No one wants to deal with an injury. They’re frequently painful and can prevent you from performing even everyday activities. Injuries that affect your balance and gait can be particularly challenging, as simple mobility becomes challenging, and you risk suffering a fall. But rehabilitation after injury can help decrease those risks!
At Anders & Associates Physical Therapy, our team has extensive experience helping people improve their balance and gait after an injury. Our personalized rehabilitation programs will help you regain steady, pain-free movement to more easily return to the activities you love.
Our approach involves targeted exercise to help you build the strength and coordination necessary to improve your balance and gait. Curious about what rehabilitation after injury looks like? Keep reading to find out more!
What Kind Of Injuries Affect Balance and Gait?
Balance and gait issues often follow injuries affecting the lower body, spine, or head, such as the following:
Ankle and Foot Injuries
- Sprains, fractures, and tendon injuries in the ankle and foot can weaken these structures, making it difficult to walk steadily or shift weight without pain.
Knee Ligament Tears
- Tears in your knee ligaments, such as the ACL, can destabilize the knee, leading to unsteady movement, pain, and difficulty with daily activities.
Hip Injuries
- Hip fractures, dislocations, or other injuries can reduce leg strength and stability, causing limping or difficulty bearing weight.
Spinal Injuries
- Injuries to the spine, especially in the lower back, can disturb posture and stability and affect balance. Recovery may take longer due to the spine’s crucial role in movement and balance.
Head Injuries
- Concussions and other traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) can impair balance if the injury affects your vestibular function.
Balance and Gait Rehabilitation After Injury: What To Expect
At Anders & Associates Physical Therapy, we take the time to learn more about you, your injury, and your overall rehabilitation goals. We’ll also perform a comprehensive physical exam that includes an in-depth assessment of your balance, walking patterns, strength, and mobility.
All this information allows us to create a truly personalized rehabilitation program that suits your unique needs. While no two programs are exactly alike, here’s a general overview of the techniques we typically employ:
Strength and Mobility Exercises
- Strong muscles and a good range of motion are essential for improving balance and gait. We’ll walk you through exercises that address muscle weakness or restricted mobility, making movement easier overall while helping reduce your fall risk.
Balance Training
- Personalized balance drills help your body re-learn stability. We select these drills based on your current ability levels and gradually increase them as you improve.
Gait Training
- We’ll work with you to correct any uneven movements in your walking patterns brought on by your injury. Adjustments may involve improving step length, pace, or weight distribution, making walking smoother and safer.
Coordination Drills
- After an injury, the brain and body may need to reestablish a connection pathway to help you move better. Coordination exercises, like stepping over obstacles, help retrain this connection to improve your balance.
Looking to Rehabilitate After an Injury? Give Us a Call!
Rehabilitation after injury isn’t just about feeling steady on your feet—it’s about regaining independence and confidence in movement. Our personalized gait and balance training programs empower you to move more freely and safely.
If balance and gait issues are holding you back, the team at Anders & Associates Physical Therapy can offer you a clear path to recovery. Call our North Las Vegas, NV, and Las Vegas, NV clinic today to get started!
