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Together is a new resource for anyone affected by pediatric cancer - patients and their parents, family members, and friends.
Learn MoreBalance is the even distribution of weight that helps you remain upright and steady.
To maintain good balance:
Many different systems in your body work together to create stability.
Sensory information for balance comes from your:
Changes in any of these systems can cause balance problems.
There can be many reasons your child may have a change in their sense of balance. These include medication side effects, pain, or nervous system injury.
Work with your health care team to find the causes of your child’s balance challenges. One solution is to work with a physical therapist to strengthen muscles. The physical therapist may also have tips for how to increase safety for your child at home.
Here are some things you might notice if your child is having issues with balance:
If you see any of these symptoms, talk with your child’s physical therapist or care team. Physical therapy can help strengthen muscles, increase flexibility, and work on positional changes. These things can improve balance.
Physical therapists can look at your child’s balance and create the best plan of care. That can include visits to their office for treatment. It might include a set of home exercises, too.
Here are some exercises a physical therapist might ask you to do with your child at home:
For a more challenging activity:
Repeat 3 times on each leg.
If you are unable to maintain your balance or feel unsafe, stand near a sturdy surface.
Repeat 3 times with each foot forward.
If you are unable to maintain your balance or feel unsafe, stand near a sturdy surface.
Use a wall or person for support as needed to maintain balance.
For a more challenging activity:
You may need more support for this exercise.
Repeat 2-3 times on each leg.
Repeat 2–3 times on each leg.
If any of the above exercises cause your child pain, stop. Then, let your physical therapist know.
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Reviewed: August 2022