Schedule an Appointment Today

760-444-0102

We strive for 100% patient satisfaction.
Our clinics are spacious.
We offer on-site Aquatic Therapy.
We use the latest techniques and technologies.
Vista
Rancho Bernardo
National City
Mission Valley
Carmel Valley
Carlsbad

Back to Balance

Have you ever had the thought that – “I need to start walking more, but what if I fall?” If you have, you’re not alone with this concern. Avoiding physical activity seems like a small sacrifice compared to the major risk of an injury, especially as we age. Or, you may have recently undergone surgery and are having a hard time understanding why you feel off balance and unstable when returning to activity.

Whatever your circumstances may be, balance is something that can constantly be improved. With this improvement, you will feel more stable and confident in your walking again. The best part is – this is not a difficult change.

First, you must understand why you feel unstable. Many factors contribute to stability including but not limited to:

➔     Loss of flexibility

➔     Lower extremity or postural weakness

➔     Limited sensation or neuropathy

➔     Arthritis

➔     Loss of cartilage

➔     Joint replacement

➔     Vertigo

➔     Reduction in proprioception, or a loss in awareness of where your feet are during walking/changing direction

 Physical therapy treatment specialized for balance and stability include: strengthening muscles involved in balance, as well as improving flexibility, circulation, and sensation. Physical therapy also focuses on improving the proprioceptive or neurological difficulties to increase body awareness. The ability to react to changes in the ground and body movements are included in this improved awareness which will be fundamental in avoiding falls and accidents.

Your physical therapist will also train you in safe ambulation and, if needed, the use of assistive devices. This will help with your ability to negotiate obstacles such as; stairs, curbs, parking lots, driveways, and other uneven surfaces with control and confidence.

Your therapist will instruct you in a simple and efficient program that you can follow at home so you can improve on your strength, endurance, and balance on your own time. They can also teach you how to adjust your home environment to reduce fall risk, promote safety, and instill complete confidence with your home activities.

As a physical therapist, I have had the opportunity to work with many patients to regain their independence and return to their activities with confidence, control, and balance. You can see these improvements, too!

About the Author - Mary Pat, PT

Mary Pat grew up in Connecticut and graduated from Univ. of Connecticut with a BS PT in 1987. At UConn, Mary Pat was a member of the Field Hockey and Track and Field teams and was fortunate to be on the 1986 NCAA D1 Field Hockey Championship team, as well as being co-captain of the 1987 Big East Champion Track and Field team. Mary Pat began her PT career at Pomerado Hospital in 1988 then began working for the Physical Therapy Institute in 1990. She eventually became the owner of PTI in 2005 and continued until closing the practice in August 2019. At PTI, Mary Pat was able to develop the manual and assessment skills that have helped her build a reputation as an accomplished manual therapist. Mary Pat has enjoyed being part of the Poway/Rancho Bernardo community for the past 30 years. She and her husband, Todd have raised their 2 kids here, and have been involved in coaching and supporting them in many youth sports over the years. They are both graduates of Poway High School and are now college grads as well. In addition to raising her kids and being a PT, Mary Pat also enjoys playing softball, hiking, kayaking, and biking. Mary Pat and Todd have played co-ed softball at the Poway Sportsplex since it opened in 1994. Mary Pat is excited to be with ProActive and continuing to be able to provide the same personalized approach to quality physical therapy as she has always strived to do.