September 19-25 is the Vestibular Disorder Association’s Balance Awareness Week!
Do you suffer from #unsteadiness on your feet? Do you feel like you are on ice skates for the first time? Do you find it difficult to maintain your #balance when walking in an unfamiliar or busy visual environment? Perhaps you notice that mom or dad can’t seem to get from their favorite chair to the kitchen table without reaching for a piece of furniture to steady themselves. If so, this week is dedicated to you!
Our goal this week is to increase the general population’s awareness of how difficult it can be for those with balance disorders to function. Simple tasks such as grocery shopping, stepping up a curb, working in the yard, and getting dressed can all lead to huge challenges for those suffering from balance disorders. The activities that we often do without a second thought often require a great amount of planning and foresight for individuals with balance disorders.
This can mean leaving early for an appointment to ensure a parking spot close to a ramp or railing, shopping at odd hours, avoiding certain places with either low or very bright lighting, and purchasing only certain types of clothing that are easy to put on.
Balance disorders can really impact someone’s pride. All too often our clients view using an assistive device or asking for help as a sign of aging or weakness that is ok for others but they themselves are not ready to accept. Most of these people express a desire to not be a burden, however many fail to realize that if they have a fall because they don’t address their balance issues that can create an even larger burden for their loved ones and decrease their own independence that they cherish.
Our goal at therapy is not to turn your life upside down and change the way you do everything. Our goal is to empower you to achieve the things you enjoy in the safest way possible with greater confidence.
If you feel in any way that your balance is compromising your quality of life, do something about it now! Just like when you work a weak muscle, working on your balance can strengthen it and reduce your risk of falling or having an injury. If you find yourself avoiding situations or reaching for furniture everywhere you go then please call us at WWSPT for an evaluation of your balance.
Dr. Jenna McLane, PT, DPt,
WWS Physical Therapy and Vestibular Rehabilitation
Doylestown, PA.
215-489-3234
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