Balance
& Gait Disorders

Balance & Gait Disorders

Achieving balance and ease of movement while standing, walking or running relies on the full coordination of many parts of the body.  The eyes, ears, brain, and musculoskeletal system, among other things, must all be aligned, working properly and communicating effectively to avoid dizziness and awkward motions that increase the potential for fall and injury.

Gait Analysis

One of the fundamental tools used in chiropractic sports medicine is a patient gait analysis. The gait is defined as the speed and manner of a person’s walking style. Analyzing the gait pattern allows for the identification of movement-related abnormalities and inefficiencies, such as pronation, supination or pain that can affect balance and increase the risk of injury or re-injury.

If motor dysfunction is identified, a gait analysis is very often followed by gait training, a physical therapy-style postural rehabilitation plan to achieve better and safer range of motion.

Many times, gait disorders are the result of a preexisting alignment issue in the body.  Other times, they are the inevitable result of compensating for pain.  The newly adapted way of movement to avoid pain can actually cause a misalignment. 

Problems with the gait often lead to problems with balance and vice versa. 

Balance

Balance issues can result from a variety of underlying conditions including natural aging, brain injury, neurological issues, inner ear conditions such as vertigo and Meniere’s Disease, and neck dysfunction from subluxations.

Chiropractic care has proven effective at treating dizziness, neck pain and nausea associated with many balance disorders. Manipulations to the upper cervical spine, at-home balancing and eye exercises, along with other therapies can specifically help with improved equilibrium and balance. 

Issues with balance and gait can dramatically affect both athletic performance and everyday life. DTX Sports Medicine’s approach to assessing and addressing balance and gait disorders involves a multi-modal plan that includes spinal manipulation, advanced therapeutic tools and physical therapy rehabilitation.