Balance Disorders

What causes balance disorders?

A balance disorder is a condition that affects the inner ear and the brain’s ability to process sensory information properly. It can result in feelings of vertigo, lightheadedness, unsteadiness, and even falls. Some people may also experience nausea, blurred vision, and difficulty concentrating. There are many different types of balance disorders, and they can be caused by a range of factors, such as aging, head injury, infections, and certain medications.

Many people with balance disorders struggle to carry out daily activities, such as walking, driving, and even reading. They may feel anxious or depressed due to their condition, which can further exacerbate their symptoms. Physical therapy can be an effective treatment option for balance disorders, as it can help improve balance, reduce dizziness and vertigo, and increase confidence and independence. A physical therapist can work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan that addresses your specific needs and goals.

What are the signs of a balance disorder?

Staggering or stumbling while walking
Tipping over or falling while standing up or sitting down
Dizziness or vertigo, which is a spinning or whirling sensation
Feeling lightheaded, faint, or floating
Blurred vision or difficulty focusing
Confusion or disorientation
Nausea and vomiting
Changes in heart rate and blood pressure
Fear, anxiety, or panic
Symptoms may come and go over short or long periods of time
Fatigue and depression can result from ongoing balance problems.

The causes of balance disorders can be quite diverse.

Balance problems can be caused by a wide range of factors, including problems with the inner ear, brain, or nervous system. Some common causes of balance disorders include ear infections, head injuries, stroke, and medication side effects. Other factors that can contribute to balance problems include dehydration, low blood sugar, and changes in blood pressure or heart rate. In some cases, balance problems may be caused by anxiety or psychological factors.

We specialize in helping patients with:

What conditions can cause chronic pain?

At our clinic, we have expertise in treating chronic pain in a range of areas, helping patients to manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life. We treat chronic pain in different parts of the body.

Headaches and neck pain from postural syndromes
Work-related activities
Lower back pain from slip-and-falls
Lifting injuries
Car accidents
Hip pain from injury or osteoarthritis
Knee pain from sports injuries and osteoarthritis

What are the signs of a balance disorder?

Staggering or stumbling while walking
Tipping over or falling while standing up or sitting down
Dizziness or vertigo, which is a spinning or whirling sensation
Feeling lightheaded, faint, or floating
Blurred vision or difficulty focusing
Confusion or disorientation
Nausea and vomiting
Changes in heart rate and blood pressure
Fear, anxiety, or panic
Symptoms may come and go over short or long periods of time
Fatigue and depression can result from ongoing balance problems.

The causes of balance disorders can be quite diverse.

We specialize in helping patients with:

Therapies for Balance Disorders

At our clinic, we specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of balance and dizziness disorders. Our team of experts has helped many patients in the community to manage or recover from these conditions. If you are experiencing balance problems, the first step is to see a doctor who can determine the underlying cause and develop an appropriate treatment plan. In some cases, this may involve referral to a specialist, such as one of our balance disorder experts at Physiomove Physical Therapy.

Ways our physical therapists can assist you

Physical therapist-directed treatment can assist patients with balance disorders in a number of ways. As experts in the evaluation and treatment of movement, muscle, joint, and nervous system disorders, our physical therapists can prescribe and implement a variety of treatments including:

Coordinated Activities
Body Awareness Drills
Muscle Strengthening Routines
Flexibility and Motion Enhancing Movements
Inner Ear Rehabilitation
Visual Motion Monitoring Training

Education-based therapy

As physical therapists, we believe that education is a vital part of any treatment plan. When it comes to balancing disorders, understanding the underlying causes and contributing factors is key to managing the condition effectively. That’s why we work closely with our patients to provide them with the knowledge and tools they need to manage their symptoms and prevent further problems. We believe that by educating our patients, we can help them achieve better outcomes and a better quality of life.

Three important alternatives for treatment:

Reduce Fall Risk: - Your physical therapist will assess problem footwear and hazards in your home that increase your risk of balance problems or falling. Household hazards include loose rugs, poor lighting, unrestrained pets, or other possible obstacles.
Reduce Fear of Falling:- By addressing specific problems that are found during the examination, your physical therapist will help you regain confidence in your balance and your ability to move freely, and perform daily activities. As you build confidence in your balance and physical ability, you will be better able to enjoy your normal daily activities.
Care Collaboration:- Working in collaboration with your medical doctor, allows you to get two expert opinions and assessments of your condition. Together, we can better address your balance disorders and decrease your fear of falling and fall risks.

BPPV: A Common Cause of Vertigo

If you have BPPV (benign paroxysmal positional vertigo), our vestibular therapy experts can perform a series of simple movements, such as the Epley maneuver, which can help dislodge the otoconia (calcium crystals) from the semicircular canal of the ear. In many cases, one session works; other people need the procedure several times to relieve their dizziness.

When should I seek help if I think I have a balance disorder?

To help you decide whether to seek medical help for a dizzy spell, ask yourself the following questions. If you answer “yes” to any of these questions, talk to one of our physical therapists and your doctor:

Am I experiencing a sense of instability?
Do I perceive the surroundings spinning around me?
Am I sensing movement despite being still?
Do I encounter balance loss leading to falls?
Do I experience a sensation of falling?
Am I frequently lightheaded or on the verge of fainting?
Is my vision blurry?
Do I ever feel disoriented, losing track of time or location?

Let us assist you in finding ways to manage and cope with your condition.

Living with a balance disorder can be challenging, but you don’t have to face it alone. Our team of skilled physical therapists at PHYSIOMOVE Physical Therapy can help you develop the skills and strategies you need to manage your symptoms and reduce your risk of falling. We offer personalized evaluations and treatment plans, as well as ongoing support and guidance, to help you achieve your goals and improve your overall health and well-being.

Balance Disorders