Balance and Gait Disorders in Richardson, TX

At On The Move PT & Wellness in Richardson, our specialized physical therapists understand what you’re going through. We’ve helped countless people regain their confidence and independence through personalized treatment plans that target your specific balance challenges.

Why Do People Have Trouble with Balance and Walking?

Think of your body’s balance system like a complex orchestra – your inner ear, brain, and muscles all need to work together in perfect harmony to keep you steady and walking smoothly. When one part of this orchestra is off-key, it can affect your entire performance.

Common Conditions That Affect Balance

Many of us know someone who has faced balance problems. Here are some common causes you might recognize:

• Parkinson’s Disease – Imagine your brain has a “movement messenger” called dopamine. In Parkinson’s, these messengers gradually disappear, making movement become stiff and slow – like trying to walk through thick honey.
• Stroke – Picture a sudden interruption in your brain’s communication network. It’s like when one side of a bridge collapses – messages can’t get across properly, affecting movement on one side of your body.
• Multiple Sclerosis (MS) – Think of your nerves as electrical wires with protective coating. MS damages this coating, causing messages between your brain and body to become jumbled – like static on a phone line.
• Head Injuries – A significant bump to the head can shake up your brain’s messaging system, similar to how dropping your phone might make it glitch and not work quite right.

How We Check Your Balance

When you come in for an assessment, we look at the whole picture – not just how you walk. We check:

• Your walking style – Are your steps even? Can you walk for as long as you need to?
• Your leg strength – Can you stand up from a chair easily?
• Whether you might benefit from a walking aid – Sometimes a little extra support makes a big difference
• Your flexibility – Can you move your joints freely?
• Your medications – Some can make you feel dizzy or unsteady

How We Help You Get Better

Everyone’s balance problems are different, so we create a plan just for you. Here’s what we might include:

• Balance Training – Like teaching your body to ride a bike again, we help you practice staying steady in different situations
• Strength Building – We focus on the muscles that keep you stable, like building a stronger foundation for a house
• Walking Practice – We help you develop a smoother walking pattern, often using supportive equipment until you’re ready to walk independently
• Endurance Building – Like training for a marathon, we gradually help you walk longer distances without getting tired

Why Choose Specialized Treatment?

Think of it this way: If your car had a specific problem, you’d want a mechanic who knows exactly how to fix it, not just someone who works on cars in general. The same goes for balance problems. We specialize in understanding exactly what’s causing your unsteadiness and how to fix it.

Our focused approach leads to better results:

• Fewer Falls – We help reduce your risk of falling through targeted exercises and techniques
• More Confidence – You’ll learn to handle challenging situations like crowded spaces or uneven surfaces
• Greater Independence – Walk more smoothly without always needing support
• Improved Outlook – As you see progress, you’ll feel more optimistic about staying active