Balance problems can be a symptom of a variety of ailments. Vision issues, vertigo, reactions to medication, and chronic conditions like diabetes or Parkinson’s disease can all leave you feeling unsteady on your feet and increase your risk of a fall. Regardless of why you feel off-balance, physical therapy can be an effective treatment.

Why You Should Consider Physical Therapy If You Have a Balance Disorder

1. Strengthen Your Muscles

If the muscles in your hips, back, and abdomen are weak, your chances of falling increase. When you have a strong core, your legs and ankles are better able to move as they should. Physical therapy will incorporate exercises designed to make those core muscles stronger so you can maintain more stability, while also moving in different directions without losing your balance. 

2. Support Better Posture

A strong core is also important to maintaining good posture—and good posture is vital to maintaining balance. Poor posture, such as slouching, slumping, or leaning forward or backward, can improperly distribute your weight and cause you to fall.

A physical therapist will help you correct your posture to ensure that your weight is evenly distributed over your feet, keeping you balanced and upright. 

3. Correct the Source of Your Problem

Some balance problems are caused by issues with the inner ear. A common condition known as benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) can cause you to feel dizzy and unbalanced when you change your head position.

Caused by calcium crystals in the inner ear, BPPV can be treated by a physical therapist, who can perform specific maneuvers to dislodge those crystals and eliminate your dizziness. 

4. Education on Assistive Devices

An assistive device like a cane or walker is only useful when used properly. Otherwise, it can become cumbersome or increase the risk of an injury. For some physical therapy patients with balance issues, learning how to properly use these devices is part of their treatment.

At the same time, a therapist can also help provide strategies for coping with dizziness and reducing your fear of falling. This can increase your confidence so you can manage your daily activities. 

If you are experiencing balance issues, the physical therapists at Step By Step Physical Therapy can help. With facilities in Akron, Warsaw, and Attica, NY, they work with patients of all ages living with a variety of conditions, including sports injuries, neck and upper back pain, and arthritis. Every patient receives a personalized treatment plan and has access to state-of-the-art equipment to achieve the best results. Call (585) 786-8700 to schedule a consultation, or visit their Facebook page to read patient reviews.