BALANCE AND GAIT DISORDERS
Feeling Off-Balance?
We have all experienced being off balance or dizzy at some point in our lives. When it happens, it is not pleasant and may feel like the whole world is about to slip out from under your feet! While disconcerting, this sensation is fairly common with balance and gait disorders.
Do you find yourself searching for walls, railings, or other items to help you keep your balance? Is your equilibrium no longer what it used to be? If so, you may have a balance or gait condition that requires treatment and help from a physiotherapist.
The Difference Between Balance And Gait Disorders
Balance Disorders
Balance issues can be both physical and neural because of interference or mixed signals between your brain and your body. You may get a sense of falling, stagger when walking, or feel as if you are floating. Blurred vision and dizziness are other typical symptoms. Changes in joint strength, mobility, and proprioception (or joint awareness) all have an impact on your balance.
Gait disorders
Gait abnormalities create irregular motions in the way you walk and run and may become more pronounced as you become older. For example, strokes, inner ear difficulties, foot ailments, and even something as basic as ill-fitting shoes might trigger them.
Reasons For Gait And Balance Disorders
Balance and gait problems can arise for a variety of causes such as problems with your vestibular system such as vertigo associated with BPPV or neurological issues such as a stroke or Parkinson’s disease. Additionally, your balance or gait may be affected by underlying musculoskeletal or spinal issues as well as injuries, illness or accident.
Your vestibular system controls your sensation of position, often known as “proprioception“, is the sense that allows us to perceive the position, movement, and orientation of our body parts. It’s what enables you to touch your nose with your eyes closed or walk without having to constantly look at your feet. This sense relies on proprioceptors, which are specialized sensory receptors located in muscles, tendons, and joints that detect changes in muscle length and tension, as well as joint position. Proprioception plays a crucial role in coordinating movements, maintaining balance, and navigating the environment.
Revolve Physiotherapy in Milton Can Help You Find Relief
One of the most effective treatments for balance and gait issues is physical therapy. When you come in for your first appointment at Revolve Physiotherapy our trained physiotherapist will perform a thorough physical examination of your balance, gait, stance, medical history, and symptoms. Afterward, a unique treatment plan will be tailored to your specific needs.
Your rehabilitation treatment plan may include but not inclusive of:
- Gait retraining exercises
- Vestibular rehabilitation
- Stretches
- Strengthening exercises
Balance and gait problems do not have to rule your life. Our therapists can quickly assess you and can teach you the best techniques for improving your balance and walking ability.
