A Beginner’s Guide on How Physiotherapy Can Improve Your Balance

As we get older, we often experience a decline in balance due to changes in our nervous system, vision, and muscles. This can make everyday activities such as walking and going up and down the stairs much more difficult—and dangerous. 

Luckily, there are ways to improve your balance at any age. One such way is through physiotherapy . But how does physiotherapy help improve balance? Keep reading to find out! 

Why is Balance Important? 

Your balance is important for many reasons. For one, it allows you to move freely and without pain. It also improves your posture and prevents falls. Balance is a key component in physical therapy and is often worked on with patients who have suffered from a stroke or other neurological conditions.

There are three types of balance: static, dynamic and functional. Static balance is the ability to maintain your center of gravity over your base of support without moving. An example would be standing on one foot. Dynamic balance is the ability to control your center of gravity as you move. An example would be walking or running. Functional balance is being able to perform activities of daily living, such as climbing stairs or getting in and out of a car, with ease. 

Most people have good static balance but poor dynamic balance. This can be due to a weakness in the core muscles. The core muscles are the muscles around your trunk (abdominals, back, hips) and pelvis. These muscles help stabilize your spine and pelvis when you move. 

The Relationship Between Your Core Muscles and Balance

Most people know that having strong abdominal muscles— commonly referred to as a "six-pack"— is important for aesthetics. However, what many don't realize is that having strong core muscles is essential for balance and stability, too.

Your sense of balance is controlled by muscles in your feet, legs, and pelvis (your “core”). These muscles work together to keep you upright and stable. When one or more of these muscle groups is weak or tight, it can lead to imbalances and make it difficult to maintain your balance. 

For example, if the muscles on the outside of your hip are weak, it can cause your pelvis to tilt to one side. This can make it difficult to stand up straight or walk without veering off to one side. Strengthening your core muscles can help improve your balance and prevent falls.

How Physiotherapy Can Help

Physiotherapy can help improve your balance by targeting the root cause of your problem. Physiotherapy treatment for balance problems usually involves a combination of exercises to improve muscle strength and flexibility, proprioceptive training, and vestibular rehabilitation. 

If you have an inner ear condition affecting your vestibular system, a physiotherapist can help by providing exercises that retrain your brain to better interpret signals from your vestibular system.

If proprioception is the issue, physiotherapy exercises that focus on improving strength, flexibility, and range of motion can help by making it easier for sensors in your joints to send signals to your brain about where your body is in space. 

In addition, manual therapy techniques such as massaging or joint mobilizations can help improve proprioception by reducing pain and inflammation in the joints and muscles.

Your physiotherapist will tailor a treatment plan specifically for you based on the underlying cause of your balance problem.

Restore Your Balance

Most people don’t realize how important balance is until they start having problems with it. If you’re struggling with balance issues, physiotherapy could be the answer you’ve been looking for. 

Contact us today at (403) 727-0802  or fill out our online contact form  to book an appointment with one of our experienced physiotherapists. Versa Movement Collective would be more than happy to help you regain your sense of balance!