Balance: What It Is and How To Address It
Image: a young girl activates her balance system by navigating a variety of rocks
WHAT IS BALANCE?
It is the complex process of receiving and integrating information from our sensory system (vestibular, visual, and proprioceptive systems) to maintain our stability.
Vestibular information involves our spatial awareness, linear movement, and rotational movements
Visual involves our sight
Proprioceptive involves our awareness of our body in space through touch - What factors in our environment influence our balance?
Our support surfaces
Visual conditions (lighting)
Crowds/distractions
Obstacles, divided attention
5 WAYS TO WORK ON BALANCE
1. Stand on an uneven surface (pillows, grass, mulch) and try with head turns
2. Stand with feet apart and then bring them close together for 30 seconds (try with eyes closed)
3. Toss and throw a ball or balloon in different directions while standing on both even and uneven surfaces
4. Stand on one leg on both even and uneven surfaces
5. Stand on one leg and pick up small toys placed in front
CONCERNS?
Come schedule an evaluation with one of our Physical Therapists!
Dr. Marta Carrion, PT, DPT, PCS is a board-certified pediatric clinical specialist in physical therapy who completed her DPT at the University of Central Florida. She has 2.5 years of experience in pediatric physical therapy with experience in outpatient, acute care, and early intervention settings. She completed her pediatric residency program at the University of Miami and has seen a broad range of diagnoses including orthopedic, genetic, neurological, and sports injuries.
Edited by Shelby O’Connor, MOTR/L
