Gait and Balance Disorder

What are gait and balance disorders?

Gait and balance disorders affect your ability to walk smoothly, safely, and efficiently. Without treatment, they can increase your risk of falls, broken bones, and more severe health problems.

Thankfully, gait and balance training and other physical therapy techniques can help you build muscle strength, promote stability on your feet, and keep you mobile for years to come.

Do gait and balance disorders present symptoms?

Telltale signs of gait and balance disorders include:

• Reduced mobility
• Slower-than-average walking speed
• Difficulty navigating stairs and other uneven surfaces
• Compromised balance
• Poor coordination
• Posture changes

These disorders can increase your risk of falls and injuries like broken bones. Working with a licensed physical therapist reduces this risk. 

What types of gait and balance disorders are there?

The Performance Therapy Institute treats several gait and balance disorders, including:

Antalgic gait

This gait pattern is caused by an injury to a limb, like your leg or foot. It causes you to limp and place more pressure on the opposite foot, affecting balance and mobility.

Hemiplegic gait

This gait disorder often affects people recovering from strokes. It causes you to swing your leg out and around every time you take a step.

Parkinsonian gait

This gait disorder commonly affects people with Parkinson’s disease. Symptoms include a stooped posture, small steps, and reduced arm swing.

Ataxic gait

This gait disorder is caused by neurological conditions like multiple sclerosis (MS) and head injuries. It causes an unsteady, wide gait and significantly affects coordination and balance.

Trendelenburg gait

Also known as “hip dropping,” a Trendelenburg gait occurs due to hip muscle weakness. People with this disorder tend to sway from side to side.

How are gait and balance disorders treated?

The Performance Therapy Institute team takes a holistic, integrative approach to treating gait and balance disorders. Your provider could suggest:

• Manual therapies like massage to increase joint mobility and ease muscle tension
• Therapeutic exercises to improve balance and strength
• Gait retraining to improve walking efficiency
• Balance and proprioceptive training to boost stability and body awareness
• Functional training to enhance quality of life and make daily activities easier

Most people with gait and balance disorders benefit from undergoing several therapeutic techniques at once. Your provider monitors your symptoms at regular checkups and adjusts your care as needed to support mobility.

Call the nearest Performance Therapy Institute office today to schedule a gait and balance disorder consultation, or book your appointment online.