BAREFOOT PHYSICAL THERAPY and YOGA
1/23/2017 6 Comments Number 1Barbara Shirts, PT Be Balanced. Falling is NOT Normal.Did you know?
What is true is that yes, we have other systems in our body that do decline as the years roll by that can effect our balance and contribute to a fall::
In fact, studies have shown that individuals of any age who are:
1. Somatosensory System: this system provides information about where we are in space, and the surface we are on. It gives us feedback on the position and motion of our body parts and how they relate to each other. (Otis) Sensory feedback from our ankles, knees and hips, helps keep us upright and stable as we walk, run, or dance. (Schrift) 2. Visual System: this system helps to signal the position and movement of the head and body with respect to surrounding objects in our environment(Otis). We use our visual feedback to tell us what position we are in, what obstacle are ahead, how to manueuver around to avoid any hazzards. This is not to say that the better you see the better you balance, it's not about visual acutity here, but rather how we rely on our visual feedback to maintain our balance. In yoga, we practice drishti, a gazing technique that develops concentration and intention, which can be used to increase awareness and harness some physical balance. In low light situations our balance can be affected, this is why we feel out of sorts walking down a ramp in a dark movie theater, or it's even possible, and I've had patients tell me, that they sometimes feel a little 'off center' walking outdoors on even or uneven surfaces with sunglasses on! (Note: most falls in the home, happen at night, in the dark) 3. Musculoskeletal System: this system helps control balance through strength, range of motion, and coordination. (Otis) We utilize our strength in our legs to support us. This system can be affected in a variety of ways:
4. Vestibular System: Our system that plays a major role in our ability to maintain balance. The movement of the head and its position with respect to
The good news is: unlike some of the other aging systems in our bodies, we can train our Vestibular System by performing specific, special task-specific exercises. These exercises can reduce our symptoms of dizziness. We can also train ourselves to have better balance. We can address the issues that effect the systems that control our balance, we can learn to control our sensory input, increase our awareness of our abilities, increase our confidence, and identify our risk factors. Combined with medical/medication management, and home safety, these strategies can be essential in preventing a serious, and potentially life threatening fall. A physical therapist who specializes in balance disorders and the Vestibular System can help. At Barefoot Physical Therapy and Yoga, we will identify your weak system(s), provide you with a comprehensive balance program to ensure your best outcomes, and maximize your safety and independence. Everybody's body needs balance! To get started, try these simple exercises:
1. Standing in the corner, fix your posture so your center of gravity is over your base of support (your feet).
2. Tape a playing card or picture with high contract approxiamtely 6' away from you across the room.
For more information, or if you would like to discuss your symptoms, or those of a friend or family member, Contact me! Barefoot Physical Therapy and Yoga would love to help! References: 1. Lauris Otis, PTMBA,MHA "Balance Disorder Etiology" 2. Besdine, Richard W., MD, "Changes in the Body With Aging" The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University 3. Agrawal, Y, Carey J, Della Santina C, et al. "Disorders of Balance and Vestibular Function in US Adults" Data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 2001-2004. Arch Intern Med, 2009; 169 (10): 938-44. 4. Schrift, Doug, PT, "12 Best Elderly Balance Exercises For Seniors to Help Prevent Falls", ElderGym.com. I have had the pleasure to work under and for Dr Kim Bell, PT, and have been fortunate to have trained with her in the area of vestibular hypo function and balance dysfunction issues. The way I evaluate, assess, and treat my patients with complaints of dizziness, poor balance, or repeated falls with sensory integration and vestibular rehabilitation comes from the many hours I have studied, trained, and worked along side her.
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Barbara Shirts, PT, C-IAYT,RYT
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