Proprioception is the “perception or awareness of the position and movement of the body.” Proprioception – or simply, “balance” – is an integral part of physical therapy and in dealing with most injuries.
When a joint or part of the body is injured, the body’s proprioception is thrown off. This is especially true when dealing with injuries to the lower extremities; the parts of the body that support most of our weight and movement. When we implement a physical therapy program that seeks to ensure optimal joint function it always includes proprioceptive training. We use this training not only to help our patients strengthen muscles and stabilize joints, but to prevent future injuries and remedy any instabilities caused by the normal activities of daily life.