Falls are a constant worry for seniors and others who have physical challenges. And those worries aren’t unfounded. Falls are the leading cause of injury-related deaths and serious health problems in the U.S.

Improving your walking skills — technically known as your “gait” — and your balance are interrelated challenges. At FYZICAL Therapy & Balance Centers we help you master these skills to decrease your risk of injury, while at the same time increasing your confidence and independence.

We are the ONLY therapy clinic in the area to utilize a conceptualized framework of balance exercises called the FYZICAL Balance Paradigm.  It was developed by using NASA-based force plates and is designed specifically to identify your balance or dizziness deficit.  Responding to the needs of our older populations, especially those suffering from dizziness, balance insufficiencies and fall-risk is a core part of our mission at FYZICAL.

What are the Benefits of Balance and Gait Training?

Balance and gait are linked because they tend to impact one another. Even if you don’t think you’re in danger of falling over, that “running out of steam” while walking that you’re attributing to aging muscles could be something else. The problem might actually be slowing reflexes, which make moving around seem more strenuous than it is. By the same token, poor posture and gait can throw off those reflexes.

In fact, the balance and gait systems both rely to some extent on a complex number of body systems that include the inner ear, the eyes, the joint-muscle-nerve system, and of course cognitive functions. Therapy that improves gait and balance works with all of these systems to keep them functioning in harmony.

Gait and balance training has a range of benefits, with avoiding injuries being at the top of the list. Beyond lessening your chances of falling or feeling dizzy, you’re also more likely to feel confident with your footing. In addition, those aches and pains from poor posture are likely to decrease as well.

What Does Balance and Gait Training Entail?

First, we’ll evaluate your gait to determine potential problems with strength and posture. Simple movements to test balance are also part of the assessment. Together, these basic evaluations point us in the direction of what to focus on in terms of therapy.

Hip and ankle weakness often leads to balance problems, as does poor posture. Strength and flexibility movements can help counteract these problems. These are often as simple as leg lifts while seated in a chair, or “knee marching.”  We may also practice standing on one leg, walking heel-to-toe, or tracking the movement of your thumb with your eyes as you move it in various positions.

At FYZICAL, we have changed the way balance and vestibular therapy is performed. Our clinics offer a Safety Overhead Support (SOS) System which utilizes body harnesses suspended from a rail system and acts as a full body weight supporting system if a patient were to fall during treatment.

So what does that mean?  We are able to challenge a patient appropriately to achieve the best possible results with balance and vestibular function without the therapist being fearful, and even better, without the patient having a fear of falling.  It is amazing what can be accomplished when the fear component is eliminated and how quickly fall risk reduces when degree of challenge is no longer the main limiting factor. 

Additionally, our therapists realize how important balance and walking is for independent living, as well as for work activities, exercise, sports and enjoying life in general.

That’s why we provide a range of programs and therapies to evaluate and treat balance disorders:

Assessment & Evaluation Programs Difficulty Walking Gait Training & Balance Programs Fall Prevention & Balance Retraining Dizziness Management Manual Therapy Fitness & Wellness Programs Vestibular Rehab Functional Training

Ready to “Balance” Your Life Again?

With our dedicated team of FYZICAL therapists behind you, you’ll regain confidence in navigating challenging terrain and learning how to avoid dizzy spells. You may even be able to leave that cane or walker behind!

Learn More

Please visit our Medical Moments page; these are Physician and patient-facing resources about how therapy can help address common concerns.