5 Simple Tips For Improving Your Balance

Avoid Falls and Stay on Your Feet — With a Little Help from Our Integrated Team

Are you worried about falling and injuring yourself? Does limited mobility due to arthritis or another condition make you feel shaky? Balance challenges can certainly be difficult, but you do have options for improving your overall balance and stability!

One of the things we do at Equilibrium is help people work on the spatial awareness and muscular strength crucial in addressing balance challenges. This is especially true for people with a high risk of falling, where improved balance could save you a trip to the hospital.

Want to learn more about the importance of good balance? Schedule an appointment today.

Why Should I Work on My Balance At All?

The older you get, the more important good balance becomes. Falls are one of the biggest threats to adults 65 years or older, causing millions of hospitalizations and emergency room visits every year. 

While several factors contribute to this high fall risk — including age-related sensory and physical changes — you can do things to lessen your risk, and it’s never too early to get started! If you start working to improve your balance now, you’ll be in a better place as you age.

That said, there are other benefits to improving balance for younger people. A good sense of balance has a radiating effect on your overall fitness, helping to improve your posture and overall movement. You’ll be better able to catch yourself if you stumble or trip, and you might notice improvements in other physical activities, like running or playing sports.

How Can I Improve My Balance? Five Suggestions from Our Team

Go for a Walk: Sometimes, the best solutions are the simplest. Walking helps build core and lower-body strength, two crucial components of good balance, and it’s safe and effective for most people. That said, if you’re struggling with balance, it’s important to speak to one of our therapists first — you might benefit from initial balance training or using a mobility aid during your walks.

Restore Your Mobility: Stiff or arthritic joints can negatively impact your balance. Our therapists and chiropractors can teach you how to restore or improve your mobility and guide you on a safe routine you can perform at home that targets your individual needs. 

Target Your Core: If you’re really struggling with balance and instability, it may be time to focus on dedicated core exercises. Your core refers to the muscles that wrap around your spine — your back, hip, glute, and ab muscles. They keep your spine stabilized, which in turn helps you keep your balance. Not sure where to start with core strengthening? Our physiotherapists, chiropractors, and kinesiologists can all show you which exercises will work best for you.

Challenge Your Balance: As with any other aspect of fitness, spending time on dedicated balance training can help you see results. Your goal is to find exercises that challenge your sense of balance without putting you at risk of falling — again, this is something we can help with. 

Assess Your Balance: If you want to get serious about improving your balance, schedule an appointment at Equilibrium to have your balance assessed by our integrated team. We’ll run several balance screens to help us pinpoint the exact reason for your balance challenges — it may even be something you didn’t expect, such as inner ear issues. With a balance assessment, we can help you target your treatment to suit your exact needs.

Afraid You’ll Lose Your Footing? We’ve Got Your Back


The multidisciplinary team at Equilibrium specializes in movement and exercise. If you visit us for a balance assessment, we can design a customized treatment program that addresses your needs and abilities. For example…

  • Dealing with persistent pain that makes walking difficult? We can guide you through a drug-free pain management program, employing treatments like massage therapy, chiropractic adjustments, and acupuncture.

  • Find most core exercises impossible? You’re not alone. Although activities like core planks have significant benefits, many beginners need to build up to them. We’ll show you core exercises that you can actually perform.

  • Not sure how to challenge your balance? We’ll guide you through a progressive balance training program, measuring your progress and increasing intensity as you go.

Don’t miss out on the benefits of good balance. Call us to request your balance assessment today!

Let’s Get You Better ASAP!

Don’t let pain dictate your life. Take the first step towards reclaiming your mobility and well-being with our expert support. Start your journey to a healthier you today.

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Important New Credit Card On File Policy

Effective July 15, 2024

To streamline our payment processes and enhance convenience for our patients, Equilibrium is implementing a new Credit Card on File Policy. This policy ensures a seamless billing experience, allowing us to focus more on providing excellent healthcare services without administrative delays.

Policy Details:

Scope and Application:

  • Applies to all patients receiving services at Equilibrium.
  • Covers co-pays, deductibles, non-covered services, and outstanding balances.

Authorization:

  • Patients are required to provide a valid credit card to be securely kept on file.
  • By adding a credit card on file, patients authorize Equilibrium to charge the card for amounts owing after insurance payments or for non-covered services.

Billing Process:

  • After processing insurance claims, the credit card on file will be charged for any remaining balances not covered by insurance within three days of treatment. If payment has not been charged within 3 days of the treatment, we will email you to let you know about the missed payment, and then charge the card on file.

Notification:

  • Patients will receive an email notification detailing the amount charged and the date of the transaction.
  • This notification will serve as a reminder and allow patients to contact us if there are any questions or concerns about the charge.

