PROVIDING EVIDENCE BASED THERAPIES
Burlington’s Balance Therapy
Treatment Facility
At our cutting edge clinic, we offer personalized treatment plans for many balance disorders.
Burlington's Top Balance Therapy Experts
Balance therapy, alternatively referred to as vestibular rehabilitation therapy (VRT) or balance training, provides a multitude of advantages for individuals contending with balance disorders, dizziness, or challenges related to spatial orientation.
What is Balance Therapy?
Balance therapy, also known as vestibular rehabilitation therapy (VRT) or balance training, is a specialized form of physical therapy designed to improve balance and reduce dizziness in individuals with balance disorders or vestibular system dysfunctions. At our cutting edge clinic, we offer personalized treatment plans for many balance disorders.
The vestibular system is a complex network of structures in the inner ear responsible for sensing head movement and spatial orientation. When this system is affected by injury, disease, or age-related changes, it can lead to balance problems, vertigo, and a sensation of unsteadiness.
Balance therapy is tailored to the specific needs of each patient and typically involves a series of exercises and activities that target the vestibular system, as well as the visual and proprioceptive systems (the body’s sense of position and movement).
The main goals of balance therapy are to strengthen the muscles involved in maintaining balance, improve coordination and stability, and enhance the brain’s ability to process sensory information related to balance and spatial orientation.
What Does A Balance Therapy Session Look Like? What Can I Expect?
A balance therapy session typically begins with a comprehensive evaluation conducted by a licensed physical therapist or vestibular rehabilitation specialist. During this initial assessment, the therapist will gather information about your medical history, current symptoms, and any previous balance-related issues. They may also perform various tests and assessments to determine the underlying causes of your balance problems and to identify specific areas that need improvement.
Once the evaluation is complete and the therapist has a clear understanding of your condition, they will design a personalized treatment plan tailored to your needs and goals. Each session may vary depending on your specific condition and progress, but here is a general outline of what a balance therapy session may look like:
1. Warm-up and Preparatory Activities:
The session may start with gentle warm-up exercises to prepare your body for more challenging activities. This could include light stretches, joint mobility exercises, or simple movements to increase blood flow and loosen muscles.
2. Balance and Coordination Exercises:
The therapist will guide you through a series of balance and coordination exercises designed to challenge your vestibular and proprioceptive systems. These exercises may involve standing on one leg, walking on a balance beam, or performing movements with your eyes closed to rely on other sensory inputs.
3. Gaze Stability Exercises:
Gaze stability exercises focus on improving your ability to maintain visual focus while moving your head. These exercises are essential for individuals experiencing dizziness or vertigo, as they help to recalibrate the vestibulo-ocular reflex.
4. Strengthening and Endurance Activities:
Depending on your individual needs, the therapist may incorporate strength training exercises to target specific muscle groups involved in balance control. These exercises can help improve muscle tone and endurance.
5. Walking and Mobility Training:
Walking and mobility exercises are included to enhance your ability to walk confidently and safely, especially if you have experienced difficulties with gait and balance while walking.
6. Education and Home Exercises:
The therapist will provide you with education on your condition and techniques to manage symptoms outside of therapy sessions. You will likely receive a set of home exercises to practice regularly between sessions, promoting consistency and progress.
7. Progress Tracking and Adjustments:
Throughout the session, the therapist will closely monitor your progress and adjust the treatment plan accordingly. They will make sure that the exercises are challenging but achievable, continually pushing you to improve your balance and stability.
8. Cool-down and Relaxation:
The session will end with a cool-down period and relaxation exercises to help your body and mind unwind after the therapy session.
The therapy sessions typically involve a series of balance exercises and activities performed on the force platform. These exercises challenge the patient’s balance control in various ways, such as altering the base of support, introducing visual disturbances, or inducing unexpected perturbations. The therapist can adjust the difficulty level based on the patient’s progress, ensuring a gradual and personalized approach.
How Can Balance Therapy Help You?
Improved Balance and Stability: Balance therapy focuses on addressing the underlying causes of balance issues. By targeting the vestibular system and associated muscle groups, balance therapy can improve your ability to maintain balance and prevent falls.
Reduced Dizziness and Vertigo: If you experience dizziness or vertigo due to a vestibular disorder, balance therapy can help alleviate these symptoms by promoting better adaptation and compensation within the vestibular system.
Enhanced Coordination and Mobility: Balance exercises challenge your coordination and mobility, helping you regain confidence in your movements and daily activities.
