September Wellness Feature: Maintaining Balance.

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Posted on Wednesday September 28th, 2016

Maintaining good balance: It’s vital for health

Learn what creates good balance and how to improve it

Maintaining good balance is vital to our health and quality of life. When we begin to lose our 'sense of balance'—even slightly—we lose confidence in our abilities. And this fear of falling and loss of balance can in fact contribute to falls. So what do we mean when we talk about "balance?"

Balance: the big "three" systems

Balance involves a complicated network of 'sensors' and brain control systems in three main areas. Problems in one or more areas can causea lack of balance:

Balance: How the three systems work together

All three of these systems are coordinated and work together to create our "sense of balance." That's why when problems with balance arise, it's sometime's difficult to determine which of the systems may be impaired.

Common Risk Factors Involved in Poor Balance

How therapy can help reduce falls and improve balance

In addressing balance problems through therapy, an individualized assessment is first performed to determine the cause of a balance deficit and identifying all risk factors. Several therapists may be involved:

Balance therapy questions? Talk to us at Lutheran Life Villages.

There are signs and symptoms of balance loss. If you have a balance disorder, you may stagger when you try to walk, or teeter or fall when you try to stand up. You might experience other symptoms such as:

Be aware of these symptoms before you or a loved one suffers a debilitating fall. Be sure to talk to your doctor. If he or she recommends therapy, talk to us at Lutheran Life Villages. We offer state-of-the-art rehabilitation services that can help treat balance disorders, including both short-term inpatient services as well as and outpatient rehabilitation services. Call us at (260) 447-1591 or click here.

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