Proprioception Issues Treatment at Reflex Physical Therapy

Proprioception is the sense of knowing where your body is and how it moves. It allows you to walk, stand up, go up and down stairs, stay safe while exercising, and respond safely to movements. This system can be damaged, resulting in balance issues, frequent falls, weak muscles, dizziness and poor control of your body. Reflex Physical Therapy offers individualised care to help patients increase proprioception, regain confidence and improve movement with effective treatment programs. 

What Are Proprioception Issues

Proprioception issues occur when your nervous system, muscles, joints or brain don't talk to each other about body position. It can make someone feel unsteady, clumsy or uncertain. It can feel like you are standing on cotton balls or not being able to feel your feet, legs or arms.
Common signs include:

Difficulty balancing when standing and walking

Frequent ankle sprains

Feeling unsteady on rough ground

Feeling unsteady when turning

Slow reaction time

Difficulty with coordination

Increased fall risk

Weakness following injury or surgery

These symptoms can progress gradually or be the result of injury, illness or surgery.
Common Causes of Proprioception Problems
There are a number of possible causes. Here are a few of the most frequent causes:

Sports Injuries

Injuries such as sprained ankles, damaged knees, torn ACLs and shoulder instability can limit joint feedback and control.

Post-Surgical Recovery

Joint or ligament surgery may require muscle and nerve retraining.
Neurological Conditions

A stroke, nerve or vestibular (balance) issues or pain may affect the ability to move.
Aging

Aging may slow reaction time and weaken muscles, making one more prone to falling.

Chronic Pain

Chronic pain can alter how people walk and decrease fear of movement.

Our physical therapy center at Reflex treats orthopedic injuries, balance problems, post-surgery and mobility issues in a variety of patients. 

Treating Proprioception Issues with Physical Therapy

Physical therapy is a great way to improve proprioception. Therapy aims to re-educate the nervous system and muscles to communicate better.

Balance Training

One-footed standing, foam and moving exercises improve awareness.
Strengthening Exercises

Improving the strength of hips, core, knees, and ankles helps to improve stability.

Gait Training

Safe walking patterns are taught.
Coordination Drills
Stairs, ladders and slow movements enhance coordination.

Manual Therapy

Manual manipulation may increase joint and muscle function.
Functional Training
Treatment includes specific exercises to help with your desired function (stairs, sports, everyday activities

Why Choose Reflex Physical Therapy

They offer hands-on, one-on-one care with an emphasis on identifying the underlying cause of pain or dysfunction. The clinic provides orthopedic physical therapy, post-surgical rehabilitation, chronic pain management and balance training in Raleigh, NC. Their methods include manual therapy and individualised exercise programs for lasting results. 

Who Can Benefit 

If you have trouble with proprioception, therapy may help to:

Recently sprained an ankle

Have had knee, hip or shoulder surgery

Have trouble walking straight

Have dizziness and balance issues

Want to safely go back to sports

Want to prevent falls as an elderly adult

Have weakness or poor balance

What to Expect at Your First Visit
Your therapist will evaluate:

Balance and stability

Joint mobility

Strength levels

Walking mechanics

Flexibility

Functional movement patterns

Falls or re-injury

We develop a treatment program to meet your goals.

Get Confident in Your Movement

Poor proprioception can impact all aspects of life, including walking, running and playing sports. Treatment can lead to better balance and coordination. Reflex Physical Therapy provides expert care and compassion to get patients moving again, preventing injury, and living life to the fullest.