Physical Therapy Exercises for Balance

As a physical therapist, we understand that good balance is a foundation for all movement activities as well as functional activities. In physical therapy, we strive to maximize a person's quality of life by focusing on several categories including strength, posture, mobility, gait and function. Having good balance, is the foundation for each one of those categories. By performing balance exercises, you help to strengthen the appropriate muscles in your lower legs that are needed for movement activities. Having an aligned center balance point helps the individual to have an upright posture which reduces friction on the joints, thereby decreasing pain in the joints and surrounding muscles. Balance training is the key to having good posture. Equilibrium exercises also help to enhance mobility. By having a good balanced base of support, the extremities are able to produce force and complete the tasks efficiently. Furthermore, having to balance is critical for gait. When we walk, we spend time balancing on one foot during the stance phase of walking.

Consequently, practicing balance exercises for standing on one foot is essential for maintaining stability while walking. Balance training is essential to perform before starting a stretching program. Stability exercises will help you stay grounded while you reach out to touch your toes or reach back behind you to stretch the back. Many stretching positions can put you in a position of being off balanced. That is why it is essential to practice equilibrium routines before you start to stretch. Finally, having good stability is critical for all functional movements including our activities of daily living. We all need balance skills for reaching overhead into a cupboard without falling backwards. Additionally, moving from sitting to standing requires stability so that we do not fall forwards when we get up. Going up and down stairs also requires balance abilities to maintain proper momentum and to keep from tripping and falling. As physical therapists, we know that good balance is a foundation required to perform all these movements.
Physical Therapy Exercises for Balance

In physical therapy, we apply balance activities to most of the exercises that we have our patients perform. For example, to increase balance skills, or to build strength and core muscles as well as help those sore shoulder muscles heal, we can add standing on a soft or uneven surface while performing shoulder strengthening exercises. To help build muscle strength that supports arthritic knees, we often train the hamstring and quadriceps muscles to perform strengthening exercises while on a balance board. The added challenge of imbalance enhances strength and balance abilities at the same time. Additionally, in therapy we make sure to challenge our postoperative hip and knee replacement folks with their balance during walking. We often add obstacles like stepping over cones or on and off different size steps to advance coordination, proprioception and stability. Who says physical therapy can't be fun?
Physical Therapy Exercises For People With Balance Problems

Physical Therapy Exercises for Balance

Some of us Physical Therapists have gone on to specialize in patients who have balance problems and dizziness issues. Our specialty is classified as Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapists. We work with individuals specifically on foundational balance routines and exercises to eliminate vertigo. In Vestibular Rehabilitation, we instruct patents in detail how to find their balance, how to use proper balance techniques when walking and moving. We evaluate each individual and determine which equilibrium exercises are suitable for their recovery. One of my greatest joys is to watch the journey of folks going from a history of falling and having a fear of falling to applying specific balance techniques and exercises which lead them to a life of stability and higher quality of life.

Physical Therapy Exercises for Balance
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The author is a licensed Physical Therapist who specializes in balance and dizziness disorders. The author has developed the Exercise For Balance DVD for you to learn the specific balance techniques and balance exercises needed to improve stability, prevent falls and enhance your fitness regime in the comfort of your own home. For the price of one copay you can have an expert balance trainer lead you through a balance program that will strengthen your balance abilities and take you to the next level of fitness or sports competition. For more information, see http://www.exerciseforbalance.com

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