An Overview of PT Balance Programs

Gaspar Physical Therapy
Image: gasparpt.com

Kristin Gaspar joined the Encinitas city council in 2010, and since 2014 has served the city as mayor. In addition to her political work, Kristin Gaspar oversees financial operations at Gaspar Physical Therapy. The organization provides patients with a variety of physical therapy services, including balance programs and aquatic therapy.

Falling and other balance related issues become more and more serious as individuals age. About 33 percent of people over the age of 65 experience at least one fall per year. Nearly 16,000 individuals in that age group died as the result of an accidental fall in 2005, while 2008 saw an additional 1.8 million treated in the emergency room for a fall. The risk of an accidental fall only grows over time, as accidental falls rank as the number one cause of injury and death among individuals 85 and older.

When entering into a balance program, physical therapists will evaluate patients in a number of areas, such as the patient’s present fall risk and muscle strength. The patient’s general medical history is also taken into account. Balance treatment programs are optimized for each patient, though common elements include strength exercises, gait training, vestibular testing and a specialized home exercise program. Modern physical therapy offices can often integrate new technologies with their balance programs, like Biodex and WiiFit.

Five Benefits to Aquatic Therapy

In addition to her role as the mayor of Encinitas, California, Kristin Gaspar also serves as the CFO of Gaspar Physical Therapy, a physical and occupational therapy clinic with locations throughout California. Kristin Gaspar’s position allows her to assist in all aspects of the company, from balancing the budget to implementing an aquatic therapy program.

Designed to help patients with conditions such as arthritis or fibromyalgia, aquatic therapy possesses a range of benefits.

1. Reduced joint and muscle impact

The natural buoyancy of water makes aquatic exercise a low-impact activity, as it does not place pressure and stress on joints and muscles like typical exercise does, thereby lessening pain and discomfort levels.

2. Strength and resistance training made easier

Due to its buoyancy and higher resistive properties, water offers safer and less straining methods for strengthening weak muscles. It also removes the risk of injury due to falling.

3. Improved flexibility

Tight or sore muscles may limit joint flexibility and negatively impact function and mobility. However, water’s buoyancy reduces the gravitational pull on limbs, allowing for increased flexibility with less discomfort.

4. No long warm-up sessions

Land therapies typically require lengthy warm-up sessions; however, warm water therapy negates this requirement and allows therapy to begin almost immediately after submersion.

5. Release of muscle tension and stress

Warm water relaxes muscles and increases peripheral circulation, which increases blood flow to affected areas and reduces pain. In addition, water’s hydrostatic pressure helps to decrease swelling in joints and soft-tissue areas.