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
5 Common Causes of Shoulder Pain and How Physical Therapy Can Help
Shoulder pain is one of the most common ailments, affecting people of all ages and activity levels. Whether it's from a sports injury, everyday activities, or age-related wear and tear, shoulder pain can significantly affect your ability to perform simple tasks and enjoy daily activities. At Stride Physical Therapy in Freehold, NJ, we’re here to help you understand the common causes of shoulder pain and how physical therapy can provide relief.
Physical therapy is a safe, effective, and natural recovery option for those dealing with shoulder pain. Rather than opting for costly surgeries or relying on medications, physical therapy targets the root causes of your pain and helps restore function through customized exercises and treatments. If you're experiencing shoulder pain, it's important to see a physical therapist as soon as possible to get the right care and avoid further complications.
What Can Physical Therapy Do for You?
When you visit Stride Physical Therapy in Freehold, NJ, our expert physical therapists will first assess your shoulder condition. We’ll identify the exact cause of your pain and develop a personalized treatment plan to address it. Whether you’re dealing with an injury, musculoskeletal issue, or age-related condition, physical therapy can help relieve pain, restore range of motion, and improve your quality of life.
Instead of opting for expensive surgery or relying on pain medications, physical therapy is an affordable, natural option that can get you back on track. The goal is to relieve pain, improve movement, and help you recover from your shoulder injury or condition, so you can return to living pain-free.
5 Common Conditions of Shoulder Pain
Shoulders are essential for a wide range of movements, from lifting and reaching to throwing and pushing. However, when something goes wrong, it can lead to persistent pain and discomfort. Here are five of the most common causes of shoulder pain:
1. Impingement Syndrome
Shoulder impingement occurs when the top part of the shoulder blade presses on the underlying soft tissues in the arm, particularly the tendons and bursa. This pressure causes irritation and inflammation, leading to pain, especially when raising the arm. Left untreated, impingement can lead to conditions like bursitis or tendinitis.
2. Frozen Shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis)
Frozen shoulder, also known as adhesive capsulitis, is a painful condition in which the shoulder becomes stiff and difficult to move. This condition can occur after an injury or as a result of another shoulder issue. If not addressed, the muscles around the shoulder may "freeze," severely limiting mobility and causing chronic pain. Physical therapy is crucial for preventing or addressing frozen shoulder by improving flexibility and strength in the joint.
3. Bursitis
The shoulder is a complex joint, consisting of multiple components, including the bursa—small, fluid-filled sacs that lubricate the joint. When the bursa becomes inflamed, a condition known as bursitis can occur. This inflammation can lead to swelling and pain, especially when moving the shoulder. Seeking physical therapy early on can help alleviate the pain and prevent further complications.
4. Tendinitis
Tendinitis is a common condition that results from repetitive use of the shoulder joint. Athletes, especially those involved in tennis, baseball, or swimming, and people with physically demanding jobs may be more prone to tendinitis. The condition occurs when the tendons in the shoulder become inflamed, leading to pain and restricted movement. Regular physical therapy and rest are essential to recover from tendinitis and prevent the condition from becoming chronic.
5. Rotator Cuff Tears
The rotator cuff consists of muscles and tendons that provide stability and movement to the shoulder joint. A tear in one of these tendons can be caused by sudden trauma or repetitive overuse. Rotator cuff tears are often associated with severe pain, especially when lifting the arm. Physical therapy can help restore function after a tear, whether it's partial or complete, by strengthening the muscles and improving range of motion.
How Physical Therapy Helps
At Stride Physical Therapy in Freehold, NJ, our physical therapists take a hands-on approach to treat shoulder pain. Through a combination of targeted exercises, manual therapy, and education, we help our patients manage pain, improve strength, and regain their full range of motion. We aim to avoid the need for invasive treatments and ensure long-term relief from shoulder pain.
Our therapists will work with you one-on-one to tailor a rehabilitation plan that meets your specific needs, whether it's recovering from an injury, overcoming a condition like tendinitis or frozen shoulder, or simply improving overall shoulder health.
Contact Stride Physical Therapy Today
If you’re dealing with shoulder pain and looking for an effective, non-invasive treatment option, Stride Physical Therapy in Freehold, NJ, is here to help. Contact us today to schedule your consultation, and take the first step toward a pain-free, active lifestyle.
Shoulder pain doesn’t have to control your life. Let our expert team at Stride Physical Therapy guide you through a safe and effective recovery process. We’re committed to helping you feel better and get back to the activities you enjoy.
