Stand up to unsteadiness

A group of friends invite you for a hike, but your balance feels a bit ‘off’ that day, so you decline. Your golf buddies are heading out for a round, but you remember feeling embarrassed when you stumbled picking up your ball several times the last game, so you pass. You are invited for a day at the lake with the grandkids but the thought of walking on the sand feels too unsteady, so you say, “maybe on a nicer day.” People often assume that unsteadiness and falls are a normal part of aging and that there is nothing that can be done to overcome these issues, however there are many factors that can be addressed.   

Common factors that contribute to unsteadiness and falls include: 

• Muscle, bone, joint or sensation problems in the legs or feet 

• Inner ear (vestibular) issues 

• Vision problems 

• Medications 

• General physical condition or living sedentary lifestyle  

• Other medical conditions

No matter what aspect of everyday life is affected, unsteadiness can lead to falls and injuries as well as feelings of isolation. If you are experiencing unsteadiness, don’t wait to seek help - a Lifemark vestibular therapist can help. 

A vestibular therapist is a physiotherapist, occupational therapist, or chiropractor with additional training in vestibular rehabilitation. They can help determine which factors are interfering with your balance, measure your fall risk, and provide an individualized rehabilitation program including strategies that have been proven to improve your balance, safety and confidence.  Depending on the components contributing to your unsteadiness, your vestibular therapist may also recommend consultation with other health professionals and communicate with your doctor. 

September 15-21 is Balance Awareness Week so what better time to address your unsteadiness before the snow and ice arrives. At Lifemark, we have vestibular therapists at over 130 clinics coast-to-coast ready to help you with your balance or dizziness problems.  

Find a vestibular therapist near you, visit our locations page or book online here.