Become Steady on Your Feet with the Help of Physiotherapy!
Did you know that developing better balance is linked to improving your core strength? Yes, you heard that correctly! A strong core helps keep you upright, which is especially important as you get older and are more prone to falling and harming yourself.
If you are interested to learn more about developing a routine to strengthen your core and improve your balance, please contact our office today. Schedule a meeting with one of our licensed physiotherapists and let us help you to determine if your core strength can be improved!
What you should know about your core
Most people believe that when you’re working on your core, you’re just doing abs, but your core muscles are more than just abs! There are two types of core muscles: the inner core and the outer core.
The inner core muscles are attached to the spine. These are the muscles that hold the spine how you want it. The outer core muscles work together with the inner core muscles when you need to move your body in various ways while keeping your spine in the position you want it.
Let’s take a look at the simple hip-hinging movement pattern of the deadlift. Your inner core muscles help keep your spine in a relatively stable and neutral position, while the outer core muscles maintain that position during the thrusting forward and releasing of the hip joints. You can then appreciate how much harder these muscles work together when you add resistance in your hand that wants to bring you out of this position and pattern.
So frequent visits with a licensed physiotherapist may be able to help you train your inner and outer core muscles for improved balance and movement!
Improve your core strength and balance with physiotherapy
You don’t need a bunch of expensive gym equipment to start working on your core strength. In fact, some of the best core exercises involve you assuming some challenging positions and maintaining them for a period of time.
Traditional exercises may range from bridges and sideplanks for more athletic individuals to gentler routines, like yoga and tai chi for older individuals. Your therapist will also work with you on clear core activities to help you balance.
How balance and core strength are linked
In total, your body has three systems that help regulate and sustain your balance. The first one is the vestibular system, which is responsible for giving your brain the necessary information it needs about how we move, our head position, motor functions, etc. The liquid in your inner ear functions as part of the vestibular system. Think of it as a “carpenter’s balance,” or a tool that helps keep you level and upright. If you’ve ever found yourself feeling off-kilter or dizzy, it could mean that the liquid in the vestibular system is off a bit!
The second balancing system is your visual system. Your eyes send informational signals to your brain regarding your position in relevance to the world around you.
The third balancing system is the proprioceptive system, a network of nerves located all over your body. They make you aware of your posture, as well as aware of where you are positioned compared to things surrounding you.
All three of these systems need to be in equilibrium to stay properly balanced. A weak core is one element that can not only throw off this internal equilibrium but can also make you feel off-balance to the point of falling over.
Improve your balance today!
Physiotherapy can help you improve your balance. Your physiotherapist will conduct a comprehensive evaluation of your condition, determine your physical ability, and build a personalized care plan to suit your needs. So, what are you waiting for? Contact Leaps & Bounds Rehab today and let us set you up for success with a treatment plan tailored to your balance and core strengthening needs.