Feeling Off-balance? Find Your Balance And Treat Your Balance And Gait Disorder With Physical Therapy, Chiropractic Care or Running Technique Training!
Feeling dizzy, although not pleasant, is not abnormal on the rare occasion. For some people, however, feeling dizzy and unbalanced is a regular occurrence. If you find yourself needing to look for walls, railings, or other objects to keep steady, you may suffer from a balance and gait disorder.
Call Midland and Freeland Sports Rehab (989) 341-1070 or click here to request an appointment at our Midland or Freeland, MI multidisciplinary office today to learn more about how our balance and gait services can help improve your quality of life.
Are You Dealing With A Gait Disorder Or A Balance Disorder? Know The Difference.
Balance and gait disorders, while similar, do have many differences. A physical therapist, chiropractor or running technique specialist at Midland and Freeland Sports Rehab will be able to diagnose your specific condition after a thorough evaluation. Below is some information on balance and gait disorders:
- Balance disorder – Balance disorders can be both physical and mental. Mental balance disorders occur when your brain may think you are moving, even when you are not. You may have a falling feeling, stagger when walking, or even feel like you are floating. Blurred vision and feelings of disorientation are also very common. Physical balance symptoms include changes to your joint strength, mobility, and ability to sense where your joints are in space (proprioception).
- Gait disorders – Gait disorders can cause abnormal movements in the way you walk and run. These symptoms can become exaggerated with age. Gait disorders are typically caused by strokes, inner ear problems, foot conditions, and even ill-fitting shoes.
Why Am I Having Issues With My Gait Or Balance?
Balance and gait disorders can develop for many different reasons. Many balance disorders are related to issues in the vestibular system, which is responsible for your sense of position, also known as “proprioception.” Underlying musculoskeletal and neurological disorders can cause or exacerbate a problem with your balance or gait. Fortunately, our Midland and Freeland, MI multidisciplinary practices can help you regain your balance and correct your gait.
Some common vestibular conditions resulting in balance disorders include:
- Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) – BPPV occurs when calcium debris breaks off in the inner ear, causing issues with balance.
- Neurological issues – There are hundreds of different neurological issues that can result in balance and gait problems. They may include Parkinson’s disease, brain injury, or stroke.
- Injuries and ailments – Even if your brain and nervous system are working in harmony with one another, a sudden injury, disease, accident, or other ailment causing muscle weakness can interfere with your balance and make it difficult to keep yourself upright.
How Can Midland and Freeland Sports Rehab Help Me Find Relief For My Balance Or Gait Disorder?
Midland and Freeland Sports Rehab services are the most effective treatments for balance and gait problems. When you arrive for your initial appointment, our physical therapist, chiropractor or running technique specialist will conduct a comprehensive physical evaluation to examine your balance, gait, stance, medical history, and symptoms before creating a personalized treatment plan.
Your treatment plan for your balance or gait disorder may include the following exercises and treatment methods:
- Stretches – Stretching will help improve your flexibility and your range of motion and give you more control and quicker reactions to your movements. Stretching keeps your muscles from becoming too tight and stiff, and reduces the risk of injury.
- Gait retraining exercises – Sometimes, abnormalities in gait can be corrected through “retraining.” This is where you re-learn proper techniques. Runners benefit from this type of therapy technique as well.
- Vestibular rehabilitation – If you are living with a balance or gait disorder, our physical therapist will provide you with specific exercises to help move the calcium debris to the correct parts of your ear. This treatment helps improve your vision, nerves, muscles, and the vestibular system as a whole, creating a steady balance.
- Strengthening exercises – Your evaluation will help determine what problem areas in your body may need strengthening. Our physical therapist, chiropractor or running technique specialist will provide you with strengthening exercises that will build up your muscles. Building muscle makes it easier to move around and reduces your risk of injury.
Get Relief For Your Balance Or Gait Disorder Today
Balance and gait problems do not have to rule your life. Our physical therapist, chiropractors or running technique specialists in Midland and Freeland, MI can teach you the best techniques for improving your balance and walking ability. It is critical to seek assistance if you are having trouble staying steady, as balance and gait disorders can lead to further injuries! Request an appointment at Midland or Freeland Sports Rehab by clicking HERE today.