Do your legs feel wobbly when you stand, or are you struggling to walk around with fluid movements? If so, taking steps to correct your gait may be the answer.
At first glance, proper gait and balance techniques may seem complicated but with a little guidance, it can be a straightforward process!
With today’s blog post, we’ll dive into what exactly a gait is, how it affects movement, and tips and techniques for improving your sense of body awareness that will help regain or possibly even better overall motion range.
By understanding how our muscles are designed to move together as well as the basics of biomechanics anyone can learn practical techniques they need to start correcting their own gait right away!
What Is Gait?
Gait, in its simplest definition, refers to the manner in which a person walks.
However, it is a complex process influenced by various factors such as age, gender, weight, height, muscle strength, and even psychological factors such as mood and stress levels.
Therefore, each individual has a unique gait signature that distinguishes them from others.
Experts like ua, consider gait analysis an essential tool for assessing movement abnormalities, identifying musculoskeletal issues, and determining specific needs for rehabilitation or therapy.
Understanding gait can provide valuable insights into the overall health and well-being of an individual as well as improve balance.
How Does It Affect Your Mobility?
Your gait encompasses everything from your stride length to the position of your feet.
When analyzing someone's gait, we take note of any abnormalities or inefficiencies that may be affecting their ability to move comfortably or efficiently.
For example, if someone has a limp or is favoring one side of their body, this could be due to a misalignment in their gait that is causing them to compensate for pain or discomfort.
By addressing these issues and improving your gait, you can drastically improve your mobility and overall quality of life which can mean you maintain independence long into your later life.
How Do You Correct Your Gait To Gain Mobility?
#1 Understand The Basics Of Good Posture
Good posture is crucial for maintaining not only a healthy body but also for improving your gait. It's not just about standing up straight, but about aligning your spine, shoulders, and hips for proper balance and stability.
When you're in alignment, you'll notice how much easier it is to walk with a smooth and steady gait.
So how do you achieve good posture?
Focus on keeping your shoulders down and back, pull in your belly button, and make sure your ears are directly over your shoulders.
It's also important to note that correcting your posture can take time and dedication as it's easy to subconsciously slip back into old habits.
#2 Strengthen The Muscles Around Your Knees
As we age, our joints may become weaker and less stable, causing us to experience problems with our gait. This can lead to difficulty walking and decreased mobility.
Fortunately, there are exercises you can do to strengthen the muscles around your knees and improve your gait. Proper exercise can help keep your knees stable and strong, allowing you to move with ease and confidence.
By incorporating targeted exercises into your fitness routine, you'll be taking a proactive approach to maintaining your mobility while also improving your overall health and well-being.
So, whether you're looking to stay active in your golden years or simply want to move with more ease, strengthening the muscles around your knees is a smart choice!
#3 Improve Your Flexibility
Improving your flexibility can do wonders for your gait.
So, what can someone do to increase their flexibility?
The key is to incorporate stretching into your daily routine. Regularly stretching your muscles, especially those in your legs and hips, can help to lengthen them and improve your range of motion.
Yoga and Pilates are also great activities to increase flexibility, as they focus on stretching and strengthening the body.
By making flexibility a priority, you can experience a more fluid and effortless gait, leading to less pain and more enjoyment in daily movement.
Worried About Falling And Losing Your Independence?
Right now at FYZICAL, we're offering a free balance and gait assessment to help you feel more confident on your feet and reduce your risk of a fall that could lead to serious injury and potential loss of independence.
We understand it can sometimes be daunting to take your health into your own hands and seek help, but that's why we're here! We'll support you through every step of the process and make sure your worries are put at ease.
During your free balance and gait assessment you'll be able to talk to a physical therapy expert, ask all of your questions and we'll be able to help you get back to feeling strong on your feet, and provide you with the very best treatment options to suit you and your recovery!
If this problem has gone on too long and you're ready for some answers call our Waukesha clinic at 62-349-9297 to arrange your free balance and gait assessment.
Other Free Resources To Increase Balance And Stability
Take our Fight The Fall Quiz where you can quickly find out your fall risk, and receive some free expert advice about preventing falls in the elderly and younger individuals struggling with their balance and coordination.
Read Our Blog - How To Fight Falls For Parkinson's Patients
Follow Us On Social Media - FYZICAL Therapy & Balance Centers- Waukesha