What are the benefits of balance and gait training?
Bad falls are a constant worry for seniors and others who have physical challenges. And those worries aren’t unfounded. Falls are the leading cause of injury-related deaths and serious health problems in the U.S.
Improving your walking skills — technically known as your “gait” — and your balance are interrelated challenges. Physical therapy helps you master these skills to decrease your risk of injury while at the same time increasing your confidence and independence.
Balance and gait are inextricably linked because they tend to impact one another. Even if you don’t think you’re in danger of falling over, that “running out of steam” while walking that you’re attributing to aging muscles could be something else. The problem might actually be slowing reflexes, which make moving around seem more strenuous than it is. By the same token, poor posture and gait can throw off those reflexes.
In fact, the balance and gait systems both rely to some extent on a complex number of body systems that include the inner ear, the eyes, the joint-muscle-nerve system, and, of course, cognitive functions. Therapy that improves gait and balance works with all of these systems to keep them functioning in harmony.
Gait and balance training has a range of benefits, with avoiding injuries being at the top of the list. Beyond lessening your chances of falling or feeling dizzy, you’re also more likely to feel confident with your footing. In addition, those aches and pains from poor posture are likely to decrease as well.
What does balance and gait training entail?
First, we’ll evaluate your gait to determine potential problems with strength and posture. Simple movements to test balance are also part of the assessment. Together, these basic evaluations point us in the direction of what to focus on in terms of therapy.
Hip and ankle weakness often leads to balance problems, as does poor posture. Strength and flexibility movements can help counteract these problems. These are often as simple as leg lifts while seated in a chair, or “knee marching.” We may also practice standing on one leg, walking heel-to-toe, or tracking the movement of your thumb with your eyes as you move it in various positions.
Ready to “balance” your life again?
With our dedicated team of physiotherapists behind you, you’ll regain confidence in navigating challenging terrain and learning how to avoid dizzy spells. You may even be able to leave that cane or walker behind! Contact us at Whitehorse, Yukon center today for a consultation so you can regain your independence as soon as possible.
Custom Foot Orthotics
Includes a gait assessment, plaster casting of the feet and a biomechanical analysis.
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Occupational Therapy
Our Occupational Therapist can provide OT assessments and services. Please phone us at 867 668-4886 for more details and to book assessments.
Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy
Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy is a specialized form of physiotherapy that focuses on the rehabilitation of the pelvic floor muscles. Therapy often involves exercises, manual techniques, and education to improve pelvic floor function and alleviate symptoms related to dysfunction.
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Vestibular
Vestibular rehabilitation therapy involves exercises that help you manage dizziness and balance issues (imbalance). This therapy may help people cope with the symptoms of conditions such as vertigo and labyrinthitis.
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Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy helps to restore movement and function when someone is affected by injury, illness or disability. It can also help to reduce your risk of injury or illness in the future. It takes a holistic approach that involves the patient directly in their own care. This can be for a workplace injury, sports injury or just helping someone overcome aches and pains that are holding them back.
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Ergonomics
This is the service that encompasses office ergonomic assessments and industrial ergonomics including job demands analysis. Please call (867) 668-4886 to book.
Custom Bracing
Includes an initial assessment, fitting and follow up.
Office Staff
These are the incredible group of people that help to run the clinic.
WCB
We can treat work related injuries from all jurisdictions in Canada.
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Concussion
Concussion rehabilitation addresses a variety of symptoms and functional deficits, ultimately guiding individuals towards a safe return to their pre-injury level of activity. Physiotherapists employ a variety of techniques, including manual therapy,
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Active Rehabilitation
1 on 1 session in the gym overseen by a physiotherapist but directly with a kinesiologist.
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Massage Therapy
Our massage therapist is working toward his RMT certification. Until he is certified, you can enjoy his services at half of the industry rate for one hour of massage therapy. NO INSURANCE CLAIMS CAN BE MADE.
Physiotherapy Day Rate
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Canada Games Centre
200 Hamilton Blvd, 300Whitehorse, YT
Y1A 0A6
frontdesk@physiopluswhitehorse.com
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