We often take walking for granted, but injuries, surgeries, neurological conditions, even age, can affect our balance and coordination, and impair our ability to walk independently. Fortunately, specialized gait training with a physical therapist can help restore safe walking patterns and reduce the risk of falls.
What is Gait Training?
Gait training is a specialized type of physical therapy that focuses on improving balance, posture, and the ability to stand and walk. It involves targeted exercises, strength and endurance training, and, sometimes, the use of adaptive devices, such as walkers and orthotics.
Gait training is designed to do the following:
- Strengthen muscles and joints
- Improve balance, posture and coordination
- Build stamina and endurance
- Restore safe walking patterns
- Lower the risk of falls
Who Can Benefit from Gait Training?
Gait training is often recommended if you’ve had an injury, surgery or illness that affects your ability to get around. It can also help seniors move more safely and independently. Gait training is beneficial for the following:
- Post-surgical rehabilitation (hip, knee, spine)
- Brain or spinal cord injuries
- Stroke or neurological disorders
- Leg or pelvis fractures
- Lower limb amputation
- Muscular dystrophy or other musculoskeletal issues
- Seniors
Common Gait Irregularities
While everyone’s natural walking style is unique, gait irregularities are characterized by deviations from a normal, smooth, and symmetric walking pattern. Some common examples of gait irregularities and imbalances include the following:
- Limping
- Hitching
- Dragging of toes or feet
- Short steps
- Uneven arm swings
- Shuffling steps
- Walking with forward bent posture
- Walking on tiptoes
- Staggering
- Crossing legs while walking
Gait Training Exercises & Techniques
Gait training plans are customized for each patient, and should only be performed under the supervision of a professional physical therapist. Common gait training exercises and techniques include the following:
- Calf Raises
- Weight Shifting
- High Knee Marching
- Heel-to-Toe Walking
- Sidestepping
- Walking Backwards
- Stepping Over Objects
- Supported or Assisted Walking
Gait Training with Our Physical Therapists in Queensbury, Saratoga and Malta, NY
Gait training is essential for regaining or maintaining independence, enhancing quality of life, and improving overall physical function. If you are experiencing difficulties with standing or walking, Capital Area Physical Therapy can help. Our physical therapists will perform a comprehensive gait assessment to identify any irregularities or imbalances, and develop an individualized gait training program to get you walking safely and independently again.
To schedule a consultation for gait training physical therapy in Queensbury, Saratoga Springs, Malta or Delmar, call Capital Area Physical Therapy at 518-289-5242.
