PT balance therapy

[rudyhorse]

Hi all, has anyone ever gone for Physical Therapy, specifically for balance therapy?  They are sending me for that, just wondered about others experiences and if it helps.
Thanks

[Lulu54]

I was sent for vestibular rehabilitation through a hospital therapy group.  It has helped some.  I have also done a lot of exercise this past year that was specifically geared toward balance - including TaiChi.  Both PT and tai chi were beneficial and my neuro saw improvement.  

A really good website about PT and balance is
http://www.dizziness-and-balance.com/index.html

I hope you will find the therapy beneficial.

be well,
Lulu

[PastorDan]

My experience with VR therapy did not mirror Lulu's, unfortunately.  It seemed to have very little effect on my balance problems, if any.  It was certainly interesting, and probably good for me in some ways, but I'm as likely to fall down and bruise myself today as I was months ago.  Nevertheless, I suspect it helps more people than not, so if the folks caring for you are setting it up, I'd say give it a try.

[essdipity]

Quite a lot of us are in PT for one reason or other, or maybe many reasons.

I've spent maybe 3 months, off and on, in PT, and my balance is the only part that has significantly improved. There is a standard scale for balance issues, which includes a level below which falling becomes quite likely. My 'before and after' results were quite striking.

If you decide to do PT, ask about this, so you'll have some reference points, which are always helpful. Also ask for a copy of all reports, and go over them with your therapist. You'll learn a lot that way about what your strengths and weaknesses are, as compared with what you thought they were. Not always the same thing.

In general, I highly recommend PT, particularly if you have good insurance coverage. It's non-invasive, involves no meds, and gives you the benefit of being proactive and actually doing something about MS. Too often we feel rather helpless. So what's not to like?

ess

[rendean]

I'm currently in PT. Part of my therapy is balance therapy consisting of various exercises. Some involve standing and keeping your balance on "cushy" pillow like foam pieces, the idea being to retrain your brain as to what is upright (see the Health page on neuroplasticity). Some of the exercises are similar to the DUI walk the line tests with variations such as turning your head in a particular direction while moving in another direction. There are also exercises to strengthen your legs and core muscles to help keep an upright posture.

All in all, my balance has improved. My triggers that cause me to fall were also identified and I was taught how to handle these situations. I was also taught how to prevent falls and how to recover from a fall without further injuring myself.

I'm with Ess, what's not to like?

Ren

[PastorDan]

Sounds like I had the wrong therapist, but you know what?  Now that I think about it, I was sent there by the evil neuro!

[ashleyPT]

Hey PastorDan,

PT for balance training and PT for vestibular rehab are 2 different things.  Vestibular rehab is only effective if you have BPPV - otherwise it does not address other reasons for vertigo.

You can always make your balance better no matter what your starting point if you are with a PT that continually challenges your comfort zone.  Balance PT can be frustrating because you have to do exercises that are a little too hard - so you SHOULD be losing your balance, swaying etc.  If your not challenging it then it won't get better.

Good luck to everybody

[rudyhorse]

I love and appreciate all these comments.  All were very helpful and now I look forward more to this than I was.  Someday it would be fun to see the "evil Neuro" also do balance therapy, huh Pastor Dan?  The Dr did say you must go to someone who knows what they are doing.

You all are so encouraging, thanks.  Also I will look up the info you suggested.
Tracy

[PastorDan]

Thanks for that clarification, Ashley.

Tracy, yes, I might pay for video of that.