This week's class will focus on balance.  Without adequate balance, toddlers topple, athletes tumble and seniors suffer!  Human balance is dependent upon a number of complex systems that are called into action at specific moments and in specific situations.  Some of those systems are vision, vestibular (inner ear), proprioception (the brain-muscle-joint communication), mobility and strength.  A deficit in any of these areas will result in balance impairments, unless the other systems are challenged to step up and fill the void.  At Alliance Physical Therapy, patients experiencing balance problems are carefully evaluated and a unique exercise program is then developed specific to that person's need.  These exercises may be aimed at strengthening the ankle, knee and hip muscles, improve the function of the vestibular system or challenge the proprioceptors.  Here is a simple test you can use to assess your balance (from APTA).  Make sure someone is next to you to decrease the potential risk of falling.  Stand by a surface that you can use to steady yourself.  Stand tall, wear flat shoes and fold arms across chest.  Keep eyes focused on object in front of you and raise one leg as you bend that knee to about 45 degrees and start a stopwatch.  Stop the watch immediately if you uncross your arms, tilt sideways more than 45 degrees, move the leg you are standing on, or touch the raised leg to the floor.  Repeat with the other leg.  Then repeat with eyes closed.  Compare your scores with eyes closed to the norms for various age groups:  20-49 years (24-28 seconds); 50 - 59 years (21 seconds); 60 - 69 years (10 seconds); 70 - 79 years (4 seconds); most over 80 are unable to do this test.

If balance issues are effecting your enjoyment of life activities, please call Alliance Physical Therapy where PTs trained to evaluate and treat this disorder are ready to help you.

Yours in health,

Karen