Gait and balance disorders are a leading cause of falls in older adults and often result in injuries, disabilities, loss of independence, and diminishing quality of life. Preventative measures like early indication and appropriate intervention are key factors in working to prevent dysfunction and possible damage. The talented physical therapy team at H&D Physical Therapy is dedicated to providing you personalized balance therapy near Lexington Avenue with one on one care.

What is GAIT?

Gait refers to the pattern of movement used when a person walks or runs. Relying on the:

  • Ears
  • Eyes
  • Brain 
  • Muscles
  • Sensory nerves

Movement of the body, in relation to walking, requires all of these aspects to be properly functioning in order to work. Problems with these areas can lead to both temporary or long-term walking difficulties, falls, or injury if not properly treated and addressed. Known as gait disorder, comprised of many variations, all can affect your quality of life and put you at greater risk of harming yourself. Though common in older adults, gait issues are a major cause of falls in this group; the majority of changes in gait are caused by underlying medical issues and should not be viewed as a natural part of aging. Common causes include arthritis and orthostatic tension but are also often side effects of more serious conditions like stroke, cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, ALS, and other brain disorders/injury. In younger people with gait issues, causes usually stem from developmental problems such as flat feet and bowing of the legs.

How Does GAIT Affect Your Balance?

balance therapy near Lexington Avenue

When a person walks, their gait is the pattern of their limb movements. The capacity of the body to retain its center of gravity while remaining upright is known as balance. The brain, neurological system, sensory organs, and musculoskeletal system all work together to control gait and balance. A dysfunction in any of these areas can lead to gait and balance issues, as well as an increased risk of falling. Some people experience gait issues without experiencing any alterations in their balance. However, if a person has balance issues, it frequently impacts their gait. Common symptoms of gait and balance trouble include:

  • Difficulty walking
  • Trouble maintaining balance
  • Unsteadiness or swaying while standing or walking
  • Difficulty rising from a seated position
  • Slowed walking pace

As a result, a person may experience:

  • Dizziness
  • Lightheadedness
  • Vertigo
  • Motion sickness
  • Double vision
  • Muscle tightness or spasms
  • Weakness in the leg muscles
  • Weakness on one side of the body
  • Pain when moving makes it difficult to maintain balance
  • Numbness in the feet
  • Reduced perception of where body parts are in space

What can balance therapy near Lexington Avenue do for me?

Each patient has their own set of symptoms and diagnosis, requiring unique plans of treatment. Standardized balance and fall risk assessments can help evaluate a person’s balance and mobility and help guide our physical therapists in creating a course of action right for you. Treatment may include:

  • Balance and gait exercises to improve mobility and reduce the risk of falls
  • Manual therapy to address soft tissue and joint mobility
  • Resistance exercises
  • Functional muscle lengthening and strengthening
  • Use of orthotics or assistive devices

The team here at H&D Physical Therapy can help to learn to manage and minimize your gait and balance issues to provide the balance therapy near Lexington Avenue you require to give you back as much mobility as possible.

H&D Physical Therapy – specializing in balance therapy near Lexington Avenue

If you have questions regarding treatment options or whether physical therapy is appropriate for you, please contact us or book an appointment today. We would be happy to discuss your situation in advance of an evaluation session.