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Balance and Gait Disorders The Running Physio Toronto ON

Balance and Gait Disorders

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Vyrone R.
Along with a comprehensive exercise and running routine I was out running better than ever (and pain free) in no time! Thanks so much!

Get Your Head Back On.

We have all experienced dizziness at some point in our lives. Dizziness is a frequent reason for visiting a family physician or emergency room. Feeling dizzy and unstable can even be a common occurrence for certain people. Do you find yourself looking for walls, railings, or other items to help you keep your balance? Is your equilibrium no longer what it used to be? If this describes you, you may have balance and gait disorders that require treatment.

Call The Running Physio at (416) 530-0555 or click here to request an appointment at our Toronto, ON physiotherapy office today to learn more about how our balance and gait services can help improve your quality of life.

The Difference Between Balance And Gait Disorders

While there are many similarities between balance and gait impairments, there are also numerous differences. Below is some information about gait abnormalities vs. balance disorders:

Balance disorder

Balance problems can be both physical and mental, because your brain may believe you are moving when you aren’t. You may get a sense of falling, stagger when walking, or feel as if you are floating. Blurred vision and dizziness are other typical symptoms. Changes in joint strength, mobility, and proprioception (the capacity to perceive where your joints are in space) all have an impact on your balance.

Gait disorders

Gait abnormalities create irregular motions in the way you walk and run, which might become more pronounced as you become older. Strokes, inner ear difficulties, foot ailments, and even something as basic as ill-fitting shoes might trigger them.

Reasons For Gait And Balance Disorders

Balance and gait problems can arise for a variety of causes. Many balance problems are caused by problems with the vestibular system, which controls your sensation of position, often known as “proprioception.”

A problem with your balance or gait might be caused or exacerbated by underlying musculoskeletal and neurological issues. Our Toronto, ON physiotherapy clinic can, fortunately, assist you in regaining your balance and correcting your gait.

Some common vestibular conditions resulting in balance disorders include:

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.

Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV)

BPPV occurs when calcium debris breaks off in the inner ear, causing issues with balance.

Injuries and ailments

Even if your brain and neurological system are in perfect sync, a sudden injury, disease, accident, or other illness that causes muscle weakness can throw your balance off and make it difficult to stay upright.

The Running Physio Can Help You Find Relief from Balance and Gait Disorders

The most effective treatment for balance and gait issues is physiotherapy. When you come in for your first appointment at The Running Physio, our physiotherapist will perform a thorough physical examination of your balance, gait, stance, medical history, and symptoms before developing a unique treatment plan tailored to your specific needs.

Your treatment plan for your balance or gait disorder may include the following exercises and treatment methods:

Gait retraining exercises

Sometimes, abnormalities in gait can be corrected through “retraining” where you learn proper techniques. Runners can benefit from this kind of therapy technique as well.

Vestibular rehabilitation

If you are living with a balance or gait disorder, our physiotherapist will provide you with specific exercises that will move the calcium debris to the correct parts of your ear. This physiotherapy treatment works to improve your vision, nerves, muscles, and the vestibular system as a whole, to maintain a steady balance.

Stretches

Stretching will help improve your flexibility and your range of motion and give you more control and quicker reactions to your movements. They will keep your muscles from becoming too tight and stiff, and reduce your risk of injury.

Strengthening exercises

Your physiotherapy evaluation will help determine what problem areas in your body may need strengthening. Our physiotherapist will provide you with strengthening exercises that will build up your muscles, thus making it much easier for you to move around and reduce your risk of injury.

Ready To Find Relief For Your Balance Or Gait Disorder?

Balance and gait problems do not have to rule your life. Our physiotherapists in Toronto, ON 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 you do not want to fall and injure yourself. Request an appointment at The Running Physio by clicking HERE today.

Balance and Gait Disorders FAQs

  • What is the difference between balance and gait problems?

    Balance problems affect your stability, equilibrium, and ability to stay steady. They can cause dizziness, blurred vision, floating sensations, or feeling unsteady on your feet. Gait problems affect the way you walk or run, leading to gait abnormalities, poor coordination, unsteady gait, or changes in your walking pattern.

  • Why do I feel off balance when I walk?

    Feeling off balance when walking can happen because of vestibular problems, inner ear issues, muscle weakness, joint mobility changes, neurological conditions, or reduced proprioception. If you often feel unbalanced while walking, lose balance when walking, or need support from walls or railings, a physiotherapy assessment can help identify the cause.

  • What causes balance and gait problems?

    Balance and gait problems can be caused by vestibular disorders, BPPV, neurological issues, stroke, brain injury, muscle weakness, injuries, foot problems, joint stiffness, or even ill-fitting shoes. These issues can affect how your body controls movement, balance, walking, and coordination.

  • What are common symptoms of balance and gait disorders?

    Common symptoms include dizziness while walking, walking imbalance, staggering when walking, unstable walking, difficulty with balance and walking, blurred vision, feeling like you may fall, or feeling that your equilibrium is off. Some people may also notice they are not steady on their feet during everyday movement.

  • Why do I lose my balance when walking?

    Loss of balance while walking can occur when your vestibular system, muscles, joints, nerves, or coordination are not working together properly. Conditions such as BPPV, neurological issues, muscle weakness, or mobility problems can all contribute to losing balance while walking or feeling unsteady on your feet.

  • Can physiotherapy help with balance and gait disorders?

    Yes. Physiotherapy can help with balance and gait disorders by improving stability, coordination, strength, mobility, and walking mechanics. Treatment may include gait retraining exercises, vestibular rehabilitation, stretching, strengthening exercises, and balance-focused therapy based on your symptoms and assessment findings.

  • Can physiotherapy help with dizziness while walking?

    Yes. Physiotherapy can help with dizziness while walking by improving balance, coordination, vestibular function, mobility, and movement control through targeted rehabilitation exercises and balance-focused treatment.

  • What is vestibular rehabilitation physiotherapy?

    Vestibular rehabilitation is a physiotherapy approach used for dizziness, vertigo, walking imbalance, and balance coordination problems linked to the vestibular system. It uses targeted exercises to help improve your vision, nerves, muscles, and inner ear balance control so you can move with more confidence.

  • What is BPPV and how can it affect balance?

    Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, or BPPV, occurs when calcium crystals in the inner ear move out of place. These balance crystals in the ear can cause dizziness, vertigo, loss of balance, and instability while walking. Physiotherapy may include specific exercises to help move the calcium debris to the correct part of the ear.

  • How does physiotherapy improve gait and walking mechanics?

    Physiotherapy improves gait and walking mechanics by assessing how you stand, walk, move, and maintain balance. Treatment may include gait retraining, strengthening exercises, stretching, posture work, balance exercises, and mobility training to help improve walking balance, movement control, and confidence.

  • When should I see a physiotherapist for balance or gait problems?

    You should see a physiotherapist if you keep losing balance while walking, feel unsteady on your feet, stagger when walking, experience dizziness while walking, or notice that your gait is off. Early treatment can help address the cause and reduce the risk of falls or further mobility problems.