BALANCE, DIZZINESS AND CONCUSSION REHAB at Taylor & Thornburg Physical Therapy in Oakland, CA
BALANCE
Falls are a constant worry for seniors and others who have physical challenges. And those worries aren’t unfounded. Falls are the leading cause of injury-related deaths and serious health problems in the U.S.
Improving your walking skills — technically known as your “gait” — and your balance are interrelated challenges. We help you master these skills to decrease your risk of injury, while at the same time increasing your confidence and independence.
At Taylor & Thornburg Physical Therapy in Oakland, we have an overhead rail and harness system (Safety Overhead Support System – SOS) that allows you to challenge your balance without the fear of falling.
Balance depends largely on 3 main factors:
- The vestibular system - like a mini gyroscope in the inner ear that informs the brain about your position in space,
- Your vision
- Proprioception – the body’s ability to know where limbs are in space at any one time.
Balance training can address all three of these factors.
Through a series of simple tests, we are able to determine whether you over-rely on any one (or more) of these systems. We identify the system that is not performing well and challenge it specifically so you can improve your function in this area.
For example,
- Challenges to the vestibular system could be quick head nodding or turning.
- Challenges to vision could mean decreased visual input (like closing eyes) or focusing on a moving target.
- Challenges to proprioception could be standing or walking on an unstable surface such as a foam pad or wobble platform.
And all this while doing stationary or moving activities, based on ability.
Most balance therapies focus on anticipatory balance control, which helps maintain balance. Reactive balance training takes this further and challenges the balance system to react as an individual starts to fall. Reactive balance training is appropriate for all levels of function, from younger athletes to the elderly population. Research shows us this is a very effective way to train and improve balance.
What to Expect for Balance Rehab at Taylor & Thornburg Physical Therapy in Oakland
If you are coming for balance rehabilitation, you can expect us to evaluate your balance and gait, including an orthopedic assessment of other areas as appropriate.
It is common that limitations in mobility of ankles, knees or hips can limit balance, as well as the strength and endurance of your core and muscles in your lower legs.
Your personalized physical therapy plan will include addressing these limitations if present. You can expect to be progressively challenged in different situations, and they may mimic what you have to deal with at home and out and about.
We like to make it functional, real, and, most importantly, relevant to you and your life.
What to Expect for Vestibular Rehab at Taylor & Thornburg Physical Therapy
The vestibular system is a main contributor to physical balance. Located in the inner like a mini gyroscope, the system senses motion when small hairs, called cilia, are moved by microscopic calcium crystals.
When we sit, stand, move, or experience motions (such as in a car), crystals move the hairs. The brain receives the signals from the hairs, along with information from the eyes and your sense of touch, to interpret motion, equilibrium, and orientation in space.
The primary role of the vestibular system is to tell the brain where the head is in space. Quite simply, the vestibular system is our internal reference, telling the brain how our head is orientated - up, down, tilt, etc.
The visual and somatosensory (touch, pressure, pain) systems, on the other hand, are external references, providing our brain with information about the movement and stability of the world around us.
Working together and when the systems agree, the integration of these sensory modalities provides normal equilibrium.
When these systems do not agree, you experience dizziness and balance disturbances.
Taylor & Thornburg Physical Therapy has a comprehensive balance program that includes assessment and evaluation programs, balance retraining, and vestibular rehabilitation.
With balance retraining and vestibular rehabilitation, our goal is to improve balance function and visual motor control, increase general activity levels, and help your body compensate for inner ear disorders.
Conditions that Benefit from BALANCE, DIZZINESS AND CONCUSSION REHAB
- BPPV (Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo)
- MS (Multiple Sclerosis)
- Vestibular Hypofunction: Labyrinthitis, vestibular neuritis
- Migraine Associated Dizziness
- Post-concussions and TBI (Traumatic Brain Injuries)
- Neck Related Dizziness & Vertigo
- Fall Risk Seniors
- Musculoskeletal Balance Disorders
- Parkinson’s
CONCUSSION Rehab in Oakland, CA
A concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury that affects brain function. Effects are often short-term and can include headaches and trouble with concentration, memory, balance, mood and sleep. Concussions usually are caused by an impact to the head or body associated with a change in brain function.
Physical therapy programs for concussion often start with vestibular therapy, which helps you orient yourself during periods of lightheadedness or loss of balance. Exercises such as fixing your gaze at a certain point in the distance or using simple movements to stabilize your core and limbs are helpful at this time.
The natural fatigue and required rest that early concussion recovery entails often result in weakened muscles and decreased endurance. To address that, your physical therapist will customize a strength training program for you and guide and monitor you through aerobic exercises and activities that help you regain endurance.
Orthopedic injury, in particular neck pain, may occur along with a concussion. The upper part of the neck plays a vital role in helping your brain determine where you are in space. If you sustain a neck injury as well, this will likely be included in part of the care we provide for treatment of your concussion.
Symptoms of Concussion
Symptoms of concussion can be quite varied, depending on the nature of your injury, as well as your age and gender. Some problems for which people seek physical therapy for concussions include:
- Fatigue
- Weight loss or weight gain
- Ongoing headaches
- Inability to concentrate for any length of time
- Irritability
- Loss of balance and frequent falls
- Dizziness and lowered blood pressure
- Muscle weakness and spasms
- Decreased sex drive
- Sudden loss of menstruation