Therapy for Balance Disorders
The body relies on information from vision, proprioception from your muscles and joints, and the vestibular system of the inner ear. Typically, these systems integrate seamlessly without delay so we can maintain our balance while interacting with our environment. However, if one or more of these systems has been affected by injury or illness, the subsequent deficit can increase risk of falls.
Older adults are at an increased risk for falls due to age-related physical changes and can be screened for fall risk by a therapist. According to the Centers for Disease Control, one of every four older adults falls each year, but less than half tell their doctors. Additionally, after an initial fall, older adults are twice as likely to fall again.*
Balance can be improved by working with a therapist to address any areas of concern an individual may have. Therapists trained in balance problems will assess an individual’s fall risk, and then will design a customized program of balance retraining and exercises to reduce the risk of falls.
Six ways you can prevent falls:
- Exercise to improve your balance and strength.
- Have your healthcare provider review your medications.
- Talk to your doctor if you have fallen or if you are concerned about your risk of falls.
- Have your vision checked.
- Consider ways to make your home safer.
- Wear supportive shoes.
*Centers for Disease Control. (2023, May 12). Facts about Falls. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Injury Prevention and Control. https://www.cdc.gov/falls/facts.html
-
Confluence Health Hospital | Central Campus
Featured
1201 S. Miller St.
Wenatchee, WA 98801
509.662.1511 More Information -
Confluence Health Hospital | Mares Campus
Featured
820 N. Chelan Ave.
Wenatchee, WA 98801
509.663.8711 More Information -
Miller Street Complex
1000 N. Miller St.
Wenatchee, WA 98801
More Information -
Moses Lake Campus
840 E. Hill Ave.
Moses Lake, WA 98837
509.764.6400 More Information -
,
More Information
-
Nicole Foster, DPT
Rehabilitation ServicesView Profile
-
Lizzy Schroeder, OTR/L
Rehabilitation ServicesView Profile
-
Rebecca Mahon, OT
Rehabilitation ServicesView Profile
-
Erica Bechtel, MD
Rehabilitation ServicesView Profile
-
Amy Unwin, MD
Rehabilitation ServicesView Profile
-
Erin Andrade, MD
Rehabilitation ServicesView Profile
-
Kai Hundemer, DPT
Rehabilitation ServicesView Profile
-
Kristine Beyerl, DPT
Rehabilitation ServicesView Profile
-
Carli Jones
Rehabilitation ServicesView Profile
-
Erica Talley, DPT
Rehabilitation ServicesView Profile
-
Stephanie Sipes, DPT
Rehabilitation ServicesView Profile
-
Jennifer Frantz, SLP
Speech Language PathologyView Profile
-
Morgan Villasenor, DPT
Rehabilitation ServicesView Profile
-
Tamara Wells, OTR/L
Rehabilitation ServicesView Profile
-
Michelle Didesch, MD
Rehabilitation ServicesView Profile
-
Devin Bushy, SLP
Speech Language PathologyView Profile
-
Pennie Tester, PT
Rehabilitation ServicesView Profile
-
Jennifer Diggs, SLP
Speech Language PathologyView Profile
-
Will Young, MPT
Rehabilitation ServicesView Profile
-
Luke Astell, PT
Rehabilitation ServicesView Profile
-
Bill Agens, PT
Rehabilitation ServicesView Profile