When Should You Consider Having a Physical Therapy Balance Evaluation for Multiple Sclerosis?

Balance deficits often occur slowly and are not noticable until a fall or the need for an assistive device occurs.  Here are some red flags that you should consider as an indication for a physical therapy balance evaluation:

• Watching your feet while you walk.
• Avoiding specific walking challenges – For example, you choose to walk the long way to the ramp instead of stepping up a curb.
• Furniture walking – You might find yourself putting your hand from the wall to the sofa, to a chair, etc. for stability while walking indoors.
• Bumping into walls or corners frequently
• Preferring to hold onto someone’s arm while walking outside
  

This is not a complete list, but rather some of the common signs that I see in my practice.  If you feel you can relate to any of these, talk to your physician or physical therapist about having an evaluation.  It is beneficial to get started early before you develop bigger issues, such as a fall.

A bit about Julie...Julie Hom, MPT, NCS is a physical therapist specializing in the treatment of Multiple Sclerosis and balance and fall prevention.  She is a Neurologic Certified Specialist (NCS) through the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) which is a certification confirming higher skills and knowledge with respect to neurological disorders. Click here to read more about Julie...http://www.healthcarejourney.com/read-about-our-virtual-ms-center-staff.html
Note:  the information that is being provided is for "Advice Only" for individuals in California.