Stride PT Empowers Your Journey to Stability

Balance disorders manifest through symptoms such as unsteadiness, dizziness, falls, difficulty walking, and trouble focusing on moving objects. These symptoms often lead to limitations in daily activities, negatively impacting the quality of life.

Approximately 15% of the adult population experiences balance disorders, with a higher prevalence among older adults. Both genders are affected, although women are slightly more prone. Individuals with pre-existing health conditions, such as diabetes, hypertension, and arthritis, are also at a higher risk.

• Vertigo and Dizziness:Vertigo is a sensation of spinning or movement when the body is still, while dizziness is a feeling of lightheadedness or unsteadiness. Common causes include benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), Meniere’s disease, and labyrinthitis, all of which are related to inner ear issues.
• Vestibular Disorders:These occur when the inner ear’s balance system is disrupted. Conditions such as vestibular neuritis or bilateral vestibulopathy can cause dizziness, unsteadiness, and difficulty maintaining balance.
• Neurological Conditions:Stroke, Parkinson’s disease, and multiple sclerosis are neurological conditions that can lead to impaired coordination, muscle weakness, and sensory deficits, all of which contribute to balance disorders.
• Musculoskeletal Issues:Muscle weakness and joint instability, caused by conditions such as osteoarthritis, muscle atrophy, or injuries, can impact the body’s ability to maintain balance and stability.
• Age-Related Balance Decline:As we age, changes in sensory systems, muscle strength, and reaction time contribute to balance decline, increasing the risk of falls.

Our team uses a wide range of treatments to help individuals regain their balance and improve overall function. These evidence-based techniques are tailored to each person’s needs and include the following:

• Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT): VRT is a specialized form of physical therapy designed to address balance issues related to inner ear disorders. VRT involves exercises and activities that help retrain the brain to process information more effectively, reducing dizziness, vertigo, and other symptoms.
• Strength and Conditioning Exercises:Weak or imbalanced muscles can contribute to balance problems. Physical therapists will prescribe targeted exercises to strengthen key muscle groups and improve overall stability.
• Gait Training:Gait training at Stride PT helps improve walking patterns and reduce fall risk. Our physical therapists may incorporate assistive devices like canes or walkers to enhance safety during retraining.
• Balance Training Exercises: Our physical use targeted balance exercises like single-leg stands, tandem walking, and balance board training to help you regain stability and confidence in daily life.

Vestibular dysfunction can significantly hinder your daily life and independence. Understanding the common causes is crucial for finding the right treatment and achieving lasting relief. At Stride PT, we help identify and address these causes.

• Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV): One of the most common vestibular disorders, BPPV occurs when tiny calcium crystals in the inner ear shift out of place, causing brief but intense episodes of dizziness triggered by head movement.
• Vestibular Neuritis/Labyrinthitis: Inflammation of the vestibular nerve or inner ear structures can lead to sudden, severe vertigo, imbalance, nausea, and difficulty focusing the eyes.
• Meniere’s Disease: A chronic inner ear disorder characterized by episodes of vertigo, tinnitus (ringing in the ears), hearing loss, and a feeling of fullness in the ear.
• Age-related Vestibular Loss: As part of the natural aging process, degeneration of the vestibular system can cause chronic imbalance, dizziness, and increased risk of falls.
• Concussion/Head Injury: Trauma to the head can disrupt vestibular function, leading to persistent dizziness, difficulty concentrating, balance problems, and motion sensitivity.