Balance. Can You…?
Can you stand on one leg while you brush your teeth?
Walk across uneven ground without wobbling?
Reach up to a high shelf without feeling unsteady?
If you answered, "not as confidently as I used to," you're certainly not alone!
Balance is something we rarely think about, until we notice it's not quite what it used to be. The good news is that balance isn't just about your feet, it's something your whole body works together to achieve, and there are lots of ways to support it.
What actually keeps us balanced?
Believe it or not, balance is a team effort, your body relies on three key systems working together:
Your eyes: helping you understand where you are in your surroundings.
Your brain and nervous system: processing information and coordinating your movements.
Your muscles, joints and spine: sending constant messages to your brain about where your body is and helping you react quickly when you move.
When everything is communicating well, balance feels effortless. But if one part of the system isn't working as well as it could, you may notice you're feeling a little less steady.
Why does balance change as we get older?
It's completely normal for balance to change over time. As we age, we naturally lose some muscle strength and flexibility. Our joints can become stiffer, reaction times slow down and even our eyesight and inner ear can change. If you've also been dealing with back pain, neck pain or reduced mobility, you may find yourself moving less confidently than before. That doesn't mean you have to accept it as "just getting older."
How can we help?
At Horley, Crawley, Haywards Heath and Guildford Spinal Health, we look at the bigger picture. Rather than focusing on one symptom, we consider how your spine, joints, muscles and movement are working together to help you stay active and independent.
Depending on your individual needs, your care plan may include a combination of therapies.
Chiropractic Care
Your spine plays a central role in how your body moves and how your nervous system communicates with the rest of your body. By improving joint movement and helping reduce mechanical aches and pains, chiropractic care may help you move with greater confidence and comfort.
IDD Therapy
If balance is being affected by persistent back pain, neck pain or symptoms relating to a spinal disc problem, IDD Therapy may form part of your treatment plan. By helping to reduce pain and improve function, many patients find they're able to return to activities they'd been avoiding.
Laser Therapy
When pain or inflammation makes movement uncomfortable, it's easy to become less active. Laser Therapy can be used alongside other treatments to support healing and help reduce discomfort, making it easier to keep moving.
BioDensity
Strong muscles support strong bones, and both are important for maintaining good balance. BioDensity is designed to help people safely apply high levels of force through the skeleton in just a few minutes each week. Combined with regular activity and healthy lifestyle habits, it can play a valuable role in supporting bone health, strength and stability as we age.
Give your balance a little test…
How many of these can you do comfortably?
· Stand on one leg for 10 seconds (hold on to something if needed).
· Walk heel-to-toe in a straight line.
· Get up from a chair without using your hands.
· Turn around in a full circle without feeling dizzy or unsteady.
If any of these feels more difficult than they once did, it could be worth having a conversation with one of our expert practitioners.
Good balance helps us do so much more than avoid falls. It gives us the confidence to travel, play with grandchildren, enjoy long walks, keep active and continue doing the things we love.
If you've noticed changes in your balance, mobility or confidence, we'd love to help you understand why and explore the treatment options that may be right for you.
Get in touch today to book an assessment and discover how chiropractic care and our range of therapies can support your health and wellbeing.
Best wishes,
Phil and Rosie
Clinic Directors
Horley | Crawley | Haywards Heath | Guildford Spinal Health