How Physical Therapy Improves Balance and Prevents Falls in Seniors

As we age, maintaining balance becomes more challenging, and the risk of falls increases. Falls can lead to injuries, fear of movement, and loss of independence. However, physical therapy offers a solution to help seniors regain their balance and stay active. 

Why Do Seniors Experience Balance Issues?

Aging brings natural changes to our muscles, joints, and coordination. These changes, combined with other health issues, make it harder to maintain balance. Here are the key reasons why seniors face balance difficulties:

  • Muscle Weakness: The legs and core muscles lose strength, which affects balance.
  • Joint Stiffness: Joints become less flexible, making it harder to move freely.
  • Vision Problems: Poor eyesight can make navigating the environment difficult.
  • Vestibular Disorders: Inner ear problems that affect the body’s balance system.
  • Slower Reflexes: Aging reduces reaction times, making it harder to prevent falls.

How Physical Therapy Can Help

Physical therapy is one of the most effective ways to address balance problems. Through a personalized treatment plan, physical therapists work with seniors to strengthen muscles, improve coordination, and teach fall-prevention strategies.

1. Strength and Flexibility Training

Building muscle strength and improving flexibility are key components of balance. Physical therapists use exercises to strengthen the legs, core, and hips while promoting joint mobility to help seniors move with more stability.

2. Balance Exercises

Specific balance training exercises, such as standing on one foot or walking in a straight line, help retrain the body to stay steady in different situations. These exercises target the body’s ability to maintain equilibrium.

3. Coordination and Gait Training

Therapists focus on improving coordination and gait patterns. Proper posture and walking techniques reduce the risk of stumbling and improve overall mobility.

4. Vestibular Rehabilitation

For seniors with dizziness or inner ear disorders, vestibular rehabilitation helps address these issues, improving stability and reducing symptoms of dizziness.

5. Education and Prevention

Therapists also educate patients on how to safely navigate their environment and what to do if they experience a fall, which builds confidence and reduces the fear of moving.

A Patient’s Story of Balance Restoration

“After struggling with balance and dizziness problems for five years and seeing no improvement with previous treatments, Rosa G attended a balance and dizziness workshop at Bacci and Glinn Physical Therapy. She began treatment with Dr. Bacci, and after just three sessions, she felt significant improvement. Rosa is now able to enjoy more activities with her husband and grandkids, experiencing a new level of confidence and mobility.“

Rosa G

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

  1. How long does it take to see improvement in balance?
    Most patients notice improvements within 4-6 weeks of starting therapy.
  2. Is physical therapy safe for seniors?
    Yes, physical therapists design customized programs tailored to each person’s abilities and medical conditions.
  3. Can exercises be done at home?
    Many exercises can be done at home to enhance the benefits of therapy sessions and continue progress.
  4. How often should I attend physical therapy?
    It varies, but most patients benefit from attending 1-2 sessions per week.
  5. Can physical therapy help even if I’ve already fallen?
    Yes, physical therapy can help reduce the risk of future falls by improving strength, balance, and coordination.

Take Control of Your Balance Today

Don’t wait until a fall limits your independence. Our expert therapists at Bacci and Glinn Physical Therapy are ready to help you regain your strength and confidence. Whether you’re dealing with balance issues, dizziness, or a fear of falling, we’ll design a program that fits your needs. 

Contact us today at our Visalia office at (559) 733-2478 or our Hanford office at (559) 582-1027 and start your journey toward better balance and mobility.

References:

  • Taylor D, Barrie H, Kerse N, et al. Physical therapy for improving balance in older adults: A review of evidence. Disability and Rehabilitation. Link here
  • Leland N, Elliott SJ, Ory MG. Balance interventions for reducing falls in older adults. Frontiers in Neurology. Link here
  • King AC, Rejeski WJ. Short- and long-term effects of balance training in older adults. Journal of Geriatric Physical Therapy. Link here

Understanding Geriatric Physical Therapy: A Comprehensive Guide

Aging can bring physical challenges like balance issues, chronic pain, and a loss of mobility. But with the right care, older adults can continue to live active, independent lives. Geriatric physical therapy, designed specifically for the needs of seniors, helps improve strength, balance, and overall well-being. 

