Physical Therapy for Balance

Do you have poor balance and know that you need physical therapy, but you don’t have a specific diagnosis explaining your symptoms? Don’t worry! During our initial evaluation, as long as we can objectively prove that you’re at risk for falls and could benefit from physical therapy, then we’re here to help. However, if you’re not at risk, then therapy may not be necessary. Our goal is to ensure that you receive the appropriate care and support tailored to your unique circumstances.

Understanding the Complexity of Balance

Balance is not just about standing on one leg; it’s a complex interplay of various systems in our body. It involves leg and hip strength, joint range of motion, your vestibular system, vision, sensation, endurance, and more. As therapists, our job is to identify which specific parts of the system are troublesome for you and develop targeted interventions to address them.

Challenging Your Balance

The best way to improve your balance is to challenge your balance and “flex your balance muscles”. However, this is often unsafe to do on your own. Having the skilled assistance of a physical therapist can help you push your boundaries without worrying about falling. If you start to lose your balance during our activities, we’ll initially give you the chance to self-correct, however we will always be ready to step in and provide assistance when necessary. 

Equipment Provided

We’ll bring along our favorite balance toys to further challenge your balance, including agility ladders, hurdles, and yes, your favorite blue foam pad! These tools provide obstacles and dynamic surfaces to challenge your balance and improve your stability. We’ll also bring gait belts to ensure your safety. 

Tracking Your Progress

We use standardized balance tests like the Berg Balance Test to track your progress. These tests provide valuable insights into your balance abilities and help us tailor our treatment approach to your specific needs.