Security:

  • Patient credit card information will be securely stored and encrypted in compliance with industry standards.
  • You can add your card yourself to your patient profile, or you can ask reception to add it for you.  Staff personnel do not have access to any card information after it is added.

Updating Information:

  • Patients are responsible for ensuring that their credit card information is current.
  • Changes or updates to the credit card on file must be communicated to Equilibrium promptly.

Alternative Payment at Time of Service:

  • Patients may provide an alternative payment method at the time of service rather than using the credit card on file.  Please inform reception prior to the appointment that you would like to do so.

Conclusion: The Credit Card on File policy at Equilibrium aims to simplify the billing process, reduce administrative overhead, and enhance the overall patient experience. We appreciate your cooperation in helping us implement this policy effectively. If you have any questions or need further clarification, please contact our billing department at careteam@equilibriumtherapy.ca

If you’ve ever looked into strengthening your core, you’ve likely heard of planking. This deceptively difficult exercise involves holding your body in a straight line like a plank of wood. The most common version involves supporting yourself on your forearms and your toes.

It looks easy, but in reality, planking requires a tremendous amount of core strength while requiring you to use proper form — not letting your hips sag or stick too high up in the air, for example. And sometimes, someone might try a plank for the first time, only to discover that it’s nearly impossible for them to hold the position for 6 seconds, much less 60!

If that sounds familiar, don’t despair. You can build your core strength through plank variations.

Tabletop Plank:  Performing a plank correctly requires activating your core muscles. This exercise helps you learn what that feels like. Position yourself on your hands and knees, your gaze on the floor, and your spine neutral. Practice engaging your core muscles — but don’t hold your breath.

Bear Plank: Once you’ve got the hang of a tabletop plank, try a bear plank. Start in the same position as a tabletop plank. Then, tuck your toes, engage your core, and lift your knees about an inch off the ground. Hold for as long as you can, take a break, and then repeat.

Incline Plank: Rather than resting your forearms on the floor, you can try a plank in which you rest your forearms on a bench or step. Arrange your forearms or palms on a sturdy, flat, elevated surface, then walk your feet back until your body forms a straight, diagonal line. Brace your core and hold for as long as you can.

Want more tips on improving your core strength?
Make an appointment with Equilibrium today!

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Our Patients Get Great Results

“I have always had an exceptional experience with Roger as my Registered Massage Therapist. His expertise and professionalism are evident from the moment I walked in. He takes the time to understand my specific needs and tailors the session accordingly. I always leave feeling rejuvenated and much more relaxed. I highly recommend Roger for anyone looking for a top-notch massage therapy experience!“

– Veronica S.


Cilantro Lime Chicken & Avocado Salsa

Ingredients

  • 1.5 lb. boneless chicken breast
  • 1/4 cup lime juice
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro
  • 1/2 tsp ground cumin
  • 1/4 tsp salt

    For Avocado Salsa:
  • 4 avocados, diced
  • 1/2 cup fresh cilantro
  • 3 tbsp lime juice
  • 1/2 tbsp red wine vinegar
  • 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
  • 1 garlic clove, minced

Add 1/4 cup of lime juice, olive oil, 1/4 cup of fresh cilantro, ground cumin, and 1/4 tsp of salt to a small bowl. Whisk until mixed. Add chicken and marinade to a large ziplock bag. Let chicken marinate for at least 15 minutes. Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Place chicken on grill and grill each side for 4-6 min, until chicken is no longer pink. Remove and let sit. For avocado salsa: add avocado, 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, 3 tbsp lime juice, red wine vinegar, red pepper flakes, garlic clove, and salt to a small bowl. Gently toss to mix. Top the cilantro lime chicken with the avocado salsa and serve.

Book Now!

Request an appointment and let our registered massage therapists, chiropractors, physiotherapists, acupuncturists, and kinesiologists help you get on your road to recovery

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Meet Our New Practitioners

Wellness Practitioners

A Wellness Practitioner is a dedicated massage therapy graduate who is currently awaiting their board exams in September. During this period, they offer massage services at a reduced rate, allowing them to gain valuable hands-on experience while providing an affordable option for clients. This opportunity is ideal for individuals without extended health insurance or those who need a last-minute appointment when their regular massage therapist is unavailable. By choosing a Wellness Practitioner, clients receive quality care while supporting the growth and development of emerging professionals in the field.

Our current wellness practitioners are: 

Molly Syvertson
(Eagle Creek)

Molly is currently studying Massage Therapy at Camosun College in Victoria, BC. She is originally from Vancouver and has lived on the island for the last 10 years. She is finishing her last semester of the Registered Massage Therapy program and is looking forward to treating patients as a full RMT later in the year.

She believes it is important to create a safe and comforting space for patients, tailoring her treatments to their needs, and practicing patient-centered care. Her treatment techniques include Swedish Massage, Deep Tissue Massage, Myofascial Release, and Trigger Point techniques. Providing a space for her patients to relax and de-stress is one of her primary goals.