What is Geriatric Physical Therapy?

Geriatric physical therapy focuses on treating older adults who suffer from age-related conditions such as arthritis, osteoporosis, balance issues, and recovery from surgeries like joint replacements.

Common Conditions Treated

  • Arthritis: Therapy can help reduce joint pain and stiffness.
  • Osteoporosis: Specific exercises help strengthen bones and reduce the risk of fractures.
  • Balance Issues and Falls: Exercises that improve strength and coordination can reduce fall risks.
  • Post-Surgical Recovery: Physical therapy is critical for regaining strength and mobility after surgery.

The Importance of Physical Therapy for Seniors

Aging naturally leads to muscle weakness, decreased bone density, and balance problems, which can increase the risk of falls and fractures. Geriatric physical therapy helps slow these declines by using exercises that are scientifically proven to improve strength, flexibility, and coordination. 

Benefits of Geriatric Physical Therapy

  1. Improved Bone Health: Weight-bearing and resistance exercises help maintain bone density, especially for those with osteoporosis.
  2. Fall Prevention: Balance and strength exercises reduce the risk of falling.
  3. Pain Management: Customized exercises relieve joint pain and improve mobility.
  4. Recovery from Surgery: Therapy speeds up recovery, helping patients regain strength and functionality.

A Real Story of Success

“Kevin came to Bacci & Glinn Physical Therapy to get help for pain caused by osteoarthritis in his right hip. The therapists and therapy techs created a plan just for him, using stretches and exercises to make his hip stronger and improve his movement. Kevin was impressed by how much the team knew about the human body and how osteoarthritis works. He also appreciated how friendly and caring the staff was, and how they sent reminders about his appointments by email or text. Kevin’s experience with physical therapy has been very positive, and he recommends Bacci & Glinn to anyone needing help with pain or mobility issues.”

– Kevin Capper

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

  1. How often should I attend physical therapy?
    Most people start with 2-3 sessions per week, but this can be adjusted based on individual progress and needs.
  2. Can physical therapy prevent falls?
    Yes, balance and strength exercises specifically designed to reduce fall risk can help prevent falls.
  3. Is physical therapy painful?
    Therapy may cause slight discomfort during exercise, but it should not be painful. The therapist will tailor the exercises to ensure they are safe and manageable.
  4. Will insurance cover physical therapy?
    Most insurance plans, including Medicare, cover physical therapy. We recommend checking with your provider for specific details.
  5. Can physical therapy help with osteoporosis?
    Yes, targeted exercises can slow down bone density loss and help maintain bone health.

Take Action for Better Health

If you or a loved one could benefit from improved mobility, reduced pain, or better overall health, consider reaching out to our experienced geriatric physical therapists.

Our team is here to help you regain your independence and enhance your quality of life. If you’re in Visalia, give us a call at (559) 733-2478, or if you’re in Hanford, reach out to us at (559) 582-1027.

References

Hartley, G. W., Avin, K. G., & Kirk-Sanchez, N. (2022). Physical therapist management of patients with suspected or confirmed osteoporosis: A clinical practice guideline. Journal of Geriatric Physical Therapy, 45(2), 89-101.Link here

Avin, K. G., Hanke, T. A., Kirk-Sanchez, N., McDonough, C. M., Shubert, T. E., Hardage, J., & Hartley, G. (2015). Management of falls in community-dwelling older adults: Clinical guidance statement from the Academy of Geriatric Physical Therapy of the American Physical Therapy Association. Physical Therapy, 95(6), 815–834. Link here.

Balance Training in Visalia

 

Looking for a clinic that specializes in balance training in Visalia?  We can help. Read below for more information about our expert clinical services.

