Balance, Mobility Training & Fall Prevention
Comprehensive Treatment is the Key to Success
NewStride Physical Therapy in Corpus Christi provides a comprehensive Balance/Vestibular Evaluation. We provide extensive, individualized assessments to determine the cause(s) of decreased balance and increased risk of falling. Posture, balance, strength, coordination and function are addressed.
An individualized program for each patient is designed to include ambulation training and a variety of exercises for strength, flexibility, mobility, balance and gaze stabilization. An individualized home exercise program along with education in fall prevention is provided for the patient and family members or caregivers. Plus, we help you deal with balance challenges in various environments, such as areas with curbs, uneven surfaces, dim lighting conditions, and changes in direction.
Our approach gives patients the tools to regain control of their lives, rebuild self esteem, and prevent falls.
What is Balance?
Balance is defined as maintaining the center of gravity over the center of mass.
Balance depends on the central nervous system and our ability to integrate input from the inner ear, eyes, muscles and sensations of the lower extremities.
Each year 1/3 of adults over age 65 experience dizziness, balance problems or falls. Falls are the leading cause of injury in older adults.
What Causes Loss of Balance or Instability?
Balance Disturbances are caused by:
- Vestibular and inner ear disorders
- Neurological problems such as stroke or head injury
- Orthopedic injuries or procedures such as spine injuries or total joint replacement
- Decreased strength and flexibility secondary to inactivity
- Medications may cause dizziness or disequilibrium
Common Complaints of Patients with Balance Disorders:
- Feelings of dizziness, unsteadiness, vertigo
- Loss of balance
- Confusion in crowds
- Inability to recall certain words
- Tendency to stumble or fall easily
- Feelings of light-headedness or nausea
- Trouble reading
Myth: Loss of balance is a fact of life as we get older.
Fact: Loss of flexibility and strength are largely due to inactivity.
Myth: Falls are inevitable.
Fact: Imbalance is usually caused by several problems, not solely due to age.
Myth: Nothing can be done to improve my balance and reduce my risk of falls.
Fact: Proper evaluation can detect specific balance problems and risk for falls. Focused exercise can improve balance activities.
Fear of falls often results in limitation of activity, dependence and unhappiness. Vestibular disorders are responsible for over 50% of patient’s complaints of dizziness and are treatable in Physical Therapy.
Be wary of the facility where you don’t see rapid relief from symptoms. A Physical Therapist trained in vestibular rehabilitation should listen, understand and be quick in determining your needs. They will offer treatment that brings immediate results. Unless you have an unusual complex condition, a good Physical Therapist will bring fast improvement.
Be wary of the facility that uses passive treatment such as heat, ice, ultrasound, massage or electrical stimulation. They should never be the main part of your program for balance, mobility, and fall prevention.
