Real Woman featured SporTherapy’s Dr. Kathleen Pollan, PT, DPT, Regional Director and Clinic Director of SporTherapy’s Fossil Creek Clinic, in a recent article on the importance of balance in everyday life. “Balance plays a role in all we do. From walking to cleaning the house to riding a bike. Our balance impacts are safety in our homes and in our community,” explained Dr. Pollan.
As we age, our balance naturally declines due to muscle mass loss (weakness), decreased proprioception (body awareness), degeneration of the vestibular system, loss of flexibility/mobility, slowed reaction time/reflexes, and vision decline, according to Dr. Pollan. However, there are things you can do to keep your balance sharp. “(Balance is) a system that needs to be trained like any other. Working on a narrow base of support postures helps to challenge this system and can be easily incorporated into what we do every day,” said Dr. Pollan. “Try brushing your teeth standing on one foot. Yoga is also a great way to incorporate daily balance training while challenging muscle strength, overall stability and improving proprioceptive feedback.”
Some of Dr. Pollan’s favorite balance exercises include:
- Marching in place with a high knee pause
- Standing on one leg
- Squats or sit-to stands
- Walking while looking up and down
- Walking while looking side to side
- Walking heel to toe.
If you have any questions regarding the importance of balance or improving your balance, schedule an appointment with a SporTherapy physical therapist today. To read the full article, please click on the button below.
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