Balance & Gait Disorders
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Achieve Balance with Physical Therapy Sessions
Feeling off-kilter, or not as stable on your feet as before? Grasping for walls and furnishings for balance? Experiencing joint pain in hips, knees or elsewhere that's altered your stride? You might be dealing with a balance or gait disorder.
Find your footing again! A multitude of factors can throw off your balance and alter your gait, leading to both physical discomfort and mental distress. These disruptions might stem from musculoskeletal or neurological conditions, but there's hope. Physical therapy offers a powerful remedy, capable of markedly diminishing your symptoms or even resolving your issues completely. Don't wait—take the first step towards stability. Reach out to Stride Physical Therapy and secure your appointment now for a steadier tomorrow!
Understanding Balance & Gait Disorders:
Discover the secrets behind your balance and gait mysteries! Often stemming from a symphony of factors, these disorders might arise from a multitude of underlying conditions. At the heart of balance challenges lies the vestibular system—a labyrinth of fluid-filled chambers and intricate sensory nerves nestled in your inner ear. This system, in concert with nerve receptors that waltz across your joints, orchestrates your body's position sense, or "proprioception.” Step into a world of equilibrium where every sense plays its part to perfection!
Discover the common vestibular conditions responsible for balance disorders:
Injuries or health setbacks:
Even when your brain and nervous system sync perfectly, unforeseen injuries, illnesses, or conditions triggering muscle weakness can disrupt your equilibrium, challenging your ability to stand firm.
Neurological Knots!
Face neurological challenges with ease! From Parkinson's to brain injuries or stroke effects, we know balance is key. Rely on us for expert neurological care, your pillar of stability.
Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV).
When small pieces of calcium detach in the inner ear, it disrupts your balance.
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What Sets Balance Apart from Gait Disorders?
Balance and gait disorders are conditions that disrupt your sense of orientation, change the way you walk or run, and make it difficult to stay balanced.
Balance and gait issues are interconnected, yet they differ slightly. Balance problems affect both body and mind, making you feel motion when you're stationary. Joint strength, flexibility, and spatial awareness all physically impact your balance.
Gait disorders affect your walking and running, leading to unnatural movements that often worsen as you get older. Move Forward Physical Therapy states that such disorders are behind 17% of elderly falls.
How can I find relief for my balance or gait disorder?
Physical therapy in Freehold, NJ is your top choice for better balance and walking. Our expert therapists will thoroughly assess your balance, gait, posture, medical background, and symptoms. We’ll then craft a tailored treatment plan just for you, which may involve:
Stretches:
Stretching makes you more flexible and helps you move easier. It helps you react faster and move more smoothly, all while lowering your injury risk. Plus, it stops your muscles from getting overly tight and rigid.
Strengthening exercises:
Our physical therapist will assess you to identify weak spots in your body. You'll receive strengthening exercises to boost muscle power, making movement easier and lowering injury risks.
Vestibular rehabilitation:
Our physical therapy program in Freehold, NJ, enhances your eyesight, nerve function, muscle strength, and overall balance system. Struggling with BPPV? Our therapists will guide you through targeted exercises that shift ear calcium deposits, reducing your vertigo.
Gait retraining exercises:
Gait issues can often be fixed by relearning correct walking methods.
Struggling with balance or walking difficulties? Reach out to Stride Physical Therapy and book a session with our expert therapists. We'll get you walking confidently in no time!
Health Blog
Is a Herniated Disc Causing Your Back Pain?
Struggling with Persistent Back Pain? It Could Be a Herniated Disc
If you're dealing with unusual back or neck pain, or even numbness in your limbs, it could be due to a herniated disc. These issues can cause a range of confusing symptoms, but you don’t have to face them alone!
Our physical therapists at Stride Physical Therapy are here to help you understand herniated discs, their symptoms, and how we can help relieve your pain through targeted treatment.
Understanding Herniated Discs
A herniated disc, also known as a "slipped" or "ruptured" disc, occurs when a spinal disc’s outer layer weakens and allows the inner fluid to push outward. Discs act as cushions between the vertebrae, absorbing shock to keep the spine stable. But over time, wear and tear or sudden injuries can cause these discs to bulge or tear, leading to a herniation. Common causes include aging, accidents, or even heavy lifting.
Recognizing the Symptoms of a Herniated Disc
Not all herniated discs cause pain, but if they press on nearby nerves, you might experience:
Pain that increases with movement, like standing up or sitting down
Tingling or numbness in the arms or legs
Discomfort in the lower back, especially after bending or twisting
Neck pain (if the affected disc is in the cervical area)
Symptoms following an accident or physical stress, like lifting a heavy object
If you find that heat, cold, or massage brings relief, it could be a strain rather than a disc issue. For accurate diagnosis, imaging such as an X-ray is often the best approach, as it can reveal whether a disc is pressing on a nerve.
Treatment Options
Physical therapy offers effective relief and can help you regain strength and mobility without invasive measures. Our therapists will begin with a full assessment, pinpointing the exact cause of your pain to create a personalized recovery plan. Your treatment may include:
Manual therapy to relieve muscle tension
Ice and heat therapies for pain management
Traction to gently relieve pressure on spinal discs
Advanced techniques like Class IV laser therapy or TENS for targeted relief
Education on posture and safe lifting to prevent future injuries
Our goal is to help you heal naturally, minimizing the need for medications or surgery. Physical therapy is a holistic approach designed to reduce pain, improve function, and support your body’s healing process.
Ready to Feel Better?
A herniated disc can be painful, but recovery is within reach. Many people find lasting relief through physical therapy, even avoiding surgery. We’re here to strengthen your back or neck, support your recovery, and help you avoid future injury.
Get in touch with Stride Physical Therapy today to learn how we can help relieve your back pain and get you back to doing the things you love.
