Optimize Performance PT
Balance Training Program
A 6-week balance program designed to help clients feel more stable and confident.
Why participate in a balance program?
Did you know you can train your balance just like you train your muscles? Often people start to avoid activities when they begin to feel unsteady on their feet. But you can actually strengthen and improve your balance with specific training. And good balance is important for many reasons, like:
- traveling more
- living longer and better
- staying independent
- recovering faster from injury or avoiding falls.
Good balance can even improve cognitive health.
What does the program include?
The program includes 6 weekly sessions.
In week one, we complete a thorough assessment of your balance and strength capabilities. Then, each following week we practice the foundations of good balance that include flexibility, strengthening, anticipatory and reactive balance exercises, dual tasking activities, and dynamic mobility.
At the end of the program, we re-assess and create a personalized home exercise program.
Who would benefit?
This program is designed for people managing:
- stroke
- brain injury
- Parkinson’s Disease
- multiple surgeries
- risk for falls.
In addition, people wanting to be less sedentary or prevent future health problems may also benefit.
Program Details
Week 1: Assessment
Perform a series of tests to determine your current balance abilities. From there we tailor a balance training program created just for you.
Week 2: Flexibility and Strength
Learn simple exercises you can perform at home to increase functional strength and improve posture and flexibility. Both strength and flexibility improve balance.
Week 3: Anticipatory Balance
Fine tune the connections between your brain and nervous system. This helps improve your ability to anticipate balance issues and prepare yourself to avoid a fall.
Week 4: Reactionary Balance
Work on your ability to react quickly and safely to unanticipated events. This is important because good reactionary skills are also key to avoiding falls.
Week 5: Dual Tasking and Dynamic Mobility
“Up the challenge” in week 5 with activities that intentionally distract your attention or add another layer of difficulty to previous exercises.
Week 6: Re-assessment and Home Exercise Program
Perform a re-assessment of your balance skills. You’ll also be given a personalized home exercise program to continue your balance training safely at home.
Meet Aimee
Aimee is a Doctor of Physical Therapy, Certified Neurologic Specialist, and Certified Wellness Coach. She believes exercise and physical activity are an integral part of our well-being, no matter what stage in life. And she strives to help people of all physical abilities feel comfortable exercising.
Aimee received her Masters in Physical Therapy degree from Emory University in 2000. She later received her Doctorate in Physical Therapy degree from Marymount University in 2009 and her Neurologic specialty in 2013. Recently, she became a certified wellness coach. Her mission is to help individuals living with a chronic condition or disability, maximize their health and well-being, even under difficult circumstances.
Aimee’s work experience includes working with researchers at Emory University investigating new therapy interventions for patients post-stroke. She has also been a past consultant with Emory University, Georgia State, and Mercer’s Physical Therapy programs.
Outside of work, Aimee enjoys spending time with her 4 children and husband.
