At some point in our lives, we have all felt dizzy. It is not a pleasant sensation, to say the least. For some people, however, feeling dizzy and unbalanced is a regular occurrence. Do you find yourself needing to look for walls, railings, or other objects to keep you steady on your feet? Is your equilibrium simply not what it once was? If this sounds like you, you might have a balance and gait disorders Edmonton that needs to be addressed
Call Creekwood Physiotherapy 780-710-4950 or click here to request an appointment at our Edmonton, Ab physiotherapy office today to learn more about how our balance and gait services in Edmonton can help improve your quality of life.
Balance and gait disorders Edmonton, while similar, do have many differences. A physiotherapist at Creekwood Physiotherapy will be able to diagnose your specific condition after a thorough evaluation; however, here is some information on gait disorders vs balance disorders:
Balance disorder
Balance disorders are both physical and mental, as your brain may think you are moving, even when you are not. You may have a falling feeling, stagger when walking , and feel like you are floating. Blurred vision and feelings of disorientation are also common. Changes to your joint strength, mobility, and ability to sense where you joints are in space ( propriodeption ), all have physical consequences on your balance.
Gait disorders
Gait disorders can cause abnormal movements in the way you walk and run, and these can become exaggerated with age. They can also be caused by stroke, inner ear problems, foot conditions, or even something as simple as ill-fitting shoes.
Balance and gait disorders Edmonton 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 Edmonoton Ab physiotherapy practice 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.
Neurologial 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 harmoney with one another, a sudden injury, disease, accident, or other aliment causing muscle weakness can interfere with your balance and make it difficult to keep yourself upright.
Physiotherapy is the most effective treatment for balance and gait problems. When you arrive for your initial appointment at Creekwood Physiotherapy, our physiotherapist will conduct a comprehensive physical evaluation to examine your balance, gait, stance, medical history, and symptoms, before creating a personalized treatment plan made for you specific needs.
Your treatment plan for your balance and gait disorders Edmonton 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. They will keep your muscles from becoming too tight and stiff, and reduce your risk of injury.
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 vestibular physiotherapy treatment works to improve your vision, nerves, muscles, and the vestibular system as a whole, to maintain a steady balance.
Strengthening exercises
Your physiotherapy evalutaion 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.
Balance and gait problems do not have to rule your life. Our physiotherapists in Edmonton, AB 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 creekwood physiotherapy by clicking Here today.
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