Gait Problems / Changes

Gait is a person’s pattern of walking. Walking involves balance and coordination of muscles so that the body is propelled forward in a rhythm, called the stride. There are numerous possibilities that may cause an abnormal gait. For older adults, gait and balance problems can cause falls.

Potential treatments include:  Activities to strengthen muscles involved in the gait cycle, practice elements of normal gait, re-train balance and coordination functions, and train on varied surfaces to adequately challenge the patient’s system. Postural realignment therapy, insole treatment, knee bracing, wedged orthoses, walking aids, manual therapy, weight loss, home-based exercises, strength training, knee stability training, Class IV laser, electrical stimulation, ultrasound, and vibration electric stimulation (Hivamat 200) therapy with passive motion.