In order to understand why our Toronto balance problem programs are so effective, it is first necessary to explain what causes balance problems and their associated falls.
Balance problems will occur if you get poor information from your senses, have muscle weakness, have issues with your joints, or if you are unable to react quickly enough to an incident. In addition, for those aged 65 or more, balance problems and falls can result from the interconnected issues of inactivity, disuse atrophy and fear of falling. Very often this leads to increasing levels of isolation and losses of independence. In the US, following an admission into hospital for a fall, about 50% of this age group are unable to return home. Also for this age group, falls are the sixth leading cause of death.
Usually people experiencing balance problems will say that they feel unsteady, or nervous, or fear they will fall, in the following situations:
- They are on uneven or soft surfaces.
- They are doing stairs.
- They make quick changes in direction or head movements.
- They step over things.
- They become distracted or tired.
- They are in low light conditions.
Balance Problem Treatment
Our Toronto balance problem treatment programs starts off with an hour long assessment. Having training in both regular orthopaedic physiotherapy and Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT) allows Paul to more effectively zero in on all the physical contributing factors to your poor balance. He can also find out if you are at a higher risk of falling. Knowing all of this, he can then prescribe customized exercises to overcome these issues. Depending on your needs and goals, our Toronto balance programs include:
- Static balance exercises (i.e. standing still exercises)
- Dynamic balance exercises (i.e. exercises involving balance with movement)
- Joint range of motion exercises and manual mobilization
- Strengthening and stabilization exercises for your ankles, knees, hips and core
- Exercises designed to improve your reaction speed
If needed, he can also prescribe aids and tools to keep you safe while you improve your balance:
- Walking aids such as a cane and walkers.
- Recommendations for change of shoe wear (e.g.“icers” for walking on ice, orthotics that increase sensation in the feet).
