How Physical Therapy Can Help Visually Impaired Individuals
February is Low Vision Awareness Month, a time to recognize those living with visual impairments. ProFysio Physical Therapy wants to amplify voices within the visually impaired community and promote understanding of the challenges faced by those with low vision. This is an opportunity to spread awareness of available resources that can help maximize confidence and independence.
We understand the tremendous impact of low vision on individuals’ daily lives. Our physical therapists are specially trained to provide treatments that help those living with low vision feel more capable, despite visual limitations.
Our goal is to help you improve self-sufficiency and quality of life overall. To learn more about how physical therapy can help visually impaired individuals, give our team a call at (732) 812-5200!
What Does “Low Vision” Mean?
Low vision is a common term used to describe a level of vision loss that interferes with everyday activities, and it often cannot be corrected by glasses, contact lenses, medications, or surgery when necessary. People with low vision may have trouble reading print material, seeing objects in the distance, and recognizing faces. Fortunately, there are many strategies and solutions available to assist those who are visually impaired with performing daily tasks.
Assistive technology can help to make tasks such as reading easier, while low vision aids can help magnify images for better viewing. With the right support, individuals living with visual impairments can lead fulfilling lives.
Low Vision and Age-Related Macular Degeneration
In addition to focusing on low vision, February is a month to also shed light on age-related macular degeneration (AMD). AMD is an incurable eye condition that significantly impacts the central vision, making everyday activities such as reading, writing, and driving more difficult.
Low vision services are available to help those with AMD and other vision impairments lead more independent lives by helping adjust to vision loss through aids and therapies. Our physical therapists can help seniors maintain their independence after a macular degeneration diagnosis or any other chronic condition. With the right resources, those affected can find ways to live comfortably.
Vestibular and Balance Therapy at ProFysio Physical Therapy
Vestibular and balance therapy is an approach used to improve balance and reduce dizziness. It combines exercises that target the vestibular system, which controls balance, with other methods focused on improving overall physical fitness.
This type of therapy can be used to treat vision impairments, as well as various other conditions, such as vertigo, labyrinthitis, post-concussion syndrome, benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, and more. Through this rehabilitation program, individuals can gain increased confidence in their ability to move around safely.
What Is Low Vision Rehabilitation?
Low vision rehabilitation refers to the tools, techniques, and therapies used to help individuals with visual impairments perform daily activities with more ease. It is a form of treatment to assist with visual impairments in adapting to vision loss. It may include visual training, adaptive living skills, emotional counseling, or the use of specialized devices such as optical and non-optical aids.
Vision rehabilitation helps individuals learn how to use their remaining vision more effectively, maximize the use of other senses to compensate for vision loss, and make accommodations so they can still complete important tasks. This type of therapy typically involves a team that may include an ophthalmologist, optometrist, physical therapist, occupational therapist, and other specialists as needed. The goal is to help the patient develop skills and techniques to manage vision loss.
A study published by the National Library of Medicine explores the understanding of vision rehabilitation among healthcare providers, demonstrating how this therapy can significantly improve quality of life for people with vision loss. The study concluded that healthcare professionals should be aware of the benefits of and need for vision rehabilitation and should be equipped to refer patients to appropriate services when needed.
Schedule a Consultation with a Physical Therapist Today
ProFysio Physical Therapy offers services designed to help you with low vision. Our physical therapy experts can assess your individual needs and develop an affordable rehabilitation plan tailored to your circumstances. With the right physical therapy techniques, you can gain improved mobility, improved balance and coordination, and increased confidence in daily activities for independent living.
If you or someone you know is living with low vision, contact us today to schedule a consultation and see how our team can help. Give us a call at (732) 812-5200 to begin.