Physical Therapy Will Help You Get Moving Again
Do you struggle with walking due to age, Parkinson’s disease, arthritis, or some other chronic condition? Gait disorders (walking impairments) are relatively common, and physical therapy at Integrity Rehab can help you address them.
While gait disorders can affect people of all ages, genders, or health statuses, older adults are particularly susceptible. As you age, your risk of developing a gait disorder increases. Approximately 24% of adults aged 60 or older are affected, compared to over 60% of those aged 80 or older.
One of the primary reasons for this is that several age-related conditions can cause gait disorders. Parkinson’s disease, stroke, and arthritis are all common culprits. Our experts can help address the underlying cause of your gait impairments so you can see results and embrace a more active lifestyle.
Not all gait disorders are the same. Depending on the cause of your gait impairment, you’ll experience different walking patterns or other difficulties, like unsteadiness or difficulty coordinating movement:
- If one of your legs is injured or in pain, you might develop a limping pattern when you attempt to put weight on it.
- Stroke patients often develop a gait characterized by the affected leg swinging out and around.
- Patients with Parkinson’s disease often develop a shuffling gait with small steps, stooped posture, and reduced arm swing.
- People with cerebellar dysfunction (such as multiple sclerosis) might develop an unsteady, wide-based gait marked by poor coordination and balance.
- If you have weakness or impairment in your hip abductor muscles, you might “drop” your hip as you walk.
No matter what gait impairment you’re experiencing, it can create challenges in your day-to-day life. Routine tasks like walking, climbing stairs, or navigating uneven surfaces become significantly more difficult, compromising independence and overall quality of life.
At Integrity Rehab, our physical therapists will use an evidence-based approach to addressing your gait disorder. We design our proven treatment approaches to help you see improvements in your walking patterns–so you more easily enjoy the activities you love.
Understanding the Different Causes of Gait Disorders
Our physical therapists will always begin by identifying the specific source of your gait disorder, allowing us to better customize your treatment plan to suit your particular needs, goals, abilities, walking patterns, and other symptoms.
Here are some of the common causes of gait disorders:
- Musculoskeletal Issues: Conditions like arthritis, joint stiffness, or muscle weakness can alter walking patterns. People who have had recent surgery on their lower extremities will often encounter changes to their gait.
- Neurological Disorders: Parkinson’s disease, stroke, multiple sclerosis, and other neurological conditions can cause muscle weakness, spasticity, or impaired coordination, impacting gait, usually in ways specific to the condition.
- Vestibular Disorders: Inner ear problems, such as labyrinthitis or Meniere’s disease, can lead to balance issues and unsteady gait.
- Sensory Deficits: Certain chronic health conditions, like diabetes or cardiovascular disease, can cause damage to the nerves outside of the brain and spinal cord, creating different sensory deficits. If your sense of body awareness (proprioception) is affected, it can cause issues with balance and coordination during movement.
- Age-Related Decline: Natural aging processes can cause a decline in strength and flexibility and impaired vision or reduced balance, leading to gait disturbances.
No matter which condition is causing your particular gait disorder, our experienced physical therapists will provide personalized, evidence-based care that targets the root causes of your gait disturbances, ensuring you see real results.
Call 254-699-3933 today to request an appointment with one of our gait specialists!
How Physical Therapy Can Treat Gait Disorders
Physical therapy at Integrity Rehab in Austin, Copperas Cove, Harker Heights, Central Killeen, West Killeen, Leander, Salado, South Temple, West Temple and Burleson, TX provides a scientifically-backed approach to treating gait disorders. Our customized plans will help you regain mobility, balance, and confidence using proven treatment techniques.
During your initial session, our physical therapists will conduct a comprehensive evaluation of your gait disorder. We’ll start with a detailed medical history review to better understand any underlying health conditions, previous injuries, or surgeries that may impact your gait.
We’ll then perform a series of tests to help us evaluate your specific gait impairments. We’ll perform a gait analysis to observe and assess your walking patterns, plus strength and range of motion tests to help us identify any additional weaknesses that might contribute to your gait disorder.
These detailed assessments allow us to tailor a treatment plan to your needs and goals. While our treatment plans will vary widely based on your specific impairments and underlying conditions, you can expect them to include one or more of the following:
- Manual therapy: These hands-on techniques improve joint mobility and reduce muscle tension.
- Therapeutic exercises: We’ll provide targeted exercise programs to enhance your strength, balance, and flexibility.
- Gait retraining: These specialized exercises will correct biomechanical abnormalities and improve walking efficiency.
- Balance and proprioceptive training: In addition to specialized gait training, we’ll also provide you with exercises to promote stability and body awareness
- Functional training: These exercises “train” you in daily activities, helping to improve the overall quality of life
- Use of assistive devices: If necessary, we can recommend and train you to properly use assistive devices, such as canes or walkers, to support your recovery journey.
At Integrity Rehab, we’ll help you achieve optimal function through a results-oriented approach to physical therapy. Our team of specialists is eager to assist you in overcoming your gait disorder and reclaiming the joy of movement.
Don’t let gait disorders hold you back. Schedule your appointment with our expert physical therapists today and take the first step toward a healthier life!
Your Next Steps…
Request An Appointment
Receive A Custom Treatment Plan
Work Hard and Progress In Your Recovery
Recover & Enjoy Life Pain-Free!