It’s common knowledge that seniors can have more trouble keeping their balance. But you might not realize that balance problems are often caused by a deeper issue. Physical therapy is one of the options that can help treat underlying issues causing balance difficulties. In fact, many physical therapy teams offer balance training for seniors, and these programs can help address three common issues that cause loss of balance.
- Weak core muscles
The core muscles are responsible for supporting your spine and upper body. This makes them a major player in your ability to balance, and when they’re weak, balancing can be much harder. Balance training plans for seniors can be designed to strengthen the core muscles. One therapy method that can be included to help strengthen the core is therapeutic exercises, and therapy specialists can show you lots of different exercises to target the abs, pelvic floor, back, obliques and other weak core muscles.
- Stiff and painful joints
Seniors are also more likely to be dealing with stiff, sore joints, and these can make balancing a challenge. The most common issue that leads to balance-affecting joint problems is osteoarthritis. This condition is caused by the natural wear and tear on the joints over time, and it often leads to the wearing out of cartilage that keeps the joints mobile and supple. When the cartilage in joints is worn away, the ends of bones can rub together. This rubbing can make the joints harder and more painful to move. The more difficult it is to move joints like your knees, the harder it is to keep your balance and avoid falls. Balance training for seniors can include multiple therapy techniques designed to reduce pain and stiffness in your joints. In turn, this can make it easier to keep your balance.
- Inner ears
Balance training for seniors can also be designed to help people with inner ear problems. The inner ear is crucial to the body’s ability to balance, but issues like benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) can cause balance problems centered on the inner ear. BPPV is when natural crystals in the inner ear break loose can float into the inner ear canals. The movement of these crystals sends false signals to the brain, and these signals can lead to vertigo and other balance issues. As part of your balance training, physical therapists can use techniques like the Epley maneuver to help treat the cause of BPPV. In turn, this can help you feel more balanced as you move around.
Find help with balance training for seniors at Panther Physical Therapy
At Panther Physical Therapy, our team has helped many people find effective senior balance training. We offer free screenings to help you get started with your therapy, and these screenings are designed to help us discover the source of your balance problem. Using this information, our team will build you a therapy plan that’s personalized to your needs. Your plan will include multiple beneficial therapy techniques, and some of the techniques we may include in your plan are:
- Manual therapy
- Therapeutic exercises
- Joint mobilization
- Trigger point therapy
Take the next step to get our help with improving your balance. Contact our team today for more information or to schedule an appointment.