What is Gait Training?
When it comes to physical therapy, there is no “one size fits all”. Depending on your injury and progress, your treatment can vary, and one of those treatments could be gait training.
So What is Gait Training?
Gait refers to the way we walk, and gait training is a specific form of physical therapy that helps strengthen and improve your walk and stance. It specifically focuses on your balance and posture as well as adjusting your position and eventually your endurance. Even if you need an adaptive walking device, this form of therapy is created to help you gain more independence and confidence in walking.
When is It Beneficial?
There may be several situations and illness when gait training is needed. Those suffering from brain injuries or neurological disorders can benefit from gait therapy before or after beginning to walk again.
Other conditions that can lead to difficulty with your gait include:
- A broken leg or pelvis
- Strokes
- Muscular dystrophy
- Musculoskeletal disorders and issues
What to Expect
One of the best ways to see full success from gait training is by starting early. It can often be paired with other forms of physical therapy and treatments. You will need to have healthy joints before beginning. The process will focus on specific muscles and often starts with strengthening your muscles by shifting your weight between legs, and other repetitive movements to help build up your muscle strength.
Once you’ve built back your strength, you can then begin focusing on more on task-specific training, such as treadmill training, but the type of training will all be particular to your injury and progress.
No matter what your reasoning for gait training is, you’ll want to go into knowing the work ahead. The process can be both physically and mentally challenging, but with the right mindset and hard work, the benefits can be life-changing.
Our team of licensed physicians offer a comprehensive range of treatments designed to fix virtually any bone or joint in your body. With six convenient locations throughout Fairfield County, help is never far away. Request an appointment online, or call (203) 337-2600