Balance and the Brain
Difficulties with balance and walking are linked to changes in the brain that occur with Parkinson's Disease. For those who don’t have Parkinson's Disease, balance is automatic, a reflex. Parkinson's affects an important part of the brain called the basal ganglia which are responsible for balance. Changes to this part of the brain cause difficulty with balance and stability because reacting to changes in the center of gravity becomes less reflexive or automatic. As a result, the frontal cortex of the brain must compensate for the inability to control balance but cannot do it automatically. This can lead to an altered gait pattern characterized by short, shuffling steps or "freezing," (the feeling that your feet are stuck to the floor). Muscle stiffness, rigidity, and slow movement make it difficult to take normal steps and increases the risk of falling.
Exercise has been an effective way for people with Parkinson's Disease to cope better with freezing, turn, and walk more normally and improve balance. Our goal at Sole Remedy is to keep people moving, active, and safe. We can help Parkinson's patients feel more confident when moving by providing more stability around the foot and ankle improving their postural control and ground clearance when walking.
Sole Remedy is accredited by the American Board for Certification for Orthotics, Prosthetics and Pedorthics (ABCOP), and provider of ankle-foot orthoses, foot orthotics, and proper fitting footwear.
We can help with fall prevention!
Call today for an appointment!
Sole Remedy specializes in gait analysis, foot type assessment, musculoskeletal injury management and fall prevention.
Phone: 508-295-8800 or 855-FOOT RX 9 to schedule an appointment today!