Treatment of Gait and Balance Disorders in Lakeview, the Chicago Loop and Glenview
Physical therapistcare is a highly effective treatment approach for improving gait and balance disorders. These disorders can affect people of all ages and stem from various conditions, including:
- Neurological conditions: Stroke, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injuries
- Musculoskeletal conditions: Arthritis, hip pain, muscle weakness, joint replacement
- Vestibular disorders: Inner ear problems causing dizziness and vertigo
- Age-related decline: Muscle weakness, decreased flexibility, bone loss
How Physical Therapy Helps:
Physical therapists create individualized treatment plans based on your specific needs and goals. Some common components of therapy include:
- Strengthening exercises: To improve muscle weakness and support joints, enhancing balance and walking ability.
- Balance training: Exercises that challenge your balance system, teaching your body to respond quickly and efficiently to changes in stability.
- Gait retraining: Addressing abnormal walking patterns through specific drills and practice to improve efficiency, safety, and confidence.
- Flexibility exercises: To maintain or improve range of motion in your joints, facilitating smoother movement and reducing falls risk.
- Manual therapy: Hands-on techniques to improve joint mobility, reduce pain, and optimize muscle function.
- Vestibular rehabilitation: Specific exercises for inner ear issues to reduce dizziness and improve spatial awareness.
- Education and self-management: Learning about your condition, proper walking techniques, safe home modifications, and exercises you can do independently to maintain progress.
Benefits of Physical Therapy:
- Improved gait and balance: Reduce falls risk, increase walking confidence and independence.
- Reduced pain and stiffness: Enhance overall mobility and function.
- Increased strength and coordination: Improve agility and ability to perform daily activities.
- Enhanced quality of life: Participate in desired activities and improve overall well-being.
Who can benefit:
- People with any gait or balance disorder, regardless of the cause or severity.
- Individuals at risk of falls, including older adults or those with specific medical conditions.
- Anyone recovering from surgery or an injury affecting their mobility.
Remember, physical therapy can be a powerful tool to regain your balance, improve your gait, and ultimately, enhance your quality of life.
Please call (773) 665-9950 for more information or schedule an onsite or virtual appointment.