Need a Little Balance in Your Life? Try Physical Therapy

Learn how to tackle problems with 头晕 and prevent falls

Your favorite amusement park ride always leaves your head 旋转 and maybe your stomach in knots. That’s the fun of it – that feeling you’re moving this way and the world’s moving that way.

But the sensation of moving, 旋转, or floating when you’re moving about your 首页, getting out of your car, reaching for something on a shelf is unwelcomed and can be downright frightening.

You may have a “vestibular” problem. 多达… 35 percent of adults aged 40 years or older in the United States—about 69 million Americans—have experienced some form of vestibular dysfunction.

Chronic 头晕 and declining balance skills can affect many of our daily activities, especially ones that require that we keep our eyes focused and our bodies stabilized as we shift our weight, 弯曲, 或者移动澳门赌城官方网站的头. Frequent dizzy spells or constant 头晕, while not life-threatening, can really make life miserable and increase our risk of falls.

辛西娅·瑞恩, executive director of the Vestibular Disorders Association, 说,任何人都, 不论年龄大小, can suffer a devastating fall because of vestibular dysfunction.

“The vestibular system lives in the inner ear and tells the brain where we are relative to our surroundings,辛西娅说. “If the vestibular system is damaged due to illness or injury, a person might experience 头晕, 不平衡, 定向障碍, or even 旋转 vertigo. This can happen to anyone, at any age.”

What causes a vestibular disorder?

娜塔莉Grondin, a licensed physical therapist who specializes in vestibular rehabilitation, says a variety of health conditions, such as inner ear infections and head injuries, can cause vestibular symptoms.

“Vestibular rehabilitation helps reprogram the brain, improves coordination between the head and the eyes, 改善平衡, and increases confidence,娜塔莉说. “Eye and head coordination exercises, like focusing on a target and turning the head side-to-side, are the bedrock of our vestibular rehabilitation approach. These targeted exercises are designed to alleviate symptoms like vertigo, 头晕, 和/或不稳定.”

Most people acknowledge a balance problem only after they'v fallen and perhaps suffered a serious injury. Fortunately, Hope, one of Nathalie’s clients, took action sooner than later. Hope saw her ENT (ear, 鼻子, and throat) doctor after experiencing bouts of vertigo that made her feel dizzy and nauseous. “I was diag鼻子d with an inner ear issue,” she recalls. “My doctor suggested physical therapy to help improve my balance and decrease my symptoms.”

Nathalie and Hope worked together twice a week. In a month, Hope was discharged from physical therapy. “I had a great experience,” she says. “Nathalie was an exceptional teacher and physical therapist. I feel so much better knowing that this condition can be fixed. I know what to do now if any symptoms return.”

Nathalie says if you’re having balance issues that concern you, see your doctor to get a referral for a balance evaluation.

Living with a Vestibular Disorder? Help Prevent Falls at 首页

• About half of all falls happen inside the 首页. Take these steps to fix the dangerous areas in your 首页.
• Place railings on both sides of all stairs inside and outside of your 首页.
• Have grab bars inside and outside your bathtub or shower and next to the toilet.
• Use non-slip mats in the bathtub or shower.
• Remove small rugs or use double-sided tape to keep rugs from slipping.
• Use bright lights throughout your 首页, especially on the stairs.
• Keep stairs and places where you walk clear of clutter. Pick up or move things you can trip over, like cords, papers, shoes, or books.
• Keep kitchen items you use often in easy-to-reach cabinets or shelves.

Looking for 更多的 Information?

Lee 健康 also offers free balance screenings throughout the year to evaluate your risk of falling and if you require further evaluation and possible intervention. Don’t have a primary care doctor? You can find one here.

To learn more about Lee 健康 outpatient rehabilitation balance and vestibular services and events, 电子邮件 (电子邮件保护).

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