Balance exercises are specifically designed to challenge your internal systems by applying changes and perturbations making your body practice it’s righting response and reflexes. 

These perturbations can be created by external or internal changes. This includes challenging your vision such as closing your eyes, or by changing your centre of gravity such as balance in with your feet together.  

Your physiotherapists is well placed to ensure you challenge your balance in a safe environment based on a falls and balance assessment. 

Improving your balance has been proven to reduce the likelihood of falling. In addition, balance and strength training has also been shown to reduce the severity of injuries associated with falling when falls are sustained.  

Your physiotherapist will well equipped to assess your balance and likelihood of falling. They will perform a series of assessments to test our balance reflex and strength.  

It is very important to note, that decreased balance is not a normal part of the ageing process. It is not normal to have an increase in falls as we get older. In fact, a lot of these changes where they occur are reversable with strength and balance training. 

In addition, where required, your physiotherapist is able to prescribe and recommend the best gait aid such as a walking stick or frame. This is important as the aim of the gait aid is to assist with independence and balance without exacerbating or decreasing strength.  

Balance training reduces the likelihood of falls and has been shown to reduce the likelihood of injuries associated with falling.  

In addition to balance training, it is important to reduce their likelihood of falling by also considering appropriate and well fitting foot wear. Given the majority of falls occur within the home environment, it is also worthwhile to ensure that hallways are kept well clear and any falls risks such as cords or rugs are secured.