Balance impairment doesn’t need to limit your life. At Avera, our providers take an innovative approach to identify, manage and treat balance disorders. Ask your doctor about therapy options for treating balance issues and preventing falls.
Comprehensive Balance Evaluations
There can be a number of reasons for balance and dizziness complications, like an inner ear, neurological, or musculoskeletal condition. We work with you to understand the root cause of your balance issues for the most accurate diagnosis.
It all begins with a thorough evaluation of your symptoms, medical history and lifestyle. This involves conventional diagnostic procedures and objective assessment. Therapists conduct testing, counsel, and guide patients, working one-on-one with you to diagnose and treat your symptoms.
Conditions We Treat
Our team of specialists work together to diagnose and treat balance-related symptoms caused by conditions such as:
- Concussions
- Dizziness and vestibular (inner ear) issues
- Ear, nose and throat disorder
- Hip fractures
- Myopathies: broad term that describes an disease affecting muscle tissue
- Multiple sclerosis (MS)
- Osteoporosis-related fall prevention
- Parkinson’s disease
- Peripheral neuropathy: condition affecting nerves outside brain or spinal cord
- Peripheral or central vestibular dysfunction affecting balance issues stemming from inner ear
- Post-polio syndrome
- Radiculopathy: temporary issue caused by pinched nerve near spine
- Spinal stenosis: narrowing of spinal canal causing pressure on the spinal cord and nerves
- Stroke
- Vertigo and spinning sensations
Fall Prevention Screenings
Injuries from falls are among the most common problems older people face, but improved balance can stop those falls before they happen. With a balance screening, older adults and their caregivers can learn about the likelihood of a fall and how to stay steady and safe.
Improving Balance
Patients looking to improve their balance begin with a balance test by a professional to assess their movements. Our providers consider everything from how you sit and stand, walk and brace yourself. Physical therapists then provide balance improvement exercises to help you reach a safer sense of equilibrium.
Keeping Safe at Home
At-home exercises help build strength and confidence, further reducing fall risks. A physical therapist may need to visit a patient’s home to look for trouble spots, including stairs or tripping hazards.
Patients should talk with their therapist about concerns with stairs, grass or slippery surfaces. Adding at-home improvements, like railings, can make the surroundings safer and easier to manage. Walkers, canes and other walking assistance tools help improve safety and lower the risk of falling even further.
Building Better Strength
As we age, our sense of balance can deteriorate while our risk of fracture with falls increases. For patients with bone health concerns (osteoporosis and pre-osteoporosis conditions, known as osteopenia), building strength and improving balance can help to prevent falls before they happen.
