Imagine feeling unsteady with every step, worried that a simple walk across the room could lead to a fall. For many, balance issues and mobility challenges create daily frustration and limit independence. Gait training is a form of balance physical therapy that offers hope, helping patients rebuild strength, coordination, and confidence so they can move safely and freely again.
At Virginia Ear Nose and Throat, our skilled physicians, physical therapists, and care team deliver personalized therapy plans using the latest techniques and technology. With compassion, respect, and a focus on education, we empower you to take control of your health and look forward to guiding you on your journey to steadier steps.
What is Gait?
The gait is the natural way in which we move and walk. When our overall balance is affected, so is the gait. Dizziness or other balance issues cause an irregular, unsteady gait that can increase the chance of falling and injury. Balance issues can also impair the patient’s ability to exercise and complete everyday activities. Our physical therapists can help you walk with steadiness and confidence.
Assessing The Gait
Your therapist will first access the way you move and walk through a series of mobility tests designed to identify areas of instability. Testing includes fall risk assessment, quantitative tests and balance and movement quality assessment. Your therapist will also determine if you could benefit from assistive device support such as a wheelchair, scooter, walker, cane or crutches.
Methods of Gait Training
Training can help improve posture, balance and walking speed. Our therapists may recommend body weight-supported rehabilitation through the use of a harness system and stair and curb training. We use two types of harness systems at Virginia Ear Nose and Throat in Henrico, Virginia—the Solo Step System and the Pneumatic Harness System. These harness systems use anti-gravity and body-weight training to allow the patient to safely practice walking.
The Solo Step System
Through the use of a harness that is attached to a track on the ceiling, the Solo-Step System allows patients to complete training in a safe, effective environment. Some benefits of the Solo-Step System include:
The Pneumatic Harness System
The Pneumatic harness system is used over the treadmill and, unlike the Solo-Step System, the harness is attached to an electric motor. This robotic system allows therapists to increase speed while focusing on proper technique. It is just as safe, comfortable and effective as a manual body-weight training system.
Stair and Curb Training
When you feel off-balance, walking is difficult enough, and stepping up and down can be even more of a challenge. Our Total Balance Center is equipped with stair and curb devices to help patients tackle these big shifts in balance in a safe environment. These devices are easy to grip and can be customized to fit the needs of many different patients.
Assistive Device Training
In addition to general training, our therapists can help patients that need assistive device support to choose a device and learn how to use it. Although these devices can ultimately help patients move around better and regain independence, adjusting to a mobility device can be intimidating. Therapists can also help patients practice navigating difficult mobility situations in a safe setting.
Regain Control, Regain Balance with Gait Training in Richmond, VA
If you feel unstable when moving around, you may benefit from balance therapy. At Virginia Ear Nose and Throat, we know that there are few things more frustrating than the fear of falling while walking. Our team of specialists and physical therapists have the tools and techniques to help you walk with confidence again. To get started, call (804) 484-3700 to schedule an appointment.