balance awareness week 2014-FGHBalance Awareness Week is September 15 – 21. What better time to learn more about causes and symptoms of a faulty balance system! In the article below, Ramona Ridley, a Registered Physical Therapist with Forrest General’s Outpatient Rehabilitation Services, explains 3 easy steps to identifying and correcting the problem.

People who have imbalance, dizziness or difficulty walking describe what they are feeling in different ways:  “My GPS is not working.”  “ I feel like a bobble head.” “I go round and round like a tea cup ride at Disney.”

Balance is so often taken for granted because our balance or vestibular system usually works efficiently and effortlessly. The three major components of Balance include:

The brain receives this information and assists the body in making physical adjustments to keep us upright and midline.  When these systems are damaged from illness or injury, anyone can lose their ability to balance themselves.

To get help with correcting these problems, can be as easy as 1,2,3………

  1. Being properly evaluated by Physicians and Physical Therapists who specialize in balance/dizziness
  2. Acquiring individualized treatment to improve safety, control symptoms, and improve walking
  3. Gaining the ability to perform activities around the house or at work to restore your life

Increased feelings of dizziness, stumbles and falls should not be ignored. Call for more information about Balance program or for a thorough Physical Therapy evaluation from Forrest General’s Outpatient Rehabilitation services at 601-288-3860 to get your GPS working again!

Additional resource:  Vestibular Disorders Association www.vestibular.org