Our Physical Therapists Can Help Older Adults Improve Balance To Reduce Their Risk For Falling

As our bodies age, they go through numerous physical and mental changes that can often make life more difficult. One of the most common issues that begins to develop in older age is impaired balance, which can turn basic everyday tasks like walking up the stairs into major challenges that precipitates fear of movement and avoidance of activities.

Having good balance means always being able to control and maintain your body’s position, and it’s necessary for normal physical functioning inside and outside of your home.

A balance disorder, on the other hand, indicates that an individual has trouble maintaining a stable and upright position when:

  • Standing,
  • Walking,
  • Or even sitting.

Older adults are at a much higher risk for having balance disorders than any other age group, as about 75% of Americans aged 70 years and older have “abnormal balance.”

This means that one or more aspects of the person’s balance is out of sync, which can often cause complications.

The risk for balance disorders increases as individuals enter their 70s and 80s due to various age-related changes and other factors, like:

  • Increased muscle weakness,
  • Joint stiffness,
  • Visual Impairments,
  • Inner ear problems,
  • Spending too much time sitting, and
  • The side effects of certain medications.

The greater likelihood of a balance disorder also ties directly into an increased risk for falling, as more than one-third of adults aged 65 years and older suffer from a fall each year. Experiencing a fall and a subsequent injury like a hip fracture can further impair your abilities and infringe on your independence.

Improving Your Balance will Reduce Your Fall Risk

Why do we provide balance training in Visalia and also in our Hanford office?

It’s essential for older adults to take measures that will improve their balance and as a result, reduce their risk for falling. Our physical therapists are great resources for this population because they can prescribe feasible tips to help you achieve a more active lifestyle—a necessary first step—and design personalized programs to mitigate your fall risk.

These fall prevention programs focus primarily on improving balance while also working to increase strength, flexibility, and proprioception (sensing your body’s location in space), which all contribute to fall risk. Specific exercises like the heel-to-toe walk, sit-to-stand exercise, and heel raise are frequently incorporated into these types of programs and can be performed at home as well.

Research Supports Our Balance Training

The benefits of fall-prevention programs have been highlighted in a recent systematic review, a robust type of study that reviewed all the available medical literature on the effectiveness of various programs to prevent falls in older adults. Results showed that programs involving light to moderate exercise training may reduce risk factors related to falls and the incidence of falls in this population.

Researchers also found that the most effective exercise programs were those that accounted for each patient’s specific needs with a personalized approach and recommended that balance training and strengthening exercises should be necessary interventions in any worthwhile fall-prevention program.

Call Bacci & Glinn Physical Therapy Today for Balance Training in Visalia or Hanford

So if you or a loved one has impaired balance and you’d like to take action now, contact Bacci & Glinn Physical Therapy at
559-733-2478 (Visalia) or 559-582-1027 (Hanford) to learn more about our services or to schedule an appointment today.

Vestibular Therapy in Visalia or Hanford

 

Looking for vestibular therapy in Visalia or Hanford?  Let us explain more about how we can help.

Vestibular Therapy Can Correct Most Balance Problems And Help Re-stabilize Your Life

The vestibular system is the sensory system that provides the brain with the most important information regarding the body’s sense of balance and spatial orientation, which allows it to smoothly coordinate your movements.

This system detects motion of the head—mainly through the inner ear, as well as the eyes, muscles, and joints—and based on this information it generates reflexes that are crucial for completing most daily activities. Some of these tasks include stabilizing our gaze and maintaining the posture of our head and body as you move.

When the vestibular system functions properly, most people are unaware of its existence and don’t think twice when performing physical tasks like walking on uneven surfaces or arising from bed in the middle of the night.

However, when the vestibular system becomes damaged in any way, it leads to a variety of symptoms, most notably dizziness, vertigo, and impaired balance.

There are several causes of dizziness and vertigo, each of which can affect balance in different ways. A condition called benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) is one of the more common contributors. BPPV is a disorder of the inner ear that involves tiny calcium crystals, or rocks, which normally help to regulate balance.

