Gait Training Explained
One form of physical therapy is gait training. It aids in the improvement of your standing and walking abilities. When you’ve had an injury or disease that makes it difficult for you to move around, your doctor can prescribe gait training. Even if you still need an adaptive device, it can help you become less dependent on it for walking.
Gait training will help with the following:
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your muscles and joints will be strengthened
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increasing your stamina and strength along with your balance and posture
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enhance your muscle memory
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retrain your legs to do the same thing repeatedly
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reducing the chance of falling while increasing your mobility
By increasing your physical activity and mobility, you might be able to reduce your risk of other illnesses, including heart disease and osteoporosis. Choosing gait training for mobility can definitely benefit your overall health.
Gait training can help a variety of people.
If you’ve had your ability to walk freely impaired by a disease, injury, or other health condition, your doctor can prescribe gait training. The following conditions, for example, can make walking difficult:
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injuries to the spinal cord
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injuries to the legs or the pelvis, as well as joint replacements
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amputations of the lower limbs
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strokes and other neurological conditions
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musculoskeletal conditions such as muscular dystrophy
Gait therapy also helps children with brain injuries, neurological disabilities, or musculoskeletal problems. Gait therapy may be recommended by their physicians before or after they begin walking.
What Exactly Does Gait Training Entail?
After an accident or illness that affects your ability to walk, your doctor will most likely advise you to begin gait training as soon as possible. They may also suggest other types of physical therapy and treatments. Before you begin, you must be in good enough health to engage in physical activity and movement. In order for the gait training to be beneficial, the joints must be solid enough.
Gait training is similar to other physical therapies. It always entails the use of devices that assist you in walking safely. The physical therapists at 1 on 1 Physical Therapy will be able to help you with gait training exercises. They can assist you by supporting your body weight, providing stability, and providing other services that work to support you during the course of your gait training regiment.
Walking on a treadmill and doing muscle-strengthening exercises are typical components of gait training. When walking on the treadmill or doing other workouts, you should have support. Your therapist can also instruct you to practice jumping over obstacles, raising your legs, sitting, standing, and other movements.
Your personal diagnosis and physical ability will determine the form, length, and duration of your training.
It’s a Process That Takes Commitment.
Gait training is a time-consuming process. Walking or relearning to walk after being immobile for a long time can be physically and mentally demanding. Any problems you’re experiencing should be discussed with your doctor or physical therapist. Inquire about your particular condition, what gait training might be best for you, and what the long-term goals of the treatment are.
If you’d like to discuss beginning Gait Training with our expert physical therapists at 1 on 1 Physical Therapy, please CONTACT us right away.
