FREE
Balance
Talk

1 

Reasons for Falls

Falls are commonly attributed to a multitude of factors, both physiological and environmental. Physiologically, age-related changes such as decreased muscle strength, impaired balance and coordination, reduced vision, and declining bone density increase susceptibility to falls. Chronic health conditions like arthritis, Parkinson's disease, and stroke can further exacerbate these issues. Medications, particularly those affecting blood pressure or causing dizziness as a side effect, can contribute to instability. Environmental hazards such as uneven flooring, poor lighting, loose rugs, and clutter increase the risk of falls, especially in familiar spaces. Additionally, lifestyle factors like sedentary behavior, lack of physical activity, and inadequate nutrition can weaken muscles and bones, making individuals more prone to falls. We will address these causes in-depth at my next information workshop in the park.

2

Identifying your Weakness

Identifying balance weaknesses across various sensory and motor domains requires a comprehensive assessment integrating multiple tests and techniques.

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• Somatosensory (touch, pressure)

• Proprioception (body position)

• Vision (focus, tracking, spotting, depth perception, Stabilizing)

• Strength (muscle grade of weight bearing muscles)

• Mobility (muscle & joint range of motion for assessing environment and responding)

• Cognitive (Executive processing for appropriate neuro-muscular response, un-learn bad habits)

• Vestibular (head position in space, linear & rotational movement)

• Cardiovascular (activity tolerance)

• Posture (anatomical alignment, addressing asymmetry, and body mechanics)

Combining these assessments provides a holistic understanding of balance weaknesses, aiding in tailored interventions for improvement.

3

Strategies to Improve Sensory Feedback & Reaction

Learn the skills to plan & respond to the world around us:

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• Coordination Drills

• Static Balance Progression

• Dynamic Balance Variations

• Anticipatory Vs Un-anticipatory reaction Protocol

• Position Changes

• Distraction

• Even Vs Un-even surfaces

4

Best Strengthening & Stability Exercises for Balance

Learn the 8 best functional exercises that carry over to real life results.

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Core Strengthening

Posture

Hips, Knees, and Ankles

5

Understanding the Difference Between Vertigo and Dizziness: Learn Treatment & Prevention.

Vertigo and dizziness, though often used interchangeably, represent distinct sensations with differing origins and implications. Vertigo manifests as a spinning or rotational sensation, typically stemming from inner ear or vestibular system disturbances. Conditions like benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), Meniere's disease, or vestibular neuritis commonly provoke vertigo, accompanied by symptoms such as nausea, abnormal eye movements, and difficulty maintaining balance.

Dizziness encompasses a broader spectrum of sensations, including lightheadedness, unsteadiness, or a feeling of faintness, often triggered by factors like dehydration, medication side effects, or neurological issues.

Treatment strategies for vertigo and dizziness diverge based on their underlying causes. Vertigo may be managed through canalith repositioning maneuvers to address inner ear imbalances or with medication to alleviate symptoms. Lifestyle adjustments and balance exercises can also aid in symptom management. Conversely, managing dizziness entails identifying and addressing the root cause, which could involve hydration, medication adjustments, or specialized exercise to improve balance and stability.