Gait and balance disorders are common in older adults and are a major cause of falls within this population.   They often lead to injury, disability, loss of independence, and limited quality of life. These disorders are usually multi-factorial in origin and require a comprehensive assessment to determine contributing factors and targeted interventions.   About one third of people over the age of 65 and almost half of people over the age of 80 will fall at least once this year.

Our body’s visual, Inner Ear, Muscular, or Proprioception (awareness of one’s own body) systems play a role in our balance and gait. These systems can be affected by many different factors, medications, activity levels, strokes, and other diseases such as Parkinson’s, arthritis, and many more. When one or more of these systems are not working correctly there is an increased risk of gait and balance issues.

If you are worried about falling, or if you recently had a fall, Innovative Physical Therapy, LLC can conduct a screening of your fall risk. If the screening shows that you are at risk, IPT will perform a thorough evaluation, and design an exercises and training program to improve your balance and strength designed specifically for you and your needs. Discuss our gait and balance program with your doctor to see you might be of benefit. Your individualized balance and strength program may include:

• Balance Training
• Gait Training
• Strength Training
• Postural Awareness
• Aerobic Training
• Education
• Use of Community Programs