Over the years, practicing yoga has been helpful in enhancing flexibility, reducing depression, helping with pain management, as well as improving one’s quality of life. Yoga has also been found to be an effective form of balance therapy. If you’re suffering from dizziness or imbalance, you may benefit from some non-invasive balance therapies. For example, here at Brian Center of Durham, we offer BalanceWear® which is a new wearable product that helps patients regain much of their balance and mobility upon application.
Another form of balancy therapy that has proved to be beneficial is the practice of yoga, which can help you regain some of your balance.
Whether you’re looking for help with your balance or simply a means of managing chronic pain, yoga can help. We’ve outlined some yoga techniques and poses that may be just what you need! Be sure to check with your doctor before practicing these poses.
1. Tree Pose
If you’re looking to improve your balance, you’ll want to stand up against a wall when you first start practicing this pose. Start with your feet together. Slowly bring your left foot up as high as you can, and let it rest against your inner thigh. Leave your hands by your side or raise them above your shoulders. Remember: go at a comfortable pace! Don’t push yourself if you’re feeling any pain.
2. Cobra Pose
If you experience back pain, this may be the pose for you. Lie face down, with your hands placed flat on the ground next to your rib cage. Use the strength of your back, not arms, to lift your chest and head as high as you can. Hold this pose for five breaths, breathing slowly. If it becomes painful, lower yourself to the ground.
3. Chair Pose
Like we said before, use the wall to your advantage if you’re suffering from imbalance or dizziness, and don’t push yourself too far! Stand with your feet at hip-width apart, and then lean against the wall, as if you’re sitting on an imaginary chair. This exercise requires intense focus to stay balanced and helps build your quadriceps (your thigh muscles!).
4. Butterfly Pose
This pose is great if you have pain in your hips. Sitting on a mat, bring your heels to face each other and allow your knees to fall to the ground. Keep your back straight and breathe deeply for five to ten breaths. Stretching your hips can increase your flexibility and help relieve your pain later on.
5. High Lunge
Some pain can be caused by muscles that are just too tight, and the right type of stretching can help loosen those muscles. Leg pain can be relieved by practicing this specific pose. Stand straight, and then step back with your left foot as far as you can. Your other leg should be at a 90* angle, and your arms should be supporting your stance. Hold your extended leg straight and balance yourself with your arms.
It’s important to talk with your doctor before making any big changes to your treatment, so be sure to discuss this with them before practicing yoga. This holistic approach isn’t for everyone, and your doctor may recommend other forms of pain management or balance therapy instead.
Here At the Brian Center, we specialize in helping patients with pain management through a variety of services, like ultrasound treatments, short wave diathermy and more. Like we mentioned before, we now offer BalanceWear®, which is a non-invasive treatment option for treating balance problems, coordination, and unsteady gait. This is a new treatment option for a wide variety of neurologic and orthopedic balance disorders including:
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MS balance problems
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Parkinson’s disease and balance disorders
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Ataxia and balance
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Stroke and balance issues
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Spinal disc dysfunction
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And more
This wearable product often enables patients to regain much of their balance and mobility. We have six therapists that are trained to evaluate and fit patients for the balance vest.
Learn more about our services and how they can help you today!