Being able to stay balanced and steady when standing and moving is a crucial part of being independent and living fully.

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There are many terms used to describe balance including “postural control”, “postural stability” or “Equilibrium”

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In order to keep your balance your brain receives information from three primary systems. These are:

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  • Vestibular system: inner ear, detects speed and direction of head movements and helps to detect gravity.

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• • Visual system: Orientate you in relation to your environment and to vertical. *

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• • Somatosensory system: senses around your joints, muscles and skin that detect touch, pressure, position and posture.

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All three of these systems work together with your brain to keep your body stable and allow you to respond appropriately when faced with balance challenges such as uneven ground, poor lighting or quick head movements.

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When the information from these systems doesn’t match up correctly it can make you feel dizzy or off balance or if the brain isn’t interpreting this information properly. Vestibular physiotherapists are able to provide a comprehensive balance assessment to figure out which system or systems may be causing issues and making you unsteady.

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#imbalance#disequilibrium#vestibularassessment#vestibularphysicaltherapy#dizziness#vertigo#vestibular#innerear#falls#balance