Balance & Gait Disorders
If you are unable to balance your body or have some irregular motions while walking you might have balance or gait disorder. We can help you.
Balance & gait disorders are associated with both mental & physical ailments. You may feel a sense of falling or floating when walking. The symptoms are irregular motions, dizziness & blurred vision while walking.
Gait is described as the sequence of movement while walking, disorders of one’s s gait can look like shuffling, staggering, freezing and more. Meanwhile balance is one’s ability to maintain their center of mass, disorders can involve frequent falls, and even the feeling of unsteadiness and dizziness.
These types of disorders are very common and greatly affect those of the older population, studies have shown that 62% of patients over the age of 80 have a gait disorder. This why it’s important to seek treatment for gait and balance disorders early on, to build strength and prevent possible injury.
Cause Of Balance & Gait Disorder
There are many manifestations of gait and balance disorders and even more possible causes. In some cases, neurological conditions like muscular dystrophy, neuropathy and Parkinson’s disease can be the cause of. However, structural and physiological degradation can also lead to these disorders. For example, osteoarthritis and structural dysfunction can cause gait impairment. While, inner ear conditions, vision problems and muscular weakness can cause issues with balance. The sooner you’re able to address and correct these conditions the greater your chance of success. Therapy for gait and balance rehabilitation are treatment options that have shown exceptional results in improving the lives of those who experience these disorders.
Balance & gait disorders may be caused by
Postural Hypotension
This condition occurs when one’s blood pressure drops when they change position (ie. sitting to standing, bending down to standing, etc.) resulting in the feeling of lightheadedness and dizziness.
Vertigo
An inner ear condition that leads to the sensation that you or the space around you is moving or spinning, this condition can cause dizziness and affect one’s balance.
Age-related changes
The natural aging process can lead the body to become depleted of vital nutrients which can lead to weakened tissues, conditions like osteoporosis and dementia can occur if proper care is not taken.
Parkinson’s disease
Parkinson’s is a neurological disorder that affects the brain and nerve tissue which can result in uncontrollable or unintended movements like tremors, stiffness, impaired balance and coordination of movements.
Stroke
One of the top causes of mortality worldwide, a stroke can happen when there is a reduction in blood supply to the brain. In recovery, this can involve relearning proper gait fundamentals and rehabilitation to regain balance and coordination.
Multiple sclerosis
This auto-immune disease is caused by the deterioration of nerve tissues which can severely affects one’s ability to execute movements. This leads to impaired coordination and a reduction in proper gait.
Arthritis
A common condition with over 100 variations that affects millions of people worldwide. Symptoms of this condition include pain, inflammation and swelling of the joint(s) if the hips, knees, ankles or joints in the feet are affected it can impair the fluidity of one’s gait.
Inner ear problems
The inner ear contains many structures that are essential for proprioception (where you are in an environment) and maintaining balance. When issues occur, it can cause symptoms like dizziness, vertigo and migraines.
Why Physiotherapy For Balance Disorder
Physiotherapy is the best treatment for balance & gait disorders. A detailed examination performed by our team will lead you to a definite plan of care. The physiotherapists at Magnus Rehab will evaluate your symptoms, limited ROMs, muscle power, strength, and gait, posture, & balance abnormalities. The manual therapy will include stretching, strengthening & retraining exercises.
Our Brampton, ON Physiotherapy Magnus rehab clinic can help you to correct your balance & gait.
There are many benefits to physiotherapy treatment for gait and balance disorders. An experienced physiotherapist will be able to provide a thorough evaluation and provide an accurate diagnosis, if needed. Based on their findings they will create and implement an effective treatment plan that will directly address and correct issues to improve movement and function.
Because of the complexity of these conditions, gait and balance disorder treatment should be done by a trusted professional who is able and willing to identify the underlying cause. While also being considerate of the patient and their needs. Therapy for gait and balance disorders may require a multifaceted approach that involves manual therapy to release tension, exercise therapy to improve movement and strength, along with modalities for pain management.
FAQs
What’s the best solution for balance problems?
Once neurological conditions have been ruled out, the best solution for balance problems is the improve strength, focusing on the core and legs. By strengthening these areas your body is able to withstand its own weight, while also being able to move and function in a healthy manner. Lack of muscle mass which naturally occurs with age, is the leading cause of falls in older adults.
How to cure balance disorder?
In order to cure a condition, you must first identify what is causing it, i.e., the root cause. For many balance disorders that are not caused by neurological impairments, exercise and modifications to diet and lifestyle will help to improve balance. However, if the condition is neurological then structural and possibly physiological treatments may be necessary.
Therapy for Imbalance can be done at home?
Yes, therapy for imbalance can be done at home. In the treatment plan provided by your physiotherapist, you will receive exercises to improve your condition. In order to achieve the best results, it’s highly recommended to continue the exercises at home to increase strength and improve function. The greater a patient’s adherence, the greater their chance of successful treatment.