Balance Training for Seniors

Group of old people doing stretching exercises wit

Balance Training

While there are many reasons why someone might lose their sense of balance, (including taking certain medications, inner ear issues, alcohol use, visual changes, neuropathy), the two most common that I treat in my office are:

  • Changes in what’s called your “Somatosensory” system
  • Muscular weakness, especially in the core, hips, ankles and feet
THE SOMATOSENSORY SYSTEM
There are nerve endings in all of your joints, but especially the joints of your feet/ankles and spine, that get stimulated with normal movement. These nerve impulses go into your central nervous system to tell your brain where you are in space. This system, part of what is called your “somatosensory system” becomes impaired when you don’t move enough, when you have old injuries, when you wear poor-fitting footwear, and like declines in muscle mass and bone density this system tends to naturally weaken as we get older. When the somatosensory system is compromised, your brain doesn’t get the incoming information that it needs to manage your gait and your balance. Fortunately, there are exercises to help stimulate your somatosensory system so your nervous system gets the incoming information that it needs to stay healthy. 

MUSCLE WEAKNESS

The strength and motor control of your core, hips, ankles and feet also play a key role in your balance. As surprising as it may be, toe strength is the single biggest predictor of falls when we get older. When a new patient comes to my office we assess these key structures in an effort to see exactly what needs attention. Using a “movement as medicine” approach, I’ll give you specific exercises to help you loosen what’s tight, strengthen what’s weak, and retrain your movement patterns.

Success in balance training requires consistency. They don’t take long but daily practice makes a huge difference in helping you attain significant gains in your stability and balance. 
Testimonials

Get in Touch

We are committed to your privacy. Do not include confidential or private information in this form. This form is for general questions or messages.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.