Physical Therapy For Gait Disorders
Do you experience pain or discomfort in your knees or hips when walking? Have you ever felt unsteady on your feet? If so, you may be living with a gait disorder. Gait disorders can be physically disrupting and stem from a variety of causes. Fortunately, physical therapy in Rosedale at Flowers Physical Therapy can help reduce your symptoms and significantly improve your condition! Continue reading to learn more about physical therapy for gait disorders!
Gait Disorders
The term gait refers to the pattern of movement you use to walk or run. Walking may seem fairly simple, but it is a complex series of movements that requires several areas of your body and brain to work together in harmony. If you have issues with any of these systems, it could contribute to a gait disorder. Gait abnormalities and disorders can become more pronounced with age. Inner ear issues, foot ailments, ill-fitting footwear, and strokes can also trigger gait abnormalities. Some prevalent gait disorders include:
- Scissors Gait.
- Spastic Gait.
- Waddling Gait.
- Steppage Gait.
- Propulsive Gait.
There are numerous potential causes of a gait disorder, and sometimes these causes overlap. At Flowers Physical Therapy, our experts will evaluate your condition and help you combat your gait dysfunction.
Physical Therapy for Gait Disorders
Physical therapy in Rosedale is one of the most effective treatments for gait disorders. Our physical therapist will perform a comprehensive evaluation of your gait, balance, stance, and symptoms before developing a unique treatment for your needs. Some of the treatments we may use for gait disorders include:
- Strengthening Exercises – Your evaluation will help our therapists determine which areas in your body that need strengthening. Targeted strength exercises can help improve your muscle strength to reduce your risk of injury and make it easier to move around.
- Stretching – Stretches can help improve your range of motion and flexibility to facilitate quicker reactions to movements and give you more control. Stretching exercises will keep your muscles relaxed and reduce your risk of injury.
- Gait Retraining – Some gait disorders can be corrected through retraining. With this approach, you can learn proper body mechanics and proper techniques to improve your movement.
Contact Us
A gait disorder does not have to rule your life. At Flowers Physical Therapy, our experts can help you find the best techniques for improving your walking ability. To learn more about physical therapy for gait disorders, contact us and request an appointment for physical therapy in Rosedale.