Why Am I Losing My Balance as I Get Older? When Physiotherapy May Help
Finding it difficult to stay steady on your feet is more frequent as you grow older. It is possible that you are clinging to furniture, are unsure of steps, walk more slowly or fear falling.
Although ageing can impact mobility and strength and balance, losing your balance is not something to be dismissed as an inevitable consequence of aging. There could be a variety of reasons for this and physiotherapy may help determine the cause of balance issues strength, walking, and other everyday movements.
In K 7 Physiotherapy in Rugby We provide support for older adults who wish to increase their independence, mobility, and confidence.
Why Am I Losing My Balance as I Get Older?
Balance is dependent on your joints, muscles and joints, your vision, the inner ear and nervous system functioning together. Any changes in these areas can cause you to feel less secure.
Common elements that be a contributing factor to imbalance problems are:
- Strength of core and leg reduced
- Changes in mobility, walking or walking
- Joint stiffness or pain
- Hearing or vision changes
- Dizziness or problems with the inner ear.
- Physical activity is reduced
- Certain chronic health conditions
- Certain medicines or changes to blood pressure
- A lower level of confidence after a previous drop
Sometimes, there are multiple variables involved, and that’s why an individual evaluation can prove beneficial.
Signs Your Balance May Need Attention
Balance problems do not always start with a fall. You might notice smaller changes first, such as:
- Holding onto walls or furniture when walking
- Feeling unsteady when standing or turning
- Difficulty getting up from a chair
- Becoming less confident on stairs
- Experiencing falls or near-falls
- Avoiding walking outside because you are worried about falling
- Feeling that your walking has become slower or less secure
If these changes are affecting your normal activities, it may be worth speaking to a healthcare professional.
How Can Physiotherapy Help With Balance?
Physiotherapy can assess the physical factors that may be contributing to reduced balance and mobility. NICE guidance on falls prevention includes tailored exercise programmes that focus on areas such as balance, coordination, strength and power.
Depending on your individual needs, a physiotherapy assessment may consider your:
- Balance and stability
- Leg strength
- Walking pattern
- Ability to stand from a chair
- Turning and changing direction
- Everyday mobility
- Confidence when moving
- Need for an appropriate walking aid
A personalised rehabilitation programme may then include suitable strength, balance, walking and functional movement activities.
The aim is to help you move more safely and confidently and maintain as much independence as possible.
When Should You Seek Medical Advice?
Balance problems can have many different causes. If your balance has suddenly changed, you experience persistent dizziness, or you are concerned about new symptoms, speak to your GP or another appropriate healthcare professional.
Seek urgent medical attention for sudden symptoms such as weakness or numbness on one side, difficulty speaking, significant vision changes, fainting or collapse.
Balance Physiotherapy at K 7 Physiotherapy
At K 7 Physiotherapy, we provide personalised support for people experiencing balance, walking and mobility difficulties.
Our services include:
- Falls and balance rehabilitation
- Walking aid assessment
- Strength and mobility rehabilitation
- Parkinson’s disease physiotherapy
- Stroke rehabilitation
- Post-hospital physiotherapy
- Arthritis physiotherapy
- Home physiotherapy visits
Our clinic is based in Rugby, Warwickshire, and home physiotherapy visits are available where appropriate.
Worried About Your Balance?
If balance or walking difficulties are affecting your confidence or independence, K 7 Physiotherapy can assess your mobility and discuss an appropriate rehabilitation approach.
Clinic and home physiotherapy appointments are available.
FAQs
1. Do I lose balance as I age?
Age-related changes can impact the strength and mobility of an individual However, a rise in instability or the repeated fall should not just be overlooked. An assessment could help determine the causes of the issue.
2. Do physiotherapy treatments help me improve my balance?
Physical therapy can aid in improving areas like strength as well as balance, walking, and functional mobility with an individual rehabilitation program.
3. What exercises can help improve balance?
Strengthening and balance exercises can be beneficial, however the correct exercises are dependent on your fitness, mobility and personal requirements. A physiotherapist can determine the appropriate exercises for you.
4. Do I have to utilise a walking stick when my balance isn’t great?
A walking aid can help for some, but selecting the right one and using it correctly are crucial. A physiotherapist is able to offer an assessment of the walking aid.
5. When is the ideal moment to visit a physiotherapist about balance problems?
You may want to consider taking a look if you notice yourself getting more unstable or had an accident or near-fall, and you are scared of falling or the balance of your body is limiting everyday activities.
