This concept is completely new to me, but thought I'd pass on the info, since it's been so helpful.
My MS neuro recently left his practice, and then his NP left, so I decided to transfer to a neuro a little closer to my home. He is not an MS specialist, but said he sends his MS patients (if they have trouble with balance) to a PT center that specifically deals with balance and gait, it's called a Balance Center.
Oh my goodness...am I impressed. To begin with, it's not the normal kind of PT who puts me on a bike for the first 10 minutes I'm there (completely wasting all my energy before we even begin )
At this center, for lack of the accurate name of the machine, they have what I call a "balance meter." It simulates different types of surfaces, along with different placement of the feet, tests balance using your eyes, and not using your eyes (i.e. closing your eyes.), tests on the squishy surface are supposed to simulate not being able to rely on input from your feet. And then with each test, a chart is produced, showing what happened. The amazing thing is these charts were able to verify what I've know for years, in order to maintain my balance, I compensate by leaning left and bending my right arm at the elbow.
Also did lots of tests with her monitoring me walking and changing the commands as I was walking, to see how my gait changed, i.e. move your head to the left, look up (that one I miseerably failed), walk as fast as you can, walk normal, walk slow...all the time she has her hand on me to feel the difference, plus they video it and show you how you look.
Once they've accummulated all the data they go about suggesting specific exercises, and "homework" to help deal with issues of gait and balance. I have no arm swing on either side, so I'm supposed to "fake" it by practicing forcing my arms to swing. It does involve paying attention, much like I have to pay attention when I walk...I constantly and telling myself "Heel, toe, heel, toe."
Now I'm adding "swing right arm with left leg, etc." I'm going to be tired from just "thinking" about walking. I'm supposed to walk in 5 minute segments, but there again, they tune into the MS, and add if possible. Due to weakness, not possible, so I break it up into 3 minute segments, just more times a day.
Also interesting note that MS patients have already learned a lot of the strategies they teach, by trial and error, and what feels right. Sudden onset balance issues patients, i.e. from a stroke, etc. come to them and she said she has to teach them strategies that MSers have evidently learned on their own.
Along the way (I'm going for 8 visits) they'll retest to see if my balance is improving. Also had me bring a couple different types of shoes and test wearing the different shoes to see how my balance reacts.
I'm just so impressed with the merging of the technology with the "plan"...I hope to learn a lot about my balance issues to help prevent falls.
My MS neuro recently left his practice, and then his NP left, so I decided to transfer to a neuro a little closer to my home. He is not an MS specialist, but said he sends his MS patients (if they have trouble with balance) to a PT center that specifically deals with balance and gait, it's called a Balance Center.
Oh my goodness...am I impressed. To begin with, it's not the normal kind of PT who puts me on a bike for the first 10 minutes I'm there (completely wasting all my energy before we even begin )
At this center, for lack of the accurate name of the machine, they have what I call a "balance meter." It simulates different types of surfaces, along with different placement of the feet, tests balance using your eyes, and not using your eyes (i.e. closing your eyes.), tests on the squishy surface are supposed to simulate not being able to rely on input from your feet. And then with each test, a chart is produced, showing what happened. The amazing thing is these charts were able to verify what I've know for years, in order to maintain my balance, I compensate by leaning left and bending my right arm at the elbow.
Also did lots of tests with her monitoring me walking and changing the commands as I was walking, to see how my gait changed, i.e. move your head to the left, look up (that one I miseerably failed), walk as fast as you can, walk normal, walk slow...all the time she has her hand on me to feel the difference, plus they video it and show you how you look.
Once they've accummulated all the data they go about suggesting specific exercises, and "homework" to help deal with issues of gait and balance. I have no arm swing on either side, so I'm supposed to "fake" it by practicing forcing my arms to swing. It does involve paying attention, much like I have to pay attention when I walk...I constantly and telling myself "Heel, toe, heel, toe."
Now I'm adding "swing right arm with left leg, etc." I'm going to be tired from just "thinking" about walking. I'm supposed to walk in 5 minute segments, but there again, they tune into the MS, and add if possible. Due to weakness, not possible, so I break it up into 3 minute segments, just more times a day.
Also interesting note that MS patients have already learned a lot of the strategies they teach, by trial and error, and what feels right. Sudden onset balance issues patients, i.e. from a stroke, etc. come to them and she said she has to teach them strategies that MSers have evidently learned on their own.
Along the way (I'm going for 8 visits) they'll retest to see if my balance is improving. Also had me bring a couple different types of shoes and test wearing the different shoes to see how my balance reacts.
I'm just so impressed with the merging of the technology with the "plan"...I hope to learn a lot about my balance issues to help prevent falls.
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