Fall Prevention: For older adults or individuals at risk of falling, balance therapy can be instrumental in reducing fall incidents and improving overall safety.
Customized Treatment: Balance therapy is personalized to address your specific condition and needs. Your physical therapist will develop a tailored program to target your areas of difficulty and work towards specific goals.
Recovery from Neurological Conditions: Balance therapy can be beneficial for individuals recovering from neurological conditions like stroke, brain injury, or multiple sclerosis, as it helps the brain and body adapt to the changes caused by these conditions.
Improved Quality of Life: By regaining better balance and reducing dizziness, balance therapy can significantly enhance your quality of life, allowing you to participate more fully in daily activities and social interactions.
Computerized Balance Therapy And Vestibular Rehabilitation
Computerized balance therapy, also known as computerized dynamic posturography (CDP), is an innovative and effective approach used in vestibular rehabilitation. It utilizes advanced technology to assess and treat balance disorders and improve overall balance control. This therapy is especially beneficial for individuals experiencing vestibular dysfunction, which may include dizziness, vertigo, and unsteadiness.
Vestibular rehabilitation aims to restore and enhance the functioning of the vestibular system, which is responsible for maintaining balance and spatial orientation. Computerized balance therapy takes this rehabilitation process to a new level by incorporating computerized technology, specialized equipment, and evidence-based protocols.
The primary tool used in computerized balance therapy is the computerized dynamic posturography system. This system consists of a force platform that measures the patient’s body movements and a visual surround that provides visual cues to challenge the patient’s balance control. By analyzing the data collected from the force platform, the therapist can assess the patient’s balance impairments and design a customized treatment plan.
Can Balance Therapy Treatments Help Me?
YES! If you are considering balance therapy and you’re dealing with the symptoms listed above, we’d love to hear from you.
Situated in Burlington, ON our Functional Neurology & Vestibular Rehabilitation clinic has been devoted to aiding clients for over a decade.
The Benefits of Balance Therapy
Balance therapy, also known as vestibular rehabilitation therapy (VRT) or balance training, offers a range of benefits for individuals who are struggling with balance disorders, dizziness, or difficulties with spatial orientation. Some of the key benefits of balance therapy include:
- Improved Balance and Stability
- Reduced Dizziness and Vertigo
- Enhanced Coordination
- Fall Prevention
- Customized Treatment
- Regained Confidence
- Enhanced Quality of Life
- Adaptation to Neurological Changes
- Long-Term Benefits
- Holistic Approach
Balance training is a valuable resource for anyone seeking to regain their equilibrium, minimize dizziness, and enhance their overall well-being. With the guidance of our board certified therapists, you can experience these benefits firsthand and take proactive steps towards living a more confident and active life.
Regaining Stability and Confidence Through Targeted Balance Therapy and Training!
Balance therapy and training are beneficial for individuals with various disorders and conditions that affect their ability to maintain equilibrium and stability. Some of the common disorders that may require balance therapy and training include:
Vestibular Disorders:
Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV), Vestibular Neuritis, Labyrinthitis, Meniere’s Disease.
Post-Concussion Syndrome: Individuals who have experienced a concussion or traumatic brain injury may develop balance problems as part of their symptoms.
Stroke: Stroke survivors often experience balance and coordination issues due to the impact of the stroke on the brain and nervous system.
Parkinson’s Disease: Parkinson’s disease can affect motor control and balance, leading to instability and an increased risk of falls.
Multiple Sclerosis (MS): MS can disrupt nerve signals and affect sensory input, leading to balance problems and coordination difficulties.
Peripheral Neuropathy: Conditions that cause peripheral nerve damage can lead to altered proprioception and balance challenges.
Orthopedic Conditions: Musculoskeletal injuries or surgeries, such as ankle sprains, knee injuries, or joint replacements, can affect balance and gait.
Aging-Related Changes: As individuals age, changes in vision, muscle strength, and proprioception can contribute to balance issues.
Inner Ear Disorders: Disorders affecting the inner ear, such as Meniere’s disease or vestibular migraines, can lead to dizziness and balance disturbances.
Neurological Conditions: Various neurological conditions, including ataxia and cerebral palsy, can result in impaired balance and coordination.
Dizziness and Vertigo: Individuals who experience recurrent dizziness or vertigo without a specific diagnosis may benefit from balance therapy to improve their symptoms.
Muscle Weakness: Conditions that cause muscle weakness or deconditioning can impact an individual’s ability to maintain balance.
