Balance Disorders

Balance disorders are a common problem, affecting up to 33 million Americans. Unfortunately, without treatment, they increase the risk of falls and injuries and affect the quality of life. At Preserve Physical Therapy in The Woodlands, Texas, board-certified physical therapist Rupal Mehta, PT, MS, DPT, PhD, specializes in managing balance disorders. His more than 20 years of experience and use of innovative technology ensure positive outcomes and lasting relief. Call Preserve Physical Therapy today to schedule treatment for a balance disorder or request a new patient form online.

Are balance disorders worth worrying about?

Balance disorders cause you to feel unstable, increasing your risk of falls and injuries. Your sense of balance involves several body parts, including your brain, eyes, and inner ears. A problem with any of these areas increases your risk of a balance disorder. 

Identifying the cause of a balance disorder is crucial if your symptoms continue for more than a few days or affect your routine.

Are there different types of balance disorders?

At Preserve Physical Therapy, Dr. Mehta treats various balance disorders, including:

• Labyrinthitis (inflammation of the inner ear)
• Vestibular neuritis (inflammation of the vestibular nerve)
• Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV)
• Meniere’s disease
• Acoustic neuromas (a type of noncancerous ear tumor)
• Persistent postural perceptual dizziness (PPPD)
• Neurological conditions like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s
• Postural hypotension (low blood pressure)
• Vestibular migraine 

Sometimes, balance problems occur after an injury, like a concussion or car accident.

How does a physical therapist treat balance disorders?

First, Dr. Mehta completes a patient evaluation. He reviews your medical records and asks detailed questions about your condition, including how often you have problems with your balance, if your balance is worse at certain times of day, and if you have a history of eye or ear problems.

Answer Dr. Mehta’s questions honestly and provide as much detail as possible. Your responses provide key information used to guide treatment.

Next, Dr. Mehta completes a physical therapy assessment. He evaluates your strength, balance, and coordination and observes your gait (how you walk) and posture. Dr. Mehta also tests your vision and hearing because balance disorders often have an audio/visual component.

What does physical therapy for balance disorders involve?

At Preserve Physical Therapy, Dr. Mehta treats balance disorders using innovative technologies and manual therapies. He might suggest:

• Joint mobilization
• Soft tissue mobilization
• Myofascial release
• Massage therapy
• Movement training
• Postural training
• Joint taping
• Foot pressure mapping
• Gait training
• Balance training
• Motor control training
• Shockwave therapy

Dr. Mehta is one of the only physical therapists in The Woodlands offering biofeedback muscle training. This advanced treatment technique combines wearable technology and mind-body techniques to retrain your muscles and speed up healing. 

Most people with balance disorders benefit from two or more of these treatments. Dr. Mehta monitors your symptoms at regular checkups and makes adjustments as needed.

Call or text Preserve Physical Therapy today to schedule balance disorder treatment or request a new patient form online.