Balance Matters: A neuro physical therapist’s journey to make “Sense” of Balance
Balance Matters: A neuro physical therapist’s journey to make “Sense” of Balance
Beyond the Socks: Understanding Balance, Fall Prevention and Aging with Awareness with Dr. Carole Blueweiss
Dr. Blueweiss recently delivered a compelling TEDx talk, *"Your Socks May Hold the Key to Aging Better."* In our interview, we dive deeper into the themes of her talk—exploring what she would have shared if given more than 10 minutes—and discuss the importance of body awareness in balance training. We’ll also explore methods like the Feldenkrais Method as powerful tools for improving balance and preventing falls.
Many of us assume that the risk of falling is an inevitable part of growing older. Carole Blueweiss, a doctor of physical therapy, explains why aging and frailty are not synonymous. She challenges us all to work on our balance now, so the last years of our lives don't have to be the worst. Dr. Carole Blueweiss is redefining aging by challenging some of its traditional views. With over 25 years of experience in Physical Therapy and as a certified geriatric specialist, she believes there are simple lifestyle choices that anyone can make, which have a strong impact on aging. Carole embraces holistic methods, like the Feldenkrais Method and ABM Neuromovement, that focus on mind-body interconnection and the importance of awareness to one’s movement to combat the common misconception falling is just a byproduct of getting older. Through storytelling on her podcast, Wisdom Shared, Carole explores themes with her guests about having ‘ability’ versus ‘dis-ability.’ While aging may predispose us to lose some abilities that require balance, we have more control over this progression than we realize.
Check out her TEDx talk here.
Resources mentioned in the episode:
- https://feldenkraisproject.com/
- https://www.anatbanielmethod.com/
Effects of the Feldenkrais Method as a Physiotherapy Tool: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials - PubMed nlm.nih.gov
The Empowering Effect of Embodied Awareness Practice on Body Structural Map and Sensorimotor Activity: The Case of Feldenkrais Method - PubMed nlm.nih.gov
Effects of Feldenkrais exercises on balance, mobility, balance confidence, and gait performance in community-dwelling adults age 65 and older - PubMed nlm.nih.gov