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The second most commonly reported complaint within physical therapy offices is dizziness and loss of balance. In fact, 76 million Americans will experience some sort of dizzy spell or vertigo at some point in their lives.
These are both extremely common conditions that affect the equilibrium of the body, making you feel as if you are off balance. Symptoms can vary from acute to chronic, and in some severe cases, they can even be indicators of serious health risks.
Balance is a big deal in our everyday world, but we usually take it for granted. Just think how long it took you to master walking, running, and jumping as a child. Your balance system is incredibly complex and allows you to walk around and conquer obstacles without thinking. However, when the balance is affected, it can be difficult to perform daily tasks and activities you enjoy.
Physical therapy for dizziness, vertigo, and other balance problems is a common and effective course of treatment. At our clinic, we are proficient in the treatment of balance disorders, and one of our most effective methods of treatment is Computerized Dynamic Posturography.
To find out if this course of treatment is right for you, contact our office to schedule a consultation today at Evolving Gait Physical Therapy
Computerized Dynamic Posturography, defined
Audiology Online defined Computerized Dynamic Posturography as follows:
“Computerized Dynamic Posturography (CDP) is well documented in the clinical and scientific literature as an objective method of differentiating sensory, motor, and central adaptive functional impairments of balance. Because balance is the functional expression of a highly adaptive system of multiple interacting components, the functional impairment information provided by CDP is complementary to the traditional diagnostic approaches to balance disordered patients (ENG, rotary chair, MRI, etc.) that focus on individual, isolated anatomical components.”
Computerized Dynamic Posturography typically complements other traditional holistic treatment methods, such as manual therapy and targeted exercises. This can help maintain and enhance movement overall, so you can regain your mobility and balance with ease.
What is Computerized Dynamic Posturography?
If you are living with a condition that is affecting your balance or movement, it is likely that Computerized Dynamic Posturography could benefit you. In fact, as stated by the National Institutes of Health, “Balance assessment and individualized training is important for many population groups who suffer with chronic postural impairments related to ageing or disease.”
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “Thirty million older adults fall each year—resulting in about 30,000 deaths. Each year, 3 million older adults are treated for a fall injury. One out of every five falls causes a serious injury, such as broken bones or a head injury.”
Computerized Dynamic Posturography, or CDP, is an important type of vestibular testing that is comprised of both a visual booth and a computer-controlled platform. These are both used as effective tools in analyzing the sensory and motor components of balance within the body. In cases of peripheral lesions, vertigo, or other areas where vestibular rehabilitation may be needed, Computerized Dynamic Posturography is an invaluable tool.
While it does not necessarily act as a diagnostic test, it does help in determining the very best course of treatment and rehabilitation, targeted toward the specific needs of each person. By determining where the problem areas are within the vestibular system, our physical therapists can better treat the issue at its root, so you can find relief faster.
Evidence supporting Computerized Dynamic Posturography
The National Institutes of Health recently published a study highlighting the efficacy of CDP, titled “Computerized Dynamic Posturography for Postural Control Assessment in Patients with Intermittent Claudication.” Within this article, CDP is used as a way to assess balance in claudicants and determine whether or not it is an effective method of treatment.
The article illustrates from the very beginning that “the early detection of postural deficits is important so that appropriate and targeted interventions can be prescribed.” Computerized Dynamic Posturography, which according to the authors is instrumental in “measuring postural strategies under challenging static and dynamic conditions” is a highly effective way to do just that.
Throughout the discussion of the article, it is reiterated that patients who received treatments based on CDP yielded the most positive results for their condition. The authors conclude:
“The assessment of postural control is important in individuals who have a higher susceptibility to falls, often because of ageing or disease. Computerized dynamic posturography is a unique technique in that the sensory systems responsible for balance can be challenged through separate protocols that systematically differentiate between impairments.”
How can I get started?
Have you been experiencing balance issues or dizzy spells? If so, it is likely that Computerized Dynamic Posturography may help in creating the best treatment plan for you.
Contact us today to consult with one of our highly experienced physical therapists and get started on the first steps of your individualized treatment plan!
Tags: Health, Natural treatment, physical therapists, Health and Wellness, Posturography, Physical Therapy, Physical Therapist
