Falls are a constant worry for seniors and others who have physical challenges. And those worries aren’t unfounded. Falls are the leading cause of injury-related deaths and serious health problems in the U.S.
Improving your walking skills — technically known as your “gait” — and your balance are interrelated challenges. At FYZICAL Therapy and Balance Center of Shady Grove, we help you master these skills to decrease your risk of injury, while at the same time increasing your confidence and independence.
What are the Benefits of Balance and Gait Training?
Balance and gait are closely linked because they tend to impact one another. Even if you don’t think you’re in danger of falling over, that “running out of steam” while walking that you’re attributing to aging muscles could be something else. The problem might actually be slowing reflexes, which make moving around seem more strenuous than it is. By the same token, poor posture and gait can throw off those reflexes.
In fact, the balance and gait systems both rely, to some extent, on a complex number of body systems that include the inner ear, the eyes, the joint-muscle-nerve system, and cognitive functions. Therapy that improves gait and balance works with all of these systems to keep them functioning in harmony. Gait and balance training has a range of benefits, with avoiding injuries being at the top of the list. Beyond lessening your chances of falling, you’re also more likely to feel confident with your footing. In addition, those aches and pains from poor posture are likely to decrease as well.
What does Balance and Gait Training entail?
First, we’ll evaluate your gait to determine potential problems with strength and posture. Simple movements to test balance are also part of the assessment. Together, these basic evaluations point us in the direction of what to focus on in terms of therapy.
At FYZICAL Therapy and Balance Center of Shady Grove, our therapists realize how important balance and walking are for independent living, as well as for work activities, exercise, sports and enjoying life in general. That’s why we provide a range of programs and therapies to evaluate and treat balance disorders:
Ready to “Balance” your life again?
With our dedicated team of therapists behind you, you’ll regain confidence in navigating challenging terrain and learn how to avoid dizzy spells.