The body LOVES balance. It craves balance. Every… yup, everything the body does is designed to help restore balance. The body needs to hover between extremes at all times, most often operating in a comfortable range somewhere in the middle; hot-cold, blood pressure too high or too low, blood salt and sugar (and all other blood test values) also need to be somewhere in an ‘acceptable’ middle range. Too hot and too cold are easy to describe. Blood SALT is a fun one because the body needs salt for a lot of its functions, even though a lot of diets and processed foods boast decreased sodium (too high salt IS problematic!, so don’t go binge and quote us). Blood sugar… well, maybe that’s enough for now. You get the idea. — diabetes vs hypoglycemia, if you're super curious ;)
For our purposes today, and on a much larger scale, the FUNCTIONAL scale… Balance. Lately, we are seeing a lot more athletes coming out of the wood works and into clinic. Maybe it’s the New Years Resolution people? Maybe those that are preparing for summer activities? Or, those who are just so sick and tired of the pandemic cramping their athletic connections and outlet and they just need to feel like they are making progress in returning sometime this year…
It’s probably some combination of all of the above reasons. Although our athletes have motivated this blog post, balance is important for everyone, regardless of age and physical aspirations. The usual progression we take patients through is as follows:
Static Balance
Dynamic Balance
Balance Reactions
If you take only one thing away from this post, Balance Reactions Are… King? Queen? ROYALTY!!
Being able to stand on one leg for long periods of time doesn’t say much about how the body will respond if it slips on ice or trips over the family dog getting up in the middle of the night or during some other unfortunate event. Balance Reactions are the ultimate in safety mechanisms and they are supposed to be automatic. In situations where balance is disturbed unexpectedly and in an unpredictable/ new manner to which the brain has previously seen, there is no time for the brain to academically analyze and formulate a well-rounded plan AND execute this plan to keep the body safe. The body is supposed to get the job done, even before the intellectual side of the brain goes “Oh no!”
As tempting as it is to skip from ‘Step 1: Static Balance’ to ‘Step 3: Balance Reactions’, it’s important that you have someone you trust evaluate you and TOGETHER you can create an appropriate plan for you and for YOUR goals. I would be very surprised if boosting balance reactions doesn’t help in some way!
Questions or comments? Please drop them below, message through social media, or email drmimee@velonahealth.com.
If you don't live in the area and need help picking out a local physical therapist please let me know that too, or visit apta.org/findapt. Always happy to talk shop, geek out about the body, and help people find their new favourite PT.
Wishing you health and happiness.
Warmly,
Dr. CJ Mimee, PT, DPT, RYT
This answer is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. It’s a recount of how I’ve been able to help myself and others heal and how it may be helpful to you.
Though I am a doctor, I’m not YOUR doctor. Please consult a local professional for your particular needs and circumstances.
