Gait Rehabilitation Physical Therapy Baltimore, MD

Gait rehabilitation physical therapy available in Baltimore, MD, is one of the best ways to help you get back on track, improve range of motion and reduce physical pain. For those struggling to walk following an injury or medical event, LeMoine Physical Therapy is here for you. Seeking care from one of our experienced and compassionate team members should be one of your top priorities, and we are sure that you will have several questions. Consider scheduling your first appointment with our practice to answer your questions and begin offering treatment towards the healing process. 

What is gait rehabilitation physical therapy? 

Gait physical therapy is aimed at assisting those who suffer injury or illness to regain their mobility. While it’s common for aging adults to need gait physical therapy, it is also beneficial for those who have suffered injuries such as broken legs, neurological disorders, and much more. When recovering from injury or managing chronic illnesses, one way to take back control will be through gait physical therapy. There are significant benefits that those seeking gait physical therapy can receive, such as: 

• Improved range of motion
• Strengthened Muscles
• Fall Prevention

Why might gait physical therapy be recommended? 

It’s not uncommon for a doctor or physical therapist to suggest this form of treatment for patients struggling with walking or mobility issues. Gait therapy may assist after an injury or as a preventative measure to strengthen the body and reduce the risk of falling in the future. 

Who is a good candidate for gait physical therapy? 

 To determine whether you are a good candidate for gait rehabilitation physical therapy in Baltimore, Maryland, it’s best to speak with your physician or schedule a consultation. Typically candidates for this form of treatment are those who have experienced: 

• Chronic Pain
• Limited Range of Motion
• Back Pain
• Knee Pain
• +More

What types of physical therapy exercises might a physical therapist recommend? 

For those engaged in gait therapy, your physical therapist will recommend exercises to do both in the office with a physical therapist and at home. After a physical therapist consults with you and reviews your condition, they will develop a series of exercises to improve functioning. Recommended PT exercises may include:

• Heel Slides
• Calf Stretches
• Hip Stretches
• Hamstring Stretches
• Leg Raises
• Step-Ups
• Mini Squats
• Side Stepping Exercises
• Retro Walking
• Balance Exercises 

How can a patient prepare for their first appointment with a physical therapist? 

When engaging in a new form of medical treatment, the process can be daunting and even overwhelming. However, you may also be feeling hopeful for the promise of recovery that treatment can offer. Feeling prepared for your first appointment can help relieve anxiety over what comes next. To properly prepare, be ready to discuss your medical history, to have a full assessment, and to begin the process of learning new exercises that will be aimed at your recovery. 

Choosing LeMoine Physical Therapy

For those aging or recovering from an injury or accident, mobility may be a significant challenge, and physical therapy may help. Impacted mobility can be incredibly challenging, and LeMoine Physical Therapy has professionals experienced in providing treatment to increase mobility and reduce pain. Take control and regain your independence with gait rehabilitation physical therapy in Baltimore, Maryland. 

LeMoine Physical Therapy’s first goal is to help patients reach their maximum rehabilitation potential for a safe return to activities necessary for home, work, sports and/or recreation.

Gait rehabilitation physical therapy in Baltimore, MD provides a full range of comprehensive and specialized physical therapy services to patients recovering from injuries and/or developmental disabilities.

 Common Causes of Gait Disorders

 The most common causes of gait and balance disorders are the following:

•     Injury: Various injuries can lead to gait and balance disorders.
•     Trauma: If you suffer from a shocking, unexpected, and serious injury, this could cause semi-permanent issues with your mobility.
•     Inflammation: If you suffer from inflammatory issues such as arthritis, this may cause issues with your gait and balance.
•     Pain: If you suffer from chronic pain, this may also cause issues with your balance and gait.

 The symptoms of gait disorders 

     Difficulty Walking: These disorders may make it difficult for you to walk at a normal pace or for long distances.

•     Trouble Keeping your Balance: This is one of the top symptoms for those who have a gait or balance issue.
•     Unsteadiness: If you notice that you feel unsteady while trying to complete regular tasks, this is also a sign of one of these disorders.
•     Dizziness: You may also experience dizziness when you are doing things such as walking, running, stretching, etc.
•     Light-headedness: If you notice that you feel lightheaded after exercising, while you are walking, etc., this may be a sign of a disorder.

 Types of Gait Abnormalities That May Require Gait Training

•     Trendelenburg gait; gait resulting from a defective hip abductor mechanism. The primary musculature involved is the gluteal musculature, including the gluteus medius and gluteus minimus muscles. The weakness of these muscles causes drooping of the pelvis to the contralateral side while walking.
•     High steppage gait; gait in which the foot is raised high to avoid catching a drooping foot and is then brought down suddenly in a flapping manner, often due to paralysis of the peroneal and anterior tibial muscles.
•     Spastic gait; Common to patients with cerebral palsy or multiple sclerosis, spastic gait is a way of walking in which one leg is stiff and drags in a semi-circular motion on the side most affected by long-term muscle contraction.
•     Antalgic gait; one of the most common forms of altered gait in patients presenting to the emergency department and primary care offices. It refers to an abnormal pattern of walking secondary to pain that ultimately causes a limp, whereby the stance phase is shortened relative to the swing phase.

At LeMoine Physical Therapy we provide gait rehabilitation physical therapy in Baltimore, MD for all types of gait abnormalities.

Start Your Consultation and Treatment

 You’ve had an injury or an illness. A broken leg, traumatized pelvis or impaired spinal cord. A lower limb amputation, joint injury or muscular dystrophy. A brain injury, stroke or a neurological disorder. And you have lost your ability to stand and walk. You are desperate to get back on your feet and walk, but your muscles are weak and faulty and you can’t develop or maintain a functional walking pattern. Now, if you are such a person or know of someone struggling to walk, then gait rehabilitation can help.

Your Physical Therapist can assess your gait and tailor an exercise program that can improve your gait. Before starting gait rehabilitation physical therapy in Baltimore, MD

program, check in with the specialists at LeMoine Physical Therapy. They can ensure that you are exercising properly and the exercise is safe for you to do.