Gait training can have many benefits. It can improve the way you walk while helping to address the symptoms of chronic illnesses and injuries. If you’re having trouble walking, gait training may help. Physical therapists often incorporate gait training into a more comprehensive treatment plan. This means that, in addition to receiving personalized gait training, you can also experience the benefits of other treatment methods.

Are you wondering if gait training is right for you? Gait training can help in treating a range of conditions, from stroke to leg injury. According to one study, gait training that incorporates electrical stimulation can be especially effective for improving mobility in people post-stroke. Electrical stimulation is a specialized physical therapy modality commonly used to relieve pain from soft tissue injuries. It can also be useful in improving your gait when integrated with hands-on training. Learning about the many benefits of physical therapy gait training can help illustrate why it might be right for your condition.

What is gait training?

Gait refers to the way you walk. If you have an irregular gait, it could indicate an underlying condition. Gait training refers to a treatment designed to help a person improve their walking patterns. If you have a condition that affects your ability to walk, gait training may be right for you. Gait training can be beneficial for people with chronic neurological conditions and people who have sustained debilitating injuries. It may also be useful if you’re currently recovering from a surgery that impacted your ability to walk. Depending on your condition, your physical therapist may incorporate gait training into your postsurgery rehabilitation.

Gait training can involve multiple treatment methods. Practice is one of the central aspects. Working with your physical therapist, you will practice proper walking techniques. You may also receive other treatments that help support proper gait. For example, if you walk with a limp due to weakened muscles in one leg, your physical therapist may guide you through leg strengthening exercises.

People need gait training for a variety of reasons. Because of this, gait training is not a one-dimensional approach. Gait training can be tailored to the needs of each patient. When working to improve your gait, your physical therapist will customize your treatment to match your needs and recovery goals.

4 benefits of gait training in physical therapy

• Improved balance — A primary goal of gait training is improving balance. If you’re managing a neurological condition or recovering from an injury, you may have a hard time maintaining your balance. Poor balance can make it hard to stay on your feet. It can also increase your risk of injury due to falls. Gait training can help address these concerns. During gait training, you may work with your physical therapist to strengthen your core muscles. These muscles play a crucial role in keeping your body balanced during movement. Your physical therapist may also recommend balance-centered exercises, including targeted dynamic stretches. These exercises can help you maintain your balance even as your center of gravity shifts. With effective gait training, you can improve your stability while walking quickly or moving on uneven surfaces.
• Enhanced coordination — Balance and gait disorders can negatively affect your coordination. This is especially true of conditions with neurological symptoms. Poor coordination can make your walking movements more stiff and less efficient. With physical therapy gait training, you can work to improve your physical coordination. Better coordination translates to smoother, more efficient walking patterns.
• Reduced pain — Are you experiencing chronic pain? Your pain could be connected to your gait. Poor gait and posture can lead to uneven weight distribution, which can put excessive pressure on certain muscles, joints and other tissue. Poor gait often contributes to back pain. Left untreated, poor gait can even lead to conditions like tendinitis. If you’re experiencing persistent pain associated with walking, it may be time to seek treatment. By improving your gait, you may be able to find lasting relief. Physical therapy gait training focuses on addressing imbalances that may be leading to painful pressure and tension. Your physical therapist may also utilize specialized pain relief techniques like ultrasound therapy.
• Better endurance — Do you often feel fatigued after walking? The cause could be poor gait. Gait issues can cause you to exert much more energy than necessary while walking. This may lead you to overexert your muscles and exhaust yourself. By correcting gait abnormalities, you can improve your movement efficiency and walk for longer periods of time without feeling tired. Your physical therapist may also guide you through targeted exercises that further improve your stamina and endurance.

3 top gait training exercises

Are you ready to start improving your gait? Targeted exercises can help. Your physical therapist can work with you to build an exercise program tailored to your condition. Here are some top gait training exercises your treatment may include:

• Lunges — Lunges help strengthen muscles throughout the lower body. A lunge engages the legs, hips and core. Principal muscles involved include the quadriceps, glutes and hamstrings. All of these muscles play important roles in walking. With lunges, you can build strength in critical areas while also improving your balance. Ready to get started? To do lunges, start in a standing position. Then take a big step forward with one foot. Lower your body until both of your knees are bent at a 90-degree angle. Hold for a few seconds; then push yourself back up into a standing position. After resetting, lunge forward with your other leg. Try to do a few lunges with each leg during each exercise session. Your physical therapist can help you find a good number of repetitions that improves your condition without leading to overexertion.
• Standing marches — Standing marches are a good way to engage the muscles used for walking. This exercise mimics marching, allowing you to hone your balance and develop essential muscles. To do standing marches, stand up straight. Keep your spine aligned throughout the whole exercise. This helps promote good posture habits. While standing, lift one knee toward your chest as if you are marching in an exaggerated manner. Instead of stepping forward with this leg, though, simply return it to its starting place. Then lift the other leg and repeat the motion. You should feel like you are marching in place. Continue marching for a few minutes. You may feel a stretch around your hip flexor muscles. In addition to building strength, this exercise promotes balance by encouraging you to stabilize yourself on one leg at a time.
• Heel-to-toe walk — Doing a heel-to-toe walk can be a good way to practice a natural walking pattern. To do a heel-to-toe walk, start slowly. Walk at a measured pace, taking slow, controlled steps. With each step, shift your weight gradually from your heel to your toe. Land on your heel with each step and lift off the floor with your toe. Time your steps so that one heel touches the floor a moment before the toes of the other foot lift up. Focusing on your heels and toes can help you pay more attention to the way you walk, allowing you to improve your gait. As you practice your heel-to-toe walk, you can start walking more quickly and smoothly.

Lattimore Physical Therapy can help you improve your gait and posture

Are you ready to receive top-notch gait training? You can get the support you need at Lattimore Physical Therapy. Our team can address a variety of balance and gait disorders. We utilize a range of treatment methods to ensure that each patient gets effective, comprehensive care tailored to their condition.

Contact our team today for more information about gait training or to schedule an initial appointment.