Balance

Blogs about Balance
<< ALL BLOGS

The (under-appreciated) Hip Adductors

When I first became a physical therapist, it seemed like all the rage in fitness and rehab was about strengthening one specific muscle or muscle group. For example, I would hear about the VMO (Vastus Medialis Oblique) muscle and how “vital” it was for proper tracking of the knee cap when squatting. Or how the glutes were “key” to an effective golf swing. Or how the rhomboids had to be “strong” for good posture. In some cases these theories proved to have some level of validity. But in many cases they became outdated theories and a sign of limited evidence.

Read MORE

Standing on Two Feet: Balance Training Progression Exercises

In last week’s blog post about Balance from the Ground Up, we provided a simple exercise for opening up and providing proprioceptive input to the feet. This week, I am building on that foundation with a series of deceptively simple exercises that you can do to improve your proprioception while developing foot, ankle and calf strength.

Read MORE

Balance from the Ground Up: Start with Your Feet!

Did you know that each of your feet has 26 bones, 33 joints and more than 100 muscles, tendons and ligaments? And you have more than SEVEN THOUSAND nerve endings in each foot? The foot provides both important structural support for our balance and a ton of subconscious information for our brain about where we are in space and how to organize our movement.

Read MORE

Integrating Physical Therapy and Fitness Training for Better Balance!

Balance is something often taken for granted until it is gone. Whether you suffer from a sudden physical injury or simply notice that things you used to do are getting harder over time, losing your balance can affect your quality of life. In some cases, it can even shorten your life.

Read MORE

5 Signs of Concussion

Did you know that a concussion is classified as a mild traumatic brain injury? Concussions can be the result of a direct hit to the head, a fall, sports accident, car accident, bicycle accident, or work-related injury. It can also occur from forceful neck motion such as whiplash.

Read MORE

So You Had a Concussion, Now What? Learn the Do’s and Don’ts

If you suspect that you’ve sustained a concussion, fast track your recovery by following these general guidelines. You may not even realize you have signs and symptoms of a concussion until you try normal everyday activities. Early intervention is essential to safely recover. A concussion trained physical therapist can help you.

Read MORE

Should I Get Worse Before I Get Better? Understanding Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy

If you are experiencing vertigo, dizziness, or headaches and have been diagnosed with anything from BPPV to a concussion, you are not alone! It is estimated that 35% of adults in the United States ages 40+ have experienced symptoms related to a vestibular disorder. [1] If you are looking to address your condition, your doctor may refer you to Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT). But what is VRT and why did they make it sound like it’d be awful?!

Read MORE

Why Do I Feel Dizzy? The Vestibular System Explained.

Have you ever experienced dizziness, nausea, headache, difficulty with balance, or that hard-to-explain feeling of being "off"? If you have, then you've had experience with your vestibular system whether you’ve heard of it or not. If you’ve experienced any of these symptoms, you know that doing regular everyday tasks like getting ready in the morning, driving, working, and socializing can become difficult or even impossible. But what even is your vestibular system? How does it work?‍

Read MORE

Suspect a Concussion? Know the FAQs

Over the last several years concussions have been gaining more attention in the sports realm and media. While there is a lot of new information out in the ether about how to treat a concussion; unfortunately, there is also a lot of out-dated advice available. If you think you’ve sustained a concussion from a sports injury, car accident, fall around your home or some other way, you will benefit from physical therapy to address your injury and any concussion symptoms you may be experiencing.

Read MORE

Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT): What Is It & How It Can Help You

Dizziness, nausea, headache, feeling off-balanced, or a hard to describe “off” sensation are common symptoms associated with vestibular disorders. If you’re experiencing one, two, or all of these symptoms, you know that going to work, exercising, and socializing can become difficult or even impossible. If you are experiencing a vestibular disorder, you’re not alone. It is estimated that 35% of adults in the United States aged 40 and above have experienced symptoms related to a vestibular disorder.

Read MORE
Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.