Balance and Gait Disorders
The ability to walk without falling or losing balance is essential for most adults. If you have a balance or gait disorder, getting treatment can help you improve your quality of life and reduce the chances of falling. This is why many people seek physical therapy in Knoxville, TN, from Tennessee Sports Medicine Group. We help our patients with gait disorders to reduce the risk of falling and improve their confidence.
How Can You Tell if You Need Balance or Gait Physical Therapy?
If you need balance or gait physical therapy, you may experience some of the following symptoms:
- Frequent dizziness when standing up or when walking
- Frequent tripping, shuffling, falling
- Often feel unsteady when walking
- Difficulty managing stairs or walking over uneven surfaces
- Often need to hold on to furniture or walls to avoid falling
You shouldn’t have to live with the fear of falling. If you’ve experienced a change in walking speed or posture, you may benefit from balance and gait training from a qualified physical therapist.
Common Balance and Gait Conditions
Why do people seek treatment for balance and gait problems? Here are some of the conditions affecting our patients:
- Age-related changes in balance
- Balance disorders
- Difficulty walking following stroke
- Weakness following hospitalization and/or surgery
We also help patients who are at high risk of falling to improve their balance and gait to avoid falls.
How We Treat Balance and Gait Problems
Treatment for balance and gait disorders starts with an evaluation from an experienced, qualified physical therapist. We’ll assess your strength, walking mechanics, and reactions. We’ll review your medical history and discuss your goals for your balance and gait.
Once we’ve assessed your abilities and the cause of your condition, we’ll discuss a personalized treatment plan. We’ll move forward with a treatment plan designed to help restore your confidence in your gait and balance, to help you avoid falls in the future.
Treatments for Balance and Gait Disorders
There are many types of treatment for balance and gait disorders. Every patient is different, so we’ll determine the best treatment for you when you come to our office for the initial consultation.
- Guided exercises to build balance and strength
- Gait training
- Fall prevention education
- Coordination and reaction training
Why Do Balance and Gait Problems Happen?
People experience balance and gait problems for many reasons. Here are some of the reasons that people experience balance and gait problems:
- Joint weakness or reduced mobility
- Muscle weakness
- Problems with the inner ear
- Poor coordination
- Changes after stroke, illness, surgery, or injury
Who Needs Balance and Gait Therapy?
Anyone can experience balance and gait disorders, but this is a problem most commonly experienced by older adults, patients suffering from injury or stroke, and patients who have recently been through surgery and hospitalization. If you’re a good candidate for balance and gait physical therapy, your physician will tell you.
Why Choose Us?
Patients choose us to help with their balance and gait disorders because our experienced, qualified physical therapy team helps patients improve their balance and reduce the chance of falls. We focus on providing therapy that improves safety and independence.
Contact Us for Balance and Gait Therapy in Knoxville, TN
Falling can cause injury and reduce independence, leading to pain and reduced confidence. Whenever possible, it’s important to address problems relating to balance and gait before a fall occurs. To get help for balance and gait disorders, contact the professionals at Tennessee Sports Medicine Group. Our compassionate team can help with balance and gait physical therapy in Knoxville, TN.
