Physical Therapy for Balance Issues

Physical Therapy for Balance Issues

Serving Portland OR | Vancouver WA

Balance issues can occur for many reasons. They can be caused by muscular weakness, stiff or unstable joints, inner ear problems, sedentary lifestyle and medications. Balance issues may also be caused by other health issues that your physical therapist will quickly key in and refer out appropriately.

What Are Balance Disorders?

A balance disorder is anything that causes unsteadiness or dizziness and can have a major impact on activities of daily life. They occur when any or all of these systems are not functioning properly.

• Vision
• Inner Ear
• Musculoskeletal
• Proprioceptive – awareness of own body position

What Does a Balance Disorder Feel like?

Many people describe their balance issues differently. These symptoms may lead to difficulty in walking, driving, or even standing. Some of the common symptoms include the following:

• A sense of weightlessness
• Lightheadedness
• A spinning sensation when the eyes are open
• Confusion
• Vision issues
• Unsteadiness on feet

How Are Balance Disorders Diagnosed?

Your physiotherapist will examine your medical history, ask detailed questions, and perform muscular, coordination, vision, and balance tests to determine how physical therapy may help you. Your physical therapist can work with your physician to rule out any underlying medical conditions that may exist.

Physical Therapy Treatment for Balance Issues

Treatment depends mainly on diagnosis because some episodes of dizziness may be put to rest by a simple medication change or by treating a concurrent medical problem.

Physical therapy may also be useful as treatment for balance issues. It’s a great long-term option because it does not cause other unwanted side effects. Your New Heights physical therapist is an expert in evaluating all the systems that may be contributing to your balance issues. By improving strength and balance through exercise, positional awareness, and visual tracking exercises, physical therapists can help patients control their balance disorder. Physical therapy can improve mobility, decrease the chance of falls, and improve posture to help patients live their lives more fully.

If you’re suffering from a balance issue, come into New Heights Physical Therapy. We may be able to identify the issue behind your balance disorder and get back on your two steady feet!