Examples of Gait and Balance Conditions
- Toe-out gait
- High steppage gait
- Unbalanced/unsteady gait pattern
- Waddling gait
- Abnormal gait patterns
Requirements for normal walking (Gait)
- Proper/normal balance and coordination
- Ability to know where your joints are in space (proprioception)
- Ability to know how your joints are moving (kinesthesia)
- Good joints range of motion and strength.
- Good soft tissue flexibility.
Causes of changing the gait pattern:
- Age, with declining activity
- After an injury
- Postural changes/mal alignment
Complications of gait pattern change:
- Limping
- Back and joints pain
- Restricted abilities to handle daily activities
Physiotherapy Management for Gait and Balance Disorders
Physiotherapy is one of the main treatments for poor balance and reducing the risk of falls. Our physiotherapists, at “BetterLife Physiotherapy” will conduct a detailed physiotherapy assessment to evaluate your gait and balance. Then they will create a customized physiotherapy treatment plan made for your specific needs. In addition, if you use any of the walking assistive devices as crutches, cane or walker, your physiotherapist can instruct you in the proper usage of it or how to be able to walk without any of these walking assistive devices. This treatment plan may include:
- Strengthening Exercises
Which aims to improve your muscles, thus making it much easier for you to move around and reduce your risk of injury. - Stretches
Which aims to improve your flexibility and range of motion. This will reduce your risk of injury and keep your muscles from becoming too tight and stiff. - Gait and Balance Retraining Exercises
Our physiotherapists will focus on your gait and balance retraining by teaching you proper relevant technique.
Causes of Balance or Gait Disorder
Common causes of the balance and gait disorders include:
● Sudden injury or disease causing muscle weakness can interfere with balance.
● Neurological disorders: This may include Parkinson’s disease, brain injury, or stroke.
