44 | Losing Balance? Challenging Your Balance Systems

Think balance exercises are only for the elderly? Join Dr. Jen and Dr. Dom as they explain how balance is important for everyone and why.  Listen in to hear some balance tests, targeting three main systems of balance, to see if you can pass. How was it? Struggling? Find out how you can strengthen these skills and create a more sustainable future for your body. 15% off Vivobarefoot Shoe Discount: 15% OFF VivoBarefoot Shoes with code “TOB” at checkout Free Week of the Jen Health Membership: Looking for a movement community that gives you the plan specific to your body? Need accountability and a plan that is specific to your restrictions?! Come grab a free week of our Jen Health Membership! You'll have access to 12 plans that were all curated by Doc Jen, Dr of Physical Therapy. We make sure you get set up with the plan that will be best for your goals and the rest is laid out for you to follow! Come check it out today! You can even get a discount on your first month using code OPTIMAL at checkout! What You Will Learn in this PT Pearl: 02:04 – Why balance is so important 04:08 – Why it is important to try and understand different balance tests 06:04 – The three systems of balance 08:09 – How to address problems with vestibular system - Doc Jen’s personal story with BPPV 13:13 – System number three explained 14:18 – The goal behind these tests - Understanding how these systems work within your body 16:04 – How to practically explore what system you rely on the most 19:48 – How a soft tissue injury can come into play for balance training 20:41 – Strategies PTs use to target hip muscles, avoid falling injuries, and uncover what you’re relying on 23:20 – Why a variety of exercises are needed, not just strength training, in your weekly routine 24:21 – How to challenge the vestibular system 25:00 – How to integrate all of these tests - How they have the potential of decreasing your pain To Watch the PT Pearl on YouTube, click here: https://youtu.be/vYJp9ZcQ4Eo Items mentioned in this episode include: Balance System Tests: https://www.pthaven.com/page/show/1149588 Research Citations: Gordon, L. (2017, February 01). Understanding the 3 Balance Systems. From https://www.gordonphysicaltherapy.com/understanding-the-3-balance-systems/ The Human Balance System. (2020, September 02). From https://vestibular.org/article/what-is-vestibular/the-human-balance-system/the-human-balance-system/ Full show notes available at https://jen.health/podcast/44 Thank you so much for checking out this episode of The Optimal Body Podcast. If you haven’t done so already, please take a minute to subscribe and leave a quick rating and review of the show! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.