbs are in space).
What are the benefits of Balance Exercises?
If you have balance problems a physiotherapy assessment and balance exercises programme will be of benefit to you. There are many benefits of balance exercises which are:
- Improved static balane
- Improved dynamic balance
- Improved joint propriocepption
- Improved muscle reaction time – increasing the body’s ability to react to balance challenging situations
- Reduced risk of falls
- Improved function – tasks can be done outside of the base of support without risk
- Decreased muscle compensation – muscles can become overactive to compensate for poor balance
- Improved mobility – improved balance will increase mobility and improve energy efficiency
Who would benefit from Balance Exercises?
Many people would benefit from a physiotherapy assessment and balance exercise programme. People with the following conditions and injuries would benefit from balance exercises:
- Pre surgery – improve balance as a period of immobility may follow which would decrease balance post operatively
- Post-surgery – as immobility can decrease balance
- Following surgery – lower limb affects gait and upper limb surgery will be guarded therefore can alter balance
- Ligament sprain and muscle strain (especially close to joints) – this can affect the body’s proprioceptive receptors affecting balance
- Elder population who have reduced mobility
- Neurological conditions – Parkison’s disease
- Head Injuries
Why You May Need Balance Training
Physical therapists are movement experts who can help you improve your strength, mobility, and balance. Your healthcare provider may refer you to a PT for balance training if:
- You have trouble moving safely by yourself
- You have been injured in a fall or have a history of falling
- You have had a stroke and now have balance problems
- You are an athlete recovering from an injury
- You have had surgery
- You have vertigo, often linked to inner-ear disorders such as Ménière’s disease
When you meet your PT, they may check your balance first. This is to find out if any specific motion, like turning or standing from a seated position, is harder for you than others are.
From there, your therapist will work with you to develop a physical therapy routine. This is aimed at improving your balance, your safety, and your ability to carry out daily tasks on your own.
Getting Started With Balance PT
If you have fallen or feel like your balance is impaired, you should contact your healthcare provider to be checked out.
While the reason for how you are feeling may not be serious, feeling off-balance can be a sign of something more urgent.
For example, loss of balance accompanied by blurry vision, lightheadedness, weakness, or confusion can indicate a life-threatening condition like a stroke. Your provider can best consider your balance concerns in the context of your overall health. They can also determine if you need additional treatments.
Ask them to refer you to a physical therapist for a complete balance evaluation. You may also be able to visit your physical therapist via direct access. This means that no healthcare provider referral is needed.
While seeing a doctor first is still generally advised, this may be appropriate in cases where an obvious injury, like a sprained ankle, is the only reason for your visit.
Tips to find your Balance
Here are a few tips to help you get started:
- Determine which leg is your dominant leg. Start each exercise with your nondominant side so that the other side will be easier.
- Maintain good posture and form while you’re holding the position.
- Focus your gaze on a fixed point straight ahead to maintain your balance.
- If you have concerns with your balance in standing positions, try placing your feet a little bit farther apart.
- Bend your knees slightly. This prevents your knees from hyperextending, and it makes you more stable.
- Distribute your weight evenly between both feet. Notice if you tend to put more weight on one foot or if your weight shifts forward or backward.
- As your balance improves, you can experiment by closing one eye at a time, gazing up at the ceiling, or trying different arm positions.
Frequently Asked Question on Balance exercise Therapy
Balance exercise therapy is a form of physical therapy that focuses on improving stability and coordination. It often includes a variety of exercises designed to enhance balance, proprioception, and strength.
Balance exercise therapy may include a combination of exercises such as weight shifting, standing on one leg, walking heel-to-toe, tai chi movements, and specific strength training exercises targeting the core and lower body.
Yes, balance exercise therapy has been shown to be effective in preventing falls in older adults by improving stability, strength, and coordination.
Safety is crucial. Individuals should start with exercises that match their current ability level and gradually progress. Using support (such as a chair or rail) when needed and having a spotter or therapist present during exercises can enhance safety.
Simple activities like standing on one leg while brushing your teeth or practicing heel-to-toe walking during daily walks can be easy ways to incorporate balance exercises into your routine. Additionally, dedicating specific time for a balance exercise routine is beneficial.
The frequency of balance exercises can vary based on individual needs and goals. Generally, it is recommended to perform balance exercises at least two to three times a week.
Yes, many balance exercises can be done at home. However, it is advisable to initially learn the exercises under the guidance of a qualified professional to ensure proper form and technique.