Gait Abnormalities: Those with abnormal walking patterns may require balance therapy to improve their gait and reduce the risk of falls.
Balance therapy and training can be highly effective in addressing the underlying causes of these disorders, and improving balance, stability, and overall functional abilities. A personalized treatment plan developed by a licensed physical therapist or vestibular rehabilitation specialist can target the specific challenges associated with each individual’s condition, helping them regain confidence in their movements and quality of life.
If you or someone you know is experiencing balance issues related to any of these disorders, seeking professional guidance and considering balance training can be a proactive step towards better health and well-being.
Advancing Balance Rehabilitation with Technology and Personalized Care
Balance therapy is a highly effective and innovative approach to vestibular rehabilitation. By leveraging technology and evidence-based protocols, it offers personalized and data-driven treatment plans that can significantly improve balance control and overall quality of life for individuals with vestibular dysfunction. If you are experiencing balance issues or vestibular problems, consider exploring the benefits of computerized balance therapy and embark on a journey towards better balance and well-being.
It is common for patients to attend several sessions per week initially, gradually reducing the frequency as they make progress. Balance therapy is a gradual process, and improvements may occur over several weeks or months, depending on the severity of your condition.
Remember, consistency, patience, and active participation in your rehabilitation journey are key to successful balance therapy.
Your therapist will be there to support and guide you throughout the process, helping you regain your balance and confidence in your movements.
Does Balance Therapy Work?
The effectiveness of balance therapy can vary depending on several factors, including the underlying condition being treated, the specific techniques or approaches used, and the individual’s overall health and adherence to the therapy.
Balance Training Can Offer Advantages to Diverse Groups of People, Including:
Elderly Individuals:
Balance therapy can help prevent falls in older adults, which is a significant concern due to the increased risk of fractures and other injuries associated with falls.
People with Neurological Disorders:
Balance therapy can be tailored to address the specific needs and challenges of individuals with neurological conditions such as Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, and/or stroke survivors.
Vestibular Disorders:
Disorders of the vestibular system, which controls balance and spatial orientation, can lead to dizziness and imbalance. Balance therapy may be prescribed to improve symptoms associated with these disorders.
Athletes and Fitness Enthusiasts:
Athletes and individuals engaged in physical activities may benefit from balance training to enhance their performance and reduce the risk of injury.
Post-Surgical Rehabilitation:
Balance therapy is often included as part of post-surgical rehabilitation programs, particularly for procedures involving the lower limbs or spine.
The Effectiveness of Balance Therapy Depends on Various Factors:
Professional Guidance:
Balance therapy is most effective when guided by trained healthcare professionals, such as our board certified vestibular therapists.
Consistency and Adherence:
Like any form of therapy, consistency and adherence are important. Regular practice of prescribed exercises and activities is essential for seeing improvement.
Individualized Approach:
Effective balance training should be tailored to an individual’s current level of function, goals, and any underlying conditions. One-size-fits-all approaches may not yield the best results.
Evidence-Based Practices:
The therapies at our clinic are based on evidence from clinical research. Research-supported techniques vary, but they involve a combination of strength training, proprioception exercises, and functional activities that challenge balance.
Multifaceted Approach:
Balance is a complex interplay of various systems, including the musculoskeletal and vestibular systems. Effective balance therapy often involves a multifaceted approach that addresses different components of balance control.
** It’s important to note that individual responses to therapy can vary, and not all individuals will experience the same level of improvement. **
Cutting Edge Brain and Balance Treatment Clinic
No referral is required. We accept new patients under auto-insurance and extended health benefits also. Please call us at (905) 331 – 9658 to make an appointment or to speak with a member of the clinical team about your health concern.
VESTIBULAR VISUAL THERAPY
Using Specialized equipment, we have the goal to improve gait instability, vision, reduce dizziness, reduce fall risk, and improve fitness.
POST-CONCUSSION TREATMENT
We evaluate the brains function to localize the impact of the injury. Get fast relief from headaches, neck pain, dizziness and more with our Concussion treatments.
NEUROLOGICAL CONDITIONS
We aim to improve function, reduce symptoms and enhance the overall well-being of our patients. Neuro Stimulation, Vestibular Therapy, Balance Training and more!
NEURO-STIMULATION
Using low levels of electrical stimulation, we help activate
or reactivate neurons and structures involved in human
function.
NEURO SENSORIMOTOR INTERGRATOR
Most advanced program for neurological and visual therapy! Aimed to improve eye-hand coordination, visual reaction time, visual motor and neuro-cognitive skills, working memory, and more.