Why am I losing my balance, and what can I do to help?

Loss of balance can have a variety of different causes. A Vestibular Physiotherapist deals with imbalance every day, allowing us to assess and diagnose the possible cause accurately.

Balance relies on the integration of three central systems.

Vision

Vision is our primary sense of perceiving where our body is in relation to the environment around us. If vision is affected or deteriorating, the prescription you have for your eyesight, such as multifocal, can affect your balance. If we find that this is a factor during an examination, we will work closely with your optometrist to find a solution.

Proprioception

Proprioception is the information we receive from the pressure sensors in the ligaments and muscles around our joints. These proprioceptors send input to our brain from the soles of our feet to the top of our spine. There is a much higher concentration proprioceptor in our necks. A vestibular physio performs balance tests to check if proprioception is not functioning as well as it should. A thorough assessment of upper cervical spine segments may be required if we suspect the imbalance may be coming from the neck.

Inner Ears

The inner ears are a part of our vestibular system. Static and dynamic balance is detected in our inner ears. When the inner ear is not functioning normally, loss of balance can be immediate, increasing the risk of falling. An eye movement examination helps determine any dysfunction. A vestibular physio can assess and identify different vestibular issues and form a treatment plan for you.

How we can help

A thorough assessment of your balance can reveal any dysfunction and guide effective treatment. Eye movements, head movements and neck movements will all be checked along with your static and dynamic balance. We will then work on a tailored plan to improve your balance, allowing you to rebuild confidence in your body’s balance system.