The Importance of Maintaining Balance
Individuals with balance problems have difficulty maintaining a stable and upright position in standing, walking, and sometimes sitting. Many adults struggle with difficulty balancing as they age, with 75% of Americans older than 70 years being diagnosed with “abnormal balance” (APTA 2014). Having balance problems can put you at risk of falling. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), one-third of adults over the age of 65 and 50% of adults over the age of 80 are likely to fall each year.
Falls can cause a variety of injuries, such as scrapes and bruises, broken arms, hip fractures, and head injuries. Moderate to severe injuries can interfere with an individual’s ability to live independently in the community, increase hospitalization, and increase risk of death. The good news is that balance can improve with physical therapy, which can help decrease your fall risk!
A thorough evaluation by a Doctor of Physical Therapy will help determine your needs to improve your personal balance. Many factors can contribute to decreased balance, including muscle weakness, joint stiffness, inner ear problems, certain medications, a lack of physical activity, or age related changes. Other medical conditions can also cause balance problems, such as a history of stroke, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, diabetes, or brain injury. If you would like more information about physical therapy and treatment to improve your balance, contact ProFysio Physical Therapy for a personalone-on-one consultation.