Balance and Falls Prevention at Surrey Hills Physiotherapy

What affects your Balance

 Many medical conditions can cause problems with your balance as well as the natural decline in your body’s tissue health that occurs with aging.

Balance can be affected by:

• Loss of muscle strength
• Unstable or painful joints
• Impairment or deterioration in your eye sight
• Ear infection
• Inner ear disturbances or vestibular impairment
• Nerve damage to your legs
• Unstable blood pressure
• Head injury
• Loss of cognitive function
• Medication
• Certain neurological conditions including Parkinson’s Disease and Multiple Sclerosis

How does your balance work

 The three sensory areas of the body that influence balance are:

• Visual input (vision)
• Vestibular input (head position)
• Proprioceptive input (positioning of your joints)

This steady flow of sensory information tells your brain about where you are in space and in relation to the surface you are standing on. Your body is then able to make the necessary adjustments to maintain your balance.

A loss of balance can lead to:

• A loss of confidence with movement in unfamiliar or busy environments, outdoors or on rough terrain
• A greater risk of falling with heightened risk of injury
• Social isolation and loss of engagement in activities with friends, family and within the community

How does Balance Retraining work?

 Balance retraining and falls prevention focuses on exercises that stimulate and challenge the three sensory areas of vision, head positioning and joint positioning. A range of exercises including both static (stationary) and dynamic (moving) exercises are used.

Research shows that practicing balance is the most effective way to improve your balance!

What can Surrey Hill Physiotherapy do for you?

 At Surrey Hills Physiotherapy we have a team of physiotherapists with extensive experience in the field of exercise rehabilitation and managing the effects of injury and aging on the body. A tailored evidence-based balance and strength program can dramatically improve health and mobility and prevent falls.

We are currently running a Balance and Falls Prevention program that is designed to improve balance, confidence and strength. It includes static and dynamic balance exercises and strengthening exercises. The program runs over a 10 week period and involves a weekly 1 hour class. The exercises in the class are closely supervised and graded according to the needs of the individual participants.

An initial 1 hour balance assessment with the physiotherapist is necessary to identify your individual needs. Your balance will be assessed using standardised and reliable balance tests. The physiotherapist can also assess your strength and walking, and assess other factors that may be contributing to your risk of falling. Individuals who are not suitable for a group class or would prefer not to attend a group class, can have a tailored individual program of exercises designed to complete at home.

 

New classes will be commencing in 2025.