Molly spends her days off being physically active by going for walks to the beach, hiking in nature, and spending time with friends and loved ones. She looks forward to working with you to reach your health goals and providing a place to relax from life’s pressures.

Kalina Lang
(Eagle Creek)

Kalina is an April 2024 graduate from West Coast College of Massage Therapy and is from Victoria. 
Throughout her two years at the college, Kalina developed a variety of techniques tailored to address the needs of each individual client. Kalina enjoys performing various myofascial release techniques, deep tissue treatments, trigger point release, and active and passive stretching techniques.

Her main focus surrounds improving client goals and encouraging client rehabilitation through consistent and accurate treatments, as well as providing beneficial home care at the end of each treatment.

On her days off, Kalina enjoys hiking with her dog, beach adventures with her friends, and any event that has some good tunes. She is excited to meet you and work with you!

Adam Douglas
(Yates St)

Adam is in his last semester as a massage therapy student and eagerly anticipates starting his career as a Registered Massage Therapist this winter.

He is dedicated to creating personalized treatment plans that empower his clients to get back to being the best versions of themselves. Adam specializes in Swedish massage, deep tissue techniques, trigger point therapy, and active/passive movement therapies.

A lifelong resident of Vancouver Island, Adam enjoys spending time outdoors, taking walks, playing basketball, and paddle boarding.

Acupuncturist

Emma Barker

Emma Barker believes that well-being depends on the harmonious interplay of our physical, emotional, and spiritual selves. This is the first line of defense against illness and might be considered the highest form of medicine: prevention.

Emma’s treatments are rooted in intuitive touch and may include acupressure, Tui Na massage, and fire cupping along with gentle needling. Emma aims to ensure each patient feels safe and supported both physically and emotionally during their treatment so they can access deep rest and begin to tap into their body’s innate ability to heal.

Emma earned a Bachelor’s Degree from Queen’s University in 2007 and an Acupuncture Diploma from Pacific Rim College in 2014. Emma has additional training in Japanese Acupuncture/Hara Diagnosis, Maternity Acupuncture, Balance Method for Pain, Advanced Tui Na, and Kruger Omni Healing.

When not at Equilibrium, Emma can be found instructing in the Acupuncture Student Clinic at Pacific Rim College and offering Community Acupuncture at the Victoria Native Friendship Centre.

Registered Massage Therapists (RMT)

Brody Edwards

Brody has been an RMT since 2022 and continues to seek education through relevant research articles and courses. He uses a combination of manual therapy techniques and active therapy tools to help you achieve your goals. Whatever your reason may be for seeking massage therapy, Brody is here to help!

Xian Wang

Xian is a registered massage therapist who graduated from Mount Royal University in 2022. If you need help with pain and discomfort, numbness and tingling, or optimizing movement, Xian is here to assist you. Xian’s study of the art of bodywork initially started with practicing RAPID NeuroFascial Reset and then exploring the Graston Technique® and Fascial Stretch Therapy™ (FST). Recently, Xian has been deeply influenced by myofascial release techniques with the concept of structural balance.

Xian has worked with a diverse clientele, including pro athletes, and individuals with frozen shoulder, sciatica, car accident rehabilitation, sports-related pain and injuries, and chronic pain. Xian believes that a balanced structural body generates high-quality movement, harmonious inner peace, and minimizes pain and discomfort.

During the treatment, Xian might recommend that patients actively move a bit to assist in the extension and gliding of the fascia layers and enhance the mind-muscle connection. Patients might be sitting, bending, standing, or lying on the treatment table. Xian advises patients to bring the same clothes they would wear to the gym or on a trail hike, including shorts and a tank top or loose t-shirt. The treatment involves minimal lotion and requires zero to minimal undressing.

Tianna Kuyp

Tianna is a 2021 graduate of the West Coast College of Massage Therapy (WCCMT). Previous to becoming an RMT, Tianna spent several years in administrative positions for various clinics in British Columbia. Through these experiences, she witnessed the profound impact that a caring, comprehensive treatment approach had on each patient she assisted at the front desk. The goal of providing the same quality of care to her own patients is what inspired Tianna to pursue a career in Massage Therapy.

At the heart of her treatment philosophy, Tianna believes in treating patients where they’re at, while also enabling patients to take control of their own health & wellness journey via education and proper support in development of self-care strategies. During her treatments, Tianna employs a unique blend of techniques tailored to the needs of each patient; and strives to provide a safe, comfortable space to indulge in genuine relaxation of mind & body.

Outside of her RMT shoes, Tianna enjoys making cool shapes in contortion classes, obsessing over cats, and living her best live(s) vicariously through books and video games. You can find her at Equilibrium’s Eagle Creek Location on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays!