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!