You probably know what balance is, but what exactly is gait? Gait is the pattern of movement that a person has when they walk. Both balance and gait have an interconnected relationship with several different systems of the body, so when someone suffers from a balance or gait disorder, the cause may lead back to issues pertaining to the operation of the body's systems. The systems that are involved in balance and gait operations include the nervous system, the musculoskeletal system, and the sensory and motor systems. In young children, balance and gait disorders often originate from developmental issues. For older adults, these disorders often have to do with injury, dysfunction or imbalances in the inner ear.
What are some common gait and balance disorders found in older adults?
- Migraines.
- Joint pain.
- Gout.
- Parkinson's disease.
- Stroke.
What can be done about gait and balance disorders?
Occurrences of abnormal gait and poor balance significantly increase with age, and if left untreated they can increase the risk of serious injury from falling, like a sprained ankle or broken hip. That's why it's exceedingly important that older adults who suffer from gait or balance disorders should consult with a physical therapist for treatment. Physical therapists are specially trained to create personalized treatment and care plans that prioritize the needs of their patients. For an older adult, going to physical therapy for gait and balance treatment could prevent potentially a serious and even fatal accident.
Alliance PTP is ready to help you find top-notch PT for balance and gait disorders in older adults
At Alliance Physical Therapy Partners, we're proudly bringing together physical therapy practices across the country to help people get the high-quality PT they need. Want to see a physical therapist in person? We can put you in touch with an Alliance PTP partner that's close to you and that can help address balance and gait disorders affecting older adults. Not keen on in-person PT sessions or not close to an Alliance PTP partner? No worries. We also offer effective and affordable virtual physical therapy through our Agile Virtual Physical Therapy platform. Contact our team today so we can help you find the most effective physical therapy services for your injury or condition.
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