Infection or inflammation can cause these rocks to detach and travel to other parts of the inner ear, where they trick the brain into perceiving motion even when the person is at rest. This results in brief periods of dizziness and disorientation that usually occur when lying down, turning over, or looking up.

Targeting the Vestibular System with Specific Exercises

Vestibular therapy is a service we offer to help patients with BPPV and other disorders that cause:

  • vertigo,
  • dizziness, and
  • balance problems.

Each vestibular therapy program is unique depending on which condition is present, but the goal is always to help patients restore their balance and navigate their surroundings more easily.

In each case we start by evaluating all areas of the body associated with balance to determine what condition is present and the degree of impairment. From there, we typically prescribe gaze stabilization exercises, which are designed to keep vision steady while making rapid side-to-side head turns and focusing on an object. This is intended to help the brain adapt to new signaling from the vestibular system.

What We Often Include When Performing Vestibular Therapy in Our Visalia or Hanford Offices

We also frequently prescribe balance retraining exercises, which involve shifting one’s body weight in various directions while standing to improve how information is sent to the brain, and a home-exercise program to help build on the gains made within our clinic

The effectiveness of physical therapy interventions for older patients with vertigo, dizziness, and balance disorders was evaluated in a recent systematic review, which is a robust review of all available medical literature on the topic. This review identified 22 relevant studies and concluded with the following statement after completing its analysis of these studies:

Vestibular rehabilitation in any variation seems to be effective in treating for older adults with vertigo, dizziness, and balance disorders

Come see us to get started on your vestibular therapy program

Therefore, if you’re dealing with a balance issue of any sort, regardless of your age, we strongly recommend coming in for a visit. Our physical therapists can help get to the root of your problem and start you on your way to a more stable life in which impaired balance is no longer a hindrance.

Call Bacci & Glinn Physical Therapy at 559-733-2478 (Visalia) or 559-582-1027 (Hanford) to learn more about our services or to schedule an appointment today.

Looking for Fall Prevention in Visalia? Part 2 is About Exercise

This is the second of our two-part posts about Fall Prevention in Visalia.

In our last blog, we provided a brief overview of why falls occur and offered some initial steps you can take to avoid them. Here, we take a closer look at what can happen after a fall occurs and focus on the importance of performing targeted exercises as you age.

A Significant Percentage of Falls are Very Serious

Although up to half of falls only cause minor injuries like cuts and bruises, research shows that about 20% result in far more serious injuries that often require a trip to the hospital. Fractures are undoubtedly the most severe complication that can come about from a fall. The hip is fractured more frequently than any other bone in older adults, and these injuries are particularly devastating because they significantly reduce mobility. As a result, many older adults are unable to regain their prior level of function and will require the assistance of a caretaker.

Some falls lead to head trauma and result in brain injuries as well, which can be extremely serious. Even falls from a low height can cause brain disturbances, and these injuries often go undetected. This is why it’s imperative that all older adults visit their doctor immediately if their head was involved in a fall in any way.

Fall Prevention in Visalia – Here’s Why

The good news is that most falls are preventable, and the better prepared you are, the lower your risk for falling will be. In addition to addressing environmental hazards within your home and taking appropriate precautions when leaving it, it’s also crucial to keep your body moving regularly and systematically.

The Proper Exercises Help…A Lot

Safely increasing your general physical activity levels is a great start, but performing specific exercises will be even more beneficial. As the body ages, it’s natural for strength, flexibility, and balance to start declining, which makes these areas the most important to address. For these reasons, we strongly recommend performing these 5 exercises to help you maintain your functionality and reduce your risk for falling in the process:

5 simple exercises to boost your balance

  1. Stand on one foot: hold a chair for balance, stand on one foot for 10 seconds, then repeat it with the other leg, 10-15 times each
  2. Back leg raises: same setup as #1, but instead of raising your foot, lift it back without bending your knees or pointing your toes, 10-15 times on each leg
  3. Side leg raises: same setup as #1, but lift your leg to the side while keeping your back straight and toes facing forward, 10-15 times with each leg
  4. Walk heel-to-toe: with your arms outstretched, focus on a distant point and walk in a straight line with your heel close to or touching your toe, for 20 steps
  5. Balance walk: use the same approach as #4, but take normal size steps and lift your back leg for one second before stepping, for 20 steps

