Dynamic Physical Therapy
Balance and Gait Disorders in Cottonwood Heights & Salt Lake City, UT
Balance and Gait Rehabilitation
Feeling unsteady on your feet or noticing changes in your walking pattern can impact daily life and increase the risk of falls. Balance and gait issues can arise from muscle weakness, neurological conditions, or inner ear dysfunction, making movement challenging. Physical therapy provides targeted interventions to restore stability, improve coordination, and enhance mobility.
Causes of Balance and Gait Issues
Balance and walking difficulties can stem from a variety of factors, including:
- Muscle weakness or imbalances
- Inner ear dysfunction affecting equilibrium
- Neurological conditions such as Parkinson’s or stroke
- Joint stiffness or mobility restrictions
- Poor posture and walking mechanics
Without proper treatment, symptoms can worsen over time, increasing fall risk and limiting independence.
Comprehensive Approach to Balance and Gait Rehabilitation
A thorough assessment helps identify the underlying causes of balance or walking difficulties. Based on individual needs, physical therapy may include:
1. Strength and Stability Training
- Core and lower-body strengthening to improve support
- Balance exercises on stable and unstable surfaces
- Coordination drills to enhance movement control
Ali Svoboda
I am so lucky to have found Dynamic PT. They came highly recommended from a neighbor and I plan on sticking with Matt and the team for any PT needs. Each session Matt takes time to check in on how I am doing, answers all of my questions, provides explanations for any treatments and exercises, and spends a lot of time working with me. He is very knowledgeable and has given me great questions and suggestions to discuss with my primary doctor as well. The front office is very easy to work with for any questions and scheduling needs, and their online scheduler is very to easy to use as well. Thank you to Matt and the entire Dynamic PT team!
Alex Henricks
I was referred to Dynamic Physical Therapy for a lower back injury. Ariel Branden was my physical therapist and she was excellent! My objective was to get back to where I was pre-injury but I was ready to make some concessions with how I was working out. When I ran this by Ariel she challenged me and said there’s no reason you shouldn’t be able to do what you were doing pre-injury. So, she set the bar higher than I did for my rehabilitation. She did an awesome job of being informative and being able to switch paths without blinking. We tried dry needling for a couple sessions but the feedback I provided her lead her to believe other treatments would be more effective.
2. Vestibular Rehabilitation
- Eye movement exercises to improve stability
- Head and body repositioning techniques to reduce dizziness
- Balance training to retrain the inner ear’s role in stability
3. Gait Retraining
- Walking pattern analysis to correct stride and posture
- Functional exercises to improve walking efficiency
- Obstacle navigation to build confidence in movement
4. Fall Prevention Education
- Home safety recommendations to reduce hazards
- Assistive device training for added support
- Strategies to improve stability in daily activities
By addressing multiple factors, therapy helps restore mobility and confidence while reducing the likelihood of falls.
Frequently Asked Questions
What neurological conditions can affect gait?
Conditions like Parkinson’s disease, stroke, multiple sclerosis, and neuropathy can contribute to instability and walking difficulties. Physical therapy can help manage symptoms and improve movement patterns.
How long does it take to improve balance and walking?
Most individuals see progress within 4-6 weeks, but long-term improvements may take 3-6 months depending on the severity of the condition.
What can I do at home to improve balance?
Incorporating strength and stability exercises, practicing proper posture, and removing environmental hazards can support therapy efforts. A therapist can provide a tailored home program for ongoing improvement.
Meet Your Balance and Gait Disorders Team
At Dynamic Physical Therapy, we provide specialized assessment and treatment for balance and gait disorders through evidence-based approaches. Our comprehensive care addresses underlying causes while improving stability, safety, and confidence during movement.
Matthew Nelson PT, DPT, TPS, AFDNS, AIB Cert – VR
Matt brings his vestibular rehabilitation certification to the treatment of complex balance disorders affecting daily function and mobility. His expertise in neurological rehabilitation allows him to identify subtle impairments contributing to instability and fall risk. Matt implements comprehensive treatment strategies that address sensory integration, strength deficits, and movement patterns to restore confidence and safety during walking and other activities.
Jessica Bauerkemper PT, DPT, AIB CERT – VR
Jessica utilizes her vestibular rehabilitation training and orthopedic expertise to treat balance and gait disorders stemming from multiple systems. Her approach focuses on identifying how musculoskeletal limitations interact with vestibular and neurological factors to affect stability. Jessica integrates Pilates principles to develop core strength and postural control essential for balanced, efficient movement patