Do you find your balance is not what it used to be or that walking distances become tiresome? You might even find yourself in need of an assistive device such as a cane or walker. 

 

Your body’s ability to balance through the vestibular system allows you to walk without problems and your sense of balance enables you to negotiate uneven ground, correct for tripping over objects, and many other daily activities often are taken for granted.

 

Our ability to balance depends on three main components:

1. sensation from joints and muscles 

2. the inner ear

3. vision

 

Poor posture, weakness in the hips and ankles, and poor eyesight can all contribute to poor balance.

 

As we age, our reflexes begin to slow down. This makes it difficult to adapt to uneven terrains like grass, cracked pavement, gravel, and stairs. Most people don’t understand that they have decreased balance until it is too late and they fall.

 

Falls are the number one cause of death from injury in the U.S. and also cause millions of fractures and injuries each year. Most of this can be prevented with the right physical therapy treatments.
 

 

Find the help you need at Sports and Orthopaedic Therapy Services, LLC
 

 

Our treatments are uniquely designed to fit your needs. We evaluate your walking (gait) pattern to determine where you are compensating for weaknesses or poor muscle coordination. Testing on your balance determines where we need to focus attention on to achieve the greatest results for you.