According to a comprehensive review of studies published in December 2019, exercises that improve balance are best for reducing fall risk, with the results stating:

The updated Cochrane review is consistent with previous systematic reviews that identified greater falls prevention effects from exercise programs that challenge balance

If you’re new to these types of exercises, it’s best to consult with a physical therapist first to ensure you’re performing them safely and effectively, especially if your balance is impaired. Our physical therapists can also provide advice on how to become more physically active and guide you on how to eliminate hazards in your home, all with the overall goal of reducing your fall risk.

If You’d Like to Learn More About Our Balance & Fall Prevention Programs – Contact Us Today at 559-733-2478

Fall Prevention Program in Visalia Part 1 – Why It’s So Important

If you are in need of a fall prevention program in Visalia, we encourage you to read on.  We think this information may be of value to you and your loved ones.

Falls…A Silent Killer

Falls pose one of the greatest possible threats to the health of older adults. They are the leading cause of non-fatal injuries and death in this population, and as the number of older adults grows, so too will the incidence of falls and fall-related injuries.

Approximately one-third of older Americans—which those who are 65 and over—experience a fall each year, which results in more than 2.8 million injuries treated in emergency rooms.

Most fractures in this population are due to falls, with over 95% of hip fractures resulting from a fall of some sort. Other bones commonly fractured after a fall include the spine, forearm, leg and ankle, and the risk for these increases even more when osteoporosis—also common in older adults—is present.

Common Reasons Why People Fall

Falls can occur for a number of reasons, but they are often due to a combination of internal and external factors. After the age of 65, a variety of health conditions contribute to falls.  Some of them include:

  • Arthritis,
  • Dementia,
  • Diabetes,
  • Balance impairments,
  • Lower body weakness, and
  • Impaired vision or hearing

If you or a loved one has any of these or a combination of these risk factors, your risk of falling increases.

Don’t Forget Medications

Many older adults also take multiple medications, some of which can affect balance or otherwise interfere with one’s ability to stay on their feet.

Environmental Factors

Environmental factors also play a major role in fall risk. Failing to take proper precautions can leave a home filled with potential hazards that can be slipped or tripped on to cause a fall. These include:

  • Loose rugs,
  • Clutter,
  • Slippery surfaces,
  • Poor lighting,
  • Steep or uneven stairs, and
  • A lack of handrails or grab bars.

All of these are commonplace in homes if an older adults but these can be modified.

Do a home walkthrough to identify anything that could contribute to a fall
If a fall does occur, many people go on to develop a greater fear of falling, even if they’re not injured. This can cause them to limit their activities, which leads to reduced mobility and loss of physical fitness. Worst of all, this process can turn into a vicious cycle that further increases the risk for falling due to these changes. This shows why it’s so important to take the necessary precautions and reduce or eliminate potential hazards in your home. We recommend these tips to mitigate your fall risk:

  • Wear shoes with nonskid soles and consider using Velcro or spyrolaces
  • Walk through your home, take note of any obstacles that may lead to a fall, and make the necessary modifications to eliminate them
  • Install handrails on both sides of all stairways, avoid clutter and putting any items on the floor, remove throw rugs, and make sure your home is well-lit
  • In bathrooms, use non-skid mats, a raised toilet seat and grab bars as needed
  • Get your eyes checked once a year, and get adequate calcium and vitamin D
  • Take your time, be patient and ask others for help with difficult tasks
  • Stay physically active and avoid spending too much time sitting

The importance of regular physical activity for improving balance and reducing fall risk is continuously supported by medical literature, such as this recent study published in May 2019, which concludes with the following statement:

Regular physical activity including aerobic, anaerobic and proprioceptive components may be practiced in order to promote static balance in the elderly as a mean to reduce future risk of falling

Our Physical Therapists Can Help Reduce Fall Risks

Physical therapists can help you increase your physical activity levels in ways that are safe and feasible for you, which will lead to better overall health and a lower likelihood of falling. And read our next blog for additional tips to help you reduce your fall risk.

