Physical Therapy Will Help You Get Moving Again
Do you struggle with walking due to age, Parkinson’s disease, arthritis, or some other chronic condition? Gait disorders (walking impairments) are relatively common, and physical therapy at Miss-Lou Physical Therapy can help you address them.
While gait disorders can affect people of all ages, genders, or health statuses, older adults are particularly susceptible. As you age, your risk of developing a gait disorder increases. Approximately 24% of adults aged 60 or older are affected, compared to over 60% of those aged 80 or older.
One of the primary reasons for this is that several age-related conditions can cause gait disorders. Parkinson’s disease, stroke, and arthritis are all common culprits. Our experts can help address the underlying cause of your gait impairments so you can see results and embrace a more active lifestyle.
Not all gait disorders are the same. Depending on the cause of your gait impairment, you’ll experience different walking patterns or other difficulties, like unsteadiness or difficulty coordinating movement:
- If one of your legs is injured or in pain, you might develop a limping pattern when you attempt to put weight on it.
- Stroke patients often develop a gait characterized by the affected leg swinging out and around.
- Patients with Parkinson’s disease often develop a shuffling gait with small steps, stooped posture, and reduced arm swing.
- People with cerebellar dysfunction (such as multiple sclerosis) might develop an unsteady, wide-based gait marked by poor coordination and balance.
- If you have weakness or impairment in your hip abductor muscles, you might “drop” your hip as you walk.
No matter what gait impairment you’re experiencing, it can create challenges in your day-to-day life. Routine tasks like walking, climbing stairs, or navigating uneven surfaces become significantly more difficult, compromising independence and overall quality of life.
At Miss-Lou Physical Therapy, our physical therapists will use an evidence-based approach to addressing your gait disorder. We design our proven treatment approaches to help you see improvements in your walking patterns–so you more easily enjoy the activities you love.
Book an initial consultation at our Natchez, Ferriday or Jonesville, MS physical therapy clinic today!
Understanding the Different Causes of Gait Disorders
Our physical therapists will always begin by identifying the specific source of your gait disorder, allowing us to better customize your treatment plan to suit your particular needs, goals, abilities, walking patterns, and other symptoms.
We fully recognize the potency of information and its significance in our patients’ lives. If you’ve already self-diagnosed a condition or have been diagnosed by a doctor, we view it as a starting point for our collaborative journey. Nevertheless, our ultimate goal is to equip you with a profound comprehension of your body, enabling you to transcend the constraints of your condition and embrace a more wholesome lifestyle.
Central to our approach is patient education, empowering you with knowledge so that you need not feel restricted by symptoms or diagnoses.
Here are some of the common causes of gait disorders:
- Musculoskeletal Issues
- Neurological Disorders
- Vestibular Disorders
- Sensory Deficits
- Age-Related Decline
No matter which condition is causing your particular gait disorder, our experienced physical therapists will provide personalized, evidence-based care that targets the root causes of your gait disturbances, ensuring you see real results.
Call us today to request an appointment with one of our gait specialists!
How Physical Therapy Can Treat Gait Disorders
Physical therapy at Miss-Lou Physical Therapy provides a scientifically-backed approach to treating gait disorders. Our customized plans will help you regain mobility, balance, and confidence using proven treatment techniques.
During your initial session, our physical therapists will conduct a comprehensive evaluation of your gait disorder. We’ll start with a detailed medical history review to better understand any underlying health conditions, previous injuries, or surgeries that may impact your gait.
We’ll then perform a series of tests to help us evaluate your specific gait impairments. We’ll perform a gait analysis to observe and assess your walking patterns, plus strength and range of motion tests to help us identify any additional weaknesses that might contribute to your gait disorder.
These detailed assessments allow us to tailor a treatment plan to your needs and goals. While our treatment plans will vary widely based on your specific impairments and underlying conditions, you can expect them to include one or more of the following:
- Manual therapy
- Therapeutic exercises
- Gait retraining
- Balance and proprioceptive training
- Functional training
- Use of assistive devices
At Miss-Lou Physical Therapy, we’ll help you achieve optimal function through a results-oriented approach to physical therapy. Our team of specialists is eager to assist you in overcoming your gait disorder and reclaiming the joy of movement.
Your Next Steps…
Request An Appointment
Receive A Custom Treatment Plan
Work Hard and Progress In Your Recovery
Recover & Enjoy Life Pain-Free!