Maintaining balance is fundamental to all forms of movement—whether standing still, walking, or engaging in dynamic activities like sports. However, neurological or vestibular conditions can disrupt balance, leading to dizziness, instability, and increased risk of falls. At Pro Sports Medicine in Cardiff, Dr. Allison Cooper specializes in cutting-edge neurological rehabilitation, offering advanced balance testing and personalized treatment plans.
Balance relies on a complex interaction of multiple systems in the body, including:
Vestibular System (Inner Ear): Detects head position, motion, and spatial orientation.
Proprioception (Body Awareness): Provides feedback on limb position and movement through receptors in muscles, joints, and skin.
Vision: Enhances spatial awareness and aids in detecting movement and orientation.
Tactile Feedback (Touch): Senses pressure and surface texture through the feet and body.
Motor Control (Muscular Coordination): Activates muscles to stabilize the body during movement.
Cognitive Processing: Interprets sensory inputs and plans movements to maintain stability and prevent falls.
These systems work in harmony to keep you balanced and adaptable to changing environments. Neurological and vestibular disorders can impair this coordination, causing significant challenges in daily activities.
At Pro Sports Medicine, our approach begins with a thorough clinical balance assessment. We use VALD Force Decks, a state-of-the-art dual force plate system, to measure balance, stability, and movement. This technology provides precise, objective data on postural control, force distribution, and asymmetries. These insights are critical for developing effective rehabilitation plans and tracking progress over time.
Quiet Stand Test: Evaluates postural sway in various standing conditions to identify integration issues between the visual, vestibular, and proprioceptive systems.
Single Leg Stand and Range of Stability Tests: Offers insights into dynamic balance, postural control, and neuromuscular coordination.
Sit-to-Stand-to-Sit Test: Assesses transitions from sitting to standing, pinpointing asymmetry in neuromuscular function and identifying falls risk.
Dr. Allison Cooper, an expert physiotherapist at Pro Sports Medicine in Cardiff, has extensive experience in neurological and vestibular rehabilitation. Her patient-centered approach combines cutting-edge technology with evidence-based practices to deliver outstanding results.
Whether you’re recovering from a neurological condition, managing vestibular dysfunction, or seeking to improve your balance and reduce falls risk, Dr. Cooper’s expertise ensures personalized care tailored to your unique needs.
Take the first step towards improved balance and stability. Contact Pro Sports Medicine in Cardiff to schedule your balance assessment and explore our VALD testing services. With our advanced tools and expert guidance, you can regain confidence in your movement and enjoy a more active, independent life.
We offer full vestibular assessments and targeted individualised vestibular rehabilitation programmes at Pro Sports Medicine.
Following a comprehensive assessment by our specialist vestibular physiotherapist Allison Cooper, a customised treatment plan will be provided, which will include elements of adaption, compensation, habituation and balance training.
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