Contact Us Today at 559-733-2478 If You Would Like More Information

Hip Replacement Rehabilitation in Visalia

Physical therapy is crucial for getting back on your feet after hip replacement surgery.  The good news is Bacci & Glinn Physical Therapy specialize in hip replacement rehabilitation in Visalia and Hanford.

Hip Replacement or Hip Arthroplasty Can Alleviate Severe Pain But…

Hip replacements have consistently grown in popularity to become one of the most frequently performed orthopedic surgeries. Since first being introduced in 1960, the technique and the prosthesis used have been continually improved upon and perfected over time. All along, the goal has been to help patients recover more quickly and with less pain, so they can get back to doing the things they love.

Hip replacement surgery—which can be either partial or complete— is used to treat patients with severe osteoarthritis or a hip fracture after all other conservative (non-surgical) treatments have failed. The procedure removes damaged bone and cartilage from the painful hip and replaces it with a prosthetic, or artificial hip. If successful, the end result will relieve pain, improve joint mobility and restore or improve a patient’s ability to safely perform daily activities like walking, standing, and climbing stairs.

The surgery itself, however, is not the end of the story. In order to have a successful recovery, it’s incredibly important that the patient follows a course of physical therapy following the hip replacement. Physical therapy is a necessary component of the recovery process that will help patients regain their flexibility, build back their strength, and gradually return to everyday activities.

Highlights of hip arthroplasty rehabilitation in Visalia

In most cases, a physical therapist will come to the patient’s bedside on the first or second day after surgery to begin post-operative treatment. This period of time is called the acute phase of recovery, and the therapist will help you with tasks like turning in bed and rising to a sitting position, getting out of bed to stand, and walking with an assistive device like a walker or crutches a short distance. The therapists will also begin some gentle exercises to increase flexibility and strength at this time.

Some time after being discharged from the hospital, patients will begin an outpatient treatment program at a local clinic will begin. During this time, physical therapists will continue to focus on helping patients with walking and stair climbing, balance, full movement of the leg and new hip, and transferring to the bed, chair and car. They will also incorporate specific muscle strengthening to improve the patient’s ability to stand and walk safely and independently.

Sometimes a Good Home Program is All That is Needed

In some cases, our physical therapist may have enough confidence in a patient to prescribe an unsupervised rehabilitation program to be performed at home. While less capable patients may require the specific guidance of a physical therapist at the clinic, a recent study has shown that both supervised and unsupervised treatment programs can lead to similar results after surgery:

The results demonstrated that outcomes in response to rehabilitation after hip total replacement surgery are clinically and statistically similar whether the program was supervised or not. The results suggest that early rehabilitation programs can be effectively delivered unsupervised in the home to low-risk patients discharged home after surgery.

Patients who are scheduled to have a hip replacement surgery are therefore encouraged to confirm that physical therapy is part of their recovery plan, and to participate in it fully in order to experience the best possible outcomes.

When a Home Program Isn’t Enough – Give Us a Call

If the home program isn’t enough to get you back to walking normally or you don’t have good pain relief after the procedure, then total hip replacement physical therapy program may be for you.  Contact us for additional information and details.  We accept most insurance plans and can usually get you in within a few days.

Fall Prevention Program in Visalia – Reduce Your Fall Risk

Staying active and physical therapy can help reduce your risk for falls

Falls are the leading cause of both fatal and non-fatal injuries in older adults, and as a result, they threaten seniors’ safety and independence in major ways. This is exactly why we offer a fall prevention program in Visalia.

Approximately one-third of Americans aged 65 and over falls each year, which results in more than 2.4 million injuries treated in emergency rooms. Most fractures among older adults are caused by falls, with over 95% of hip fractures resulting from a fall of some sort.

