Balance
Why is my balance getting worse?
Many of our senior patients have wondered why their balance has declined as they have aged. It can happen to those who are active, fit and healthy and it can also happen to individuals who shy away from exercise and activity. Balance can also affect young adults and seniors for different reasons. There are LOTS of different reasons and causes for someones balance to decline and it’s often a Physiotherapists role to figure out why.
Here is a list of some reasons why our balance can change:
Age-Related Physical Changes:
Decline in muscle strength and joint flexibility.
Reduced bone density, making falls more dangerous.
Impaired reflexes and slower reaction times.
Sensory Impairments:
Vision changes, such as cataracts or macular degeneration, affect depth perception and spatial awareness.
Hearing loss can disrupt balance through reduced vestibular function in the inner ear.
Peripheral neuropathy, often due to diabetes, reduces sensation in the feet.
Neurological Conditions:
Parkinson’s disease, stroke, or multiple sclerosis can impair coordination and gait.
Cognitive decline, including dementia, affects spatial awareness and decision-making.
Chronic Health Conditions:
Cardiovascular issues, such as low blood pressure, can cause dizziness.
Diabetes can lead to neuropathy or hypoglycemic episodes, both of which affect balance.
Medications:
Some medications, such as sedatives, antihypertensives, or antidepressants, can cause dizziness, drowsiness, or orthostatic hypotension.
Lifestyle Factors:
Inactivity leads to reduced strength and coordination.
Poor footwear or unsafe home environments increase the risk of falls.
How can in home physiotherapy help your balance?
An in-home balance assessment by a physiotherapist is a comprehensive process designed to evaluate your balance, identify risk factors for falls, and develop a personalised treatment plan. Here’s what the process typically involves:
1. Initial Consultation and Medical History
Health History: Discuss medical conditions, medications, and any history of falls or injuries.
Lifestyle Assessment: Understand daily activities, routines, and physical challenges.
Home Environment Review: Identify potential hazards, such as uneven floors, poor lighting, or clutter. At Home Physio Company we provide our patients and families with a printed home safety assessment checklist so they can refer to this when looking at how to make their home as safe as possible.
2. Observation of Functional Mobility
The physiotherapist will observe how you perform daily tasks, such as:
Walking around the home.
Getting in and out of a chair or bed.
Using stairs (if applicable).
Navigating tight spaces, such as hallways or bathrooms.
3. Formal Balance Tests
The physiotherapist may use standardised tests to evaluate balance, posture, and mobility:
Berg Balance Scale (BBS): Assesses static and dynamic balance through tasks like standing, reaching, and turning.
Timed Up and Go (TUG) Test: Measures the time taken to stand from a chair, walk a short distance, turn, and sit down.
Single Leg Stance Test: Evaluates static balance by measuring how long you can stand on one leg.
Functional Reach Test: Assesses how far you can safely reach forward without losing balance.
Dynamic Gait Index (DGI): Evaluates walking performance under varying conditions, such as turning or stepping over obstacles.
4. Strength and Flexibility Testing
Assess lower body and core strength, as these are critical for balance.
Evaluate joint mobility and flexibility, particularly in the ankles, knees, and hips.
5. Sensory and Neurological Assessment
Check vision and proprioception (awareness of body position).
Test vestibular function (inner ear balance) if dizziness is reported.
Screen for signs of peripheral neuropathy, which can affect sensation in the feet.
6. Posture and Alignment Analysis
Assess spinal alignment, weight distribution, and overall posture.
Look for compensatory movements or muscle imbalances.
7. Risk Factor Identification
Identify specific triggers or risks, such as uneven gait, weak muscles, or environmental hazards.
Discuss fear of falling and its psychological impact.
8. Development of a Personalised Plan
Based on the assessment, the physiotherapist will:
Design a tailored exercise program to improve balance, strength, and mobility.
Provide strategies for safer movement and fall prevention.
Recommend home modifications, such as grab bars or non-slip mats.
Offer education on proper footwear and assistive devices if needed.
9. Follow-Up and Monitoring
Regular visits to monitor progress and adjust the plan as needed.
Teach caregivers or family members how to assist and encourage adherence to the program.
Why is in home physiotherapy great for anyone with concerns about their balance?
We provide a comprehensive, real-world assessment in a familiar environment.
We focus on practical solutions for daily challenges.
Reduces barriers to accessing care, such as transportation issues.
Promotes confidence and independence by addressing specific concerns.
Assess your home for potential hazards and work with you to build your confidence at home and outdoors.
This approach ensures seniors receive comprehensive and effective support for improving balance and reducing fall risks.
Whether you balance is declining because of a neurological condition, a condition related to later life or you aren’t quite sure - our Expert Home Visit Physiotherapists can help.
Personalised Care:
Exercises tailored to the individual’s specific needs and home environment.
Focus on improving balance, strength, and mobility in familiar settings.
Convenience and Accessibility:
Eliminates transportation barriers, particularly for those with mobility challenges.
Reduces stress associated with clinic visits.
Fall Prevention:
Identification of hazards in the home and practical modifications to enhance safety.
Training in safe movement and fall recovery techniques.
Improved Confidence:
Regular, guided practice in the home builds self-assurance in performing daily tasks.
Reduces fear of falling, encouraging greater independence.
Holistic Health Improvement:
Addresses overall physical and mental well-being.
Encourages lifestyle adjustments, such as better posture and proper nutrition.
Family Involvement:
Enables caregivers to observe and participate in therapy sessions, fostering a supportive environment.
Cost-Effectiveness:
Preventing falls reduces hospitalisations and long-term care costs.
In-home physiotherapy offers a practical, empowering, and effective solution to help seniors regain or maintain their balance and mobility, significantly improving their quality of life.
If you have any concerns about your or a loved ones balance, or you’ve had a fall and have lost confidence, contact our friendly team today on 01273 569222 or fill out one of our contact forms and we will get back to you.
