Exercises for gait disorders
One pillar of the improvement and therapy of a gait disorder is physiotherapy, in which various exercises are used to build up the muscles or counteract poor posture. Exercises are particularly useful for orthopedic problems, but certain exercises also play an important role after a stroke, for example, to improve the gait pattern again. Depending on the cause and extent of the gait disorder, certain exercises can be considered, which must be professionally instructed and consistently performed by the patient.
In cases of mild spinal canal stenosis, it makes sense to strengthen the back muscles to improve posture and thus relieve pressure from the nerves. In old age, exercises to stabilize the leg and hip muscles are particularly worthwhile. In addition, exercises to improve coordination and the sense of balance can be used, which can significantly reduce gait disorders and the risk of falling.
For children, exercises to improve the posture and position of the joints are also a good measure, as many posture problems can still be corrected at a young age. It is important to know that all exercises are only effective if they are performed properly and carefully. It is therefore worthwhile to seek the help of physiotherapists to learn the training procedures together so that they can be performed at home at a later date.
Of course every kind of physiotherapy has its limits. Therefore, if the gait disorder does not improve even after a few weeks, further therapeutic measures must be considered. Also, a clear diagnosis should have been made beforehand by a physician in order not to unnecessarily delay the start of an adequate therapy in case of serious diseases. Often, however, exercises are a proven remedy for mild forms of gait disorders, especially for poor posture and muscle weakness.
This is the prognosis of a gait disorder
The prognosis of a gait disorder depends on its cause. There are causes for gait disorders that can be treated well, and then the gait disorder usually improves rapidly. This is the case with (normal pressure) hydrocephalus, for example.
After the removal of cerebrospinal fluid, there is a relief of the internal cerebrospinal fluid in the brain and the gait disorder improves abruptly. Even an untreated Parkinson’s disease can be improved by drug therapy. Ultimately, Parkinson’s disease, but also multiple sclerosis, are chronically progressive diseases that cannot be cured. The resulting gait disorder therefore has a worse prognosis.
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