A fall can occur for a number of reasons, but they are often due to a combination of internal and external factors. Poor vision and/or balance in an environment with bad lighting, bad footing or slippery surfaces can be a recipe for a fall, and environmental hazards are responsible for at least one-third of all falls, both in and out of the house.

If a fall does occur, many people unfortunately go on to develop an even greater fear of falling, even if they’re not injured. This can cause them to limit their activities, which leads to reduced mobility and loss of physical fitness. Worst of all, this process can turn into a vicious cycle that actually increases the risk for falling rather than lowering it.

What’s most important to realize is that falling should not be seen as an inevitable part of aging. Making simple changes around your home, as well as improving your balance with some targeted exercises can significantly reduce your risk of falling. Below are some fall-prevention tips to help you stay on your feet and injury-free:

  • Get physically active on a regular basis, as keeping up with your physical fitness is one of the best ways to keep your body strong and prevent falls
  • See a physical therapist for a balance training program to be completed in the clinic and at home; these types of programs focus on improving balance and posture, which will reduce your chances of falling
  • Wear shoes with nonskid soles, consider getting Velcro or spyrolaces if needed
  • Conduct a walkthrough of your home to identify possible problems that may lead to a fall; once identified, make any necessary changes to remove these risks
  • Install handrails on both sides of all stairways, avoid clutter and putting any items on the floor, remove throw rugs and make sure your home is well-lit
  • Get your eyes checked once a year, and get adequate calcium and vitamin D
  • Take your time, be patient and ask others for help with difficult, risky tasks

Balance training programs created by physical therapists have been shown to be effective for reducing the risk for falls in older adults, and the conclusion of this recent study highlights the potential benefits of any type of exercise in the elderly population:

Adding resistance exercise to aerobic exercise improves factors associated with an increased risk of falls. However, both exercise regimes, combined or aerobic alone, are more effective than no exercise in the reduction of fall risk factors.

So if you are concerned with risk for falling or that of a loved one, seeing a physical therapist is one of the best choices you can make to do something about it. Contact us to find out more about our Fall Prevention Program in Visalia and how we can help reduce your fall risk so you can lead a safer life.

Physical Therapists Help with Balance Treatment in Visalia

Physical therapists can help manage any balance disorders that may be interfering with your life

At any given moment throughout the day, when performing practically every movement, our vestibular system is responsible for keeping us balanced. For most of us, we hardly even think about how much we use this system during tasks like walking up stairs or standing from a chair. But for anyone with a balance disorder, some of these seemingly simple tasks that we take for granted can become extremely challenging.  The good news is our clinicians are experts at helping patients with balance treatment in Visalia.

The vestibular system is the sensory system that provides the brain with the most important information regarding the body’s sense of balance and spatial orientation in order to coordinate our movements smoothly. The system detects motion of the head—mainly through the inner ear, as well as the eyes, muscles and joints—and from this, it generates reflexes that are crucial for completing many daily activities. Some of these tasks include stabilizing our gaze and maintaining the posture of our head and body.

When the vestibular system functions properly, most people are unaware of it and don’t think twice about activities like walking on uneven surfaces or arising from bed in the middle of the night. When certain disorders affect the vestibular system, however, various symptoms can come about, the most common of which are dizziness, vertigo and balance problems.

There are a number of causes of dizziness and vertigo, but two of the most common are benign paroxysmal vertigo disorder and vestibular neuritis and labyrinthitis. Both of these vestibular disorders occur due to different problems with the inner ear, and cause a change in the information being received by the brain from the vestibular system.

