Improve the Way You Walk and Get Back to Moving
Changes in the way you walk can make everyday activities more difficult and affect your independence. You may walk more slowly, have trouble clearing your foot, feel unsteady, or notice that walking takes more effort than it used to. If a gait disorder is limiting you in West Valley City, Tooele in Northpointe, Tooele on Main Street and Grantsville, UT, physical therapy at Meier & Marsh Physical Therapy can help determine what is affecting your walking and what can be improved.
Our physical therapists use clinical expertise and a detailed movement assessment to understand why walking is difficult. Treatment is then focused on the specific strength, mobility, balance, coordination, or movement problems affecting you.
Understanding Gait Disorders
Gait refers to the way you walk. A gait disorder occurs when an injury, health condition, or physical limitation affects your ability to walk effectively or safely.
Walking requires several abilities to work together, including strength, joint movement, balance, coordination, sensation, and control.
The way you walk provides useful information, but it is only part of the assessment. Our physical therapists look at what is contributing to the change and how it affects your daily life.
Gait problems may be associated with:
- Weakness
- Joint stiffness or limited mobility
- Pain
- Balance problems
- Neurological conditions
- Changes in sensation
- Recovery after surgery or injury
- Foot or ankle problems
- Reduced coordination
- Changes in endurance
How Gait Disorders Can Affect Daily Life
Changes in walking may become noticeable during specific activities or environments.
You may also notice limping, shorter steps, reduced speed, or the need for more support than you previously used.
You may have difficulty:
- Walking longer distances
- Lifting or clearing one foot
- Starting or stopping
- Turning while walking
- Going up or down stairs
- Stepping onto or off a curb
- Walking uphill or downhill
- Moving across uneven surfaces
- Walking quickly when needed
- Keeping up with family or friends
- Getting around at work or in the community
A Detailed Walking Assessment Helps Determine What Is Limiting You
Simply watching you walk is only one part of a gait evaluation.
Depending on your symptoms and medical history, your physical therapist may assess:
- Walking speed and step pattern
- Leg and trunk strength
- Hip, knee, ankle, and foot movement
- Joint mobility
- Balance
- Coordination
- Sensation when appropriate
- Turning and changing direction
- Stairs and curbs
- Walking on different surfaces
- Standing up from a chair
- Activities related to your normal routine
Special tests may also be used when appropriate.
These findings help your physical therapist determine what is limiting your walking and prescribe treatment for the problems that can be addressed through physical therapy.
Treatment Focused on Improving the Way You Walk
Gait training involves more than repeatedly walking back and forth in the clinic. Treatment should address the specific problems making walking difficult.
Your physical therapist monitors how your walking changes and progresses treatment based on your abilities and response.
Depending on your evaluation, your plan may include:
- Mobility exercises when joint movement is limited
- Strengthening for muscles needed during walking
- Balance training to improve stability
- Walking practice focused on specific gait difficulties
- Coordination exercises when appropriate
- Stair and curb training
- Practice on different surfaces when appropriate
- Functional exercises such as standing, stepping, and changing direction
- Education and home exercises to reinforce progress outside the clinic
Building the Skills You Need for Everyday Walking
The goal is not simply to make your walking look a certain way. We want to help you walk more effectively during the activities that matter in your life.
That may mean moving around your home independently, getting through a workday, shopping, crossing a parking lot, using stairs, walking outdoors, traveling, exercising, or spending time with family.
Treatment can gradually become more challenging as your abilities improve so you are better prepared for the environments you need to manage.
Clinical Excellence Focused on Your Independence
At Meier & Marsh Physical Therapy, our physical therapists take the time to determine why your walking has changed and what is limiting you.
We explain what we find and identify the strength, mobility, balance, coordination, or movement problems that can be addressed through physical therapy. Your treatment is adjusted as you improve so that progress carries over into everyday life.
Our goal is to help you improve the way you move and become as independent as possible in the activities you need and want to do.
Frequently Asked Questions
Get Back to Walking with Greater Confidence
A gait disorder can affect much more than getting from one place to another. Improving the strength, balance, mobility, or movement problems contributing to your walking difficulty can help you get back to more of your normal activities.
Contact Meier & Marsh Physical Therapy today to schedule an evaluation for gait disorders in West Valley City, Tooele in Northpointe, Tooele on Main Street or Grantsville, UT. Our physical therapists can determine what is limiting your walking and prescribe the right treatment to help you move more effectively.
Your Next Steps…
- Request An Appointment
- Receive A Custom Treatment Plan
- Work Hard and Progress In Your Recovery
- Recover & Enjoy Life Pain-Free
