The ability to maintain balance is dependent on how well you’re able to maintain your posture while remaining still (static balance) and also when you’re moving through space or when the environment around you is in motion (dynamic balance). There are three main systems that help you stay up on your feet: The visual, somatosensory, and vestibular systems.
Your visual system relies on gaze fixation and coordinated movements of your eyes and head to give you information about your position in space; this may be influenced by the function of your eye muscles as well as your eyesight. Your somatosensory system relies on the feeling of position sense and proprioceptive information from your joints and muscles, which may be altered after injury or surgery. Your vestibular system, located in your inner ear, interprets linear and rotational movement and coordinates eye-head-body control. This system can be affected by viral infections of the inner ear or certain medications that cause dizziness.
At Helm PT, your therapist will help you assess and strengthen your three balance systems as needed, developing practical strategies that will reduce the risk of falling and improve your confidence when out in the community and beyond. These strategies may include activities to improve eye coordination; exercises that stimulate ankle, hip, and stepping reactions; and vestibular exercises to promote neural adaptation of important reflexes. In addition, your therapist may give you customized, specific habituation exercises that involve movement of your eyes, head, and body in functional movement patterns that will enhance balance, reduce dizziness, and build confidence.
Whether you’re feeling a little off-balance after an orthopedic surgery that affected the accuracy of the information you receive from your joints or if you’re having problems with dizziness, we can help.