Orthopedic And Balance Therapy Specialists

When you visit a physical therapist Laporte in Indiana America, you will undergo various balance tests. To a child orteenager, balance means riding a bike. To adults, balance means catching yourself while carrying groceries. To older adults, balance means not falling down while walking. Good balance is very important to older adults in ensuring they are independent and safe. 

In physical therapy, it is one of the top priorities to keep elderly people in shape and ensure they have good balance. Good balance prevents the elderly from falling and breaking their bones or dislocating their joints. In this post, we will show you different ways physical therapists test for balance. 

Legged standing balance test 

This test is self-explanatory. A physical therapist will ask the patient to stand on one leg without touching or holding onto anything. The normal balance should be one minute. If it is less than 30 seconds then your physical therapist in Indiana America will have to give you exercises to improve your balance. 

Standing reach test 

In this test, the patient is instructed to stand next to a wall and reach forward along the wall as far as he can without falling. It is important to note the distance between the finishing position and the starting position. Less than 6 inches standing reach indicates a higher falling risk. 

Timed up and go test 

In this test, a chair is placed against a wall. Measure out 10 ft. and mark the spot. The test is how long it will take to get up from the chair and walk for 10 ft. and then turn around and sit back. There is a high risk of falling if it takes longer than 14 seconds. If your physical therapist Laporte in Indiana America notices any issues with your balance, he will give you the right exercises to enhance your balance.

Physical therapy Valparaiso in Indiana is increasingly becoming popular when it comes to treating and managing pain. Be it the pain in your neck, back or joints such as wrists, hips, knees, elbows or shoulders, physiotherapy shows an improvement in the condition after treatment. However, most people don’t know what to expect from their physiotherapist. Here are a few things you should keep in mind when consulting a physiotherapist.

Have an open mind

You need to understand that a physical therapy session can be overwhelming for some people due to the techniques used. However, having an open mind can help you get the most out of your physiotherapy sessions.

Dress appropriately

Physiotherapy takes into consideration the clothes you wear. Physical therapy is all about movement and exercising so you should wear proper clothes to avoid unnecessary hassles. For any physical therapy Valparaiso near me in Indiana to be smooth, it is crucial to dress appropriately and avoid wearing tight clothes which can hinder your movement during the process. You need clothes that can enable you to move correctly.

Ask questions

A physical therapist will tell you the right technique and teach you how to do it. However, you shouldn’t follow the instructions blindly. You should make a habit of asking questions as this will help you understand your condition. You should also explain your condition in detail. This will help you take control of your physiotherapy sessions and know what your body is experiencing.

Have clear expectations

You need to know what you need from physical therapy Valparaiso in Indiana. Let your physiotherapist know your expectations. Discussing your expectations with your physical therapist at the end of your sessions will help the physical therapist tailor your sessions according to your goals. If your goals are not achievable, your physiotherapist will tell you so that you do not get disappointed in the end.