What are Balance Problems?

Balance problems are when a person cannot maintain their balance within their centre of gravity. This can result in a visual postural sway. Some of the symptoms and feelings which can be associated with balance problems are:

  • Dizziness
  • Wobbly
  • Light headed
  • Spinning
  • Unsteady
  • Floating
  • Woozy

This feeling of diminished balance can affect a person’s ability to cope independently and safely, putting them at a greater risk of falling with potential to cause a severe injury.

Balance exercises supervised by experienced musculoskeletal PhysiotherapistAbove: Balance exercises supervised by experienced musculoskeletal Physiotherapist

Components of Balance

The main components of balance are:

  • Visual– The visual system is a key part to an individual being able to maintain balance, although can be established without. The visual system provides the brain with visual feedback and information on where the body is in space. This works with the vestibular and proprioception systems.
  • Vestibular – The vestibular system is found within the inner ear. This system works with the visual system to allow the individual to focus on objects whilst moving. Movement of the fluid within the inner ear provides the brain with information on the speed and direction of the movement the body is making.
  • Proprioception– Proprioception provides feedback to the brain from every part of the body. This enables the brain to establish a picture of where the body is in space. This combined with the visual and the vestibular systems enables the body to establish and maintain balance.
  • Musculoskeletal system– This is an essential component for establishing and maintaining balance, as the muscles, bones, joints and ligaments are needed in order to maintain a stable posture above the centre of gravity.

Balance is gained through a combination of the body systems and can be affected if there is a deficit in one or more of the systems.

Balance and toning exercises supervised by experienced musculoskeletal PhysiotherapistAbove: Balance and toning exercises supervised by experienced musculoskeletal Physiotherapist

What causes balance problems?

There are many potential causes that lead to problems with balance. Any disorder of the vestibular, visual, proprioceptive and musculoskeletal systems can affect a person’s balance. Some of the causes of balance problems can include:

  • Infection within the ear
  • Head injury
  • The aging process
  • Decreased mobility
  • Visual deficits – deteriorating sight, blindness
  • Circulatory conditions (blood pressure)
  • Medication
  • Joint injury
  • Vertigo

How can Physiotherapy help with balance Problems?

Physiotherapists can provide a thorough assessment and provide a diagnosis with an appropriate treatment plan. It takes time to improve balance and can have potential risks if not supervised and professional instructions are not followed. Physiotherapy can help improve balance through:

  • Environmental advice
  • Exercises to challenge balance
  • Progression of exercise programmes to improve balance
  • Coaching strategies
  • Signpost for medication reviews
  • Musculoskeletal treatments
  • Referral to an optician
Dynamic balance and co-ordination exercises assisted by an experienced PhysiotherapistAbove: Dynamic balance and co-ordination exercises assisted by an experienced Physiotherapist

What types of Physiotherapy treatments can be expected for balance problems?

There are a few different treatments available aimed at improving a person’s balance. Some of the treatments used may include:

Dynamic balance and co-ordination exercises assisted by an experienced PhysiotherapistAbove: Dynamic balance and co-ordination exercises assisted by an experienced Physiotherapist

Summary

Poor balance can increase the risk of falls. In the elderly population his can increase the risk of fractures and other serious injuries. Treatment is aimed at challenging balance, which can potentially have risks therefore should be done under the supervision of a qualified experienced physiotherapist from Therapy at Wheel. This can decrease the potential risk of falls whilst benefiting the client. Please contact us or call  01864223887 to arrange an appointment.

Coordination is the ability to perform more than one movement gracefully and in harmony. People of all ages can have coordination problems from children to the elderly. Coordination problems can also be called dyspraxia, which has been linked to a delay in the neuron development within the brain. This can be picked up at an early age when children do not meet their expected milestones. Adults and children can also develop coordination problems after a head injury which affects the motor cortex which is responsible for motor control.


Dynamic balance and co-ordination exercises assisted by an experienced PhysiotherapistAbove: Dynamic balance and co-ordination exercises assisted by an experienced Physiotherapist



The signs and Symptoms of coordination problems / dyspraxia



It can be quite obvious that a person has coordination problems as they are unable to perform smooth graceful movements. Movements can tend to look awkward and certain activities are avoided by the individual. Some of the signs and symptoms can include the following:
  • Difficulty using a knife and fork
  • Frequent trips and falls
  • Poor handwriting skills
  • Perception difficulties
  • Poor balance
  • Poor hand-eye coordination
Some of these signs and symptoms of coordination problems can be assisted with the experience of a Physiotherapist from Physio.co.uk.


Dynamic balance and co-ordination exercises assisted by an experienced PhysiotherapistAbove: Dynamic balance and co-ordination exercises assisted by an experienced Physiotherapist



Physiotherapy and Coordination problems



Physiotherapy can help to improve a person’s coordination through different treatment techniques. Physiotherapists from Physio.co.uk will work with the client and parents (if a child) to develop goals and a treatment plan to improve coordination which would improve confidence and self esteem. The Physiotherapists at Physio.co.uk are experienced in treating conditions such as dyspraxia and coordination difficulties. For an expert opinion to help improve self-confidence through improvement of coordination please contact us or call 0330 088 7800 to arrange an appointment today.


Co-ordination and stability exercises supervised by experienced musculoskeletal physotherapistAbove: Co-ordination and stability exercises supervised by experienced musculoskeletal physotherapist



What Physiotherapy Treatments can be expected for coordination problems?



The Physiotherapists at Physio.co.uk are experienced at developing treatment plans for those who have coordination difficulties. Some of the treatments may include:
  • Hand eye coordination (threading beads on a string)
  • Gross motor coordination (running, jumping, opposition of legs and arms, marching)
  • Strengthening exercises
  • Gait re-education
These exercises can be progressed. As the coordination improves the exercises can be made more challenging to develop further improvement.


Co-ordination and mobility exercises supervised by PhysiotherapistAbove: Co-ordination and mobility exercises supervised by Physiotherapist



Summary



Coordination problems can be present from birth or developed due to an injury. Coordination difficulties can have a huge impact on a person’s life, preventing them from performing certain activities and taking part in sports. This can not only have an impact of a person physically but psychologically also, effecting their confidence and self-esteem.