Vestibular therapy is one important intervention physical therapists provide that works to improve balance with various exercises. Treatment typically consists of the following:

  • An evaluation of all body parts that affect balance to determine how much balance is impaired; the resulting program will be based on this evaluation
  • Gaze stabilization exercises: these exercises are designed to keep vision steady while making rapid side-to-side head turns and focusing on an object, which will help the brain adapt to new signaling from the vestibular system
  • Balance retraining exercises: these exercises include shifting body weight in various directions while standing to improve how information is sent to the brain
  • Home-exercise program: your physical therapist will also create a program to be performed at home that includes these exercises and possibly others

The benefits of balance therapy in Visalia for patients with balance disorders can be seen in the conclusion of this study review from 2015:

Patients with central and peripheral vestibular disorders benefit from physical therapy interventions. Advances in physical therapy interventions include new methods to stimulate adaptation of the vestibulo-ocular reflex and the vestibulospinal systems.

So if you’re dealing with any sort of balance problem and are looking for balance treatment in Visalia, we strongly recommend coming in for a visit. Our physical therapists can help get to the root of your problem and start you on your way to a more stable life without any bothersome balance complications.

For more information about our balance program, click here to visit our balance therapy page.

To Get Started on a Balance Evaluation & Treatment Program call (559-733-2478)

Fall Prevention Program in Visalia

Lifestyle modifications and physical therapy can reduce your risk of falling later in life

If you happen to be over the age of 65 or have a loved one in that age group, you are probably aware of the risk of falls and the damage that can be done if one occurs. Awareness is essential for preventing falls, but all the information out there can be overwhelming and lead to a greater fear of falling, which can actually have a negative effect. With that in mind, we’d like to explain some basic steps that can reduce not only your risk, but your fear of falling as well. Falls are the leading cause of injury for older Americans, and approximately one-third of adults aged 65 and over falls each year. When one falls, there’s a good chance bones will be broken. The femur (the thigh bone that meets with the socket in the pelvis) is often fractured as a result of these falls.  Other common fractures include the spine, forearm, leg and ankle. Falls can occur for any number of reasons, but they are usually due to a combination of internal and external factors. Poor vision and/or balance in an environment with bad lighting, bad footing or slippery surfaces can all be a recipe for a fall. If a fall does occur, many individuals go on to develop an even greater fear of falling, even if they don’t get injured. This can cause them to limit their activities, which leads to reduced mobility and loss of physical fitness. Worst of all, this process can become a vicious cycle that actually increases the risk for falling.

Overcome the Fear of Falling & Improve Your Physical Fitness

What’s most important to realize is that falling should not be seen as an inevitable part of aging. By being aware of your risk and making lifestyle adjustments both in and out of your home, you can significantly reduce your risk of falling. Below are some fall-prevention tips to help you stay on your feet and injury-free:
  • Stay physically active, since good fitness can help prevent falls
  • Wear shoes with nonskid soles, and consider getting Velcro or spyrolaces
  • Conduct a walkthrough of your home (with someone else if you’re uncertain) to identify possible problems that may lead to a fall, then make necessary changes
  • Install handrails on both sides of stairways, avoid clutter and items on the floor
  • Get your eyes checked once a year, and get adequate calcium and vitamin D
  • If you’re taking numerous medications, learn the side effects and if there are any interactions that can increase your risk of falling
  • Take your time, be patient and ask others for help with difficult, risky tasks

Beyond Eduction & Lifestyle Modifications, Our Balance Program Can Really Help

Aside from making these important lifestyle adjustments, physical therapy is another positive means to reduce your risk for falls. A physical therapy program will help to improve your strength, flexibility, balance and overall fitness, all of which will make you more capable of navigating your daily life with a lower fall risk. To highlight how physical therapy can help prevent falls in older adults, a recent study compared resistance (strengthening) exercises to aerobic exercises, both of which are commonly prescribed by physical therapists. Researchers concluded with the following:
Adding resistance exercise to aerobic exercise improves factors associated with an increased risk of falls. However, both exercise regimes, combined or aerobic alone, are more effective than no exercise in the reduction of fall risk factors. Reference: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27353246
So if you’re concerned with your risk for falling later in life, contact us for a consultation and find out how we can help you keep your fall risk at a minimum. NOTE: We have more information about our Balance Program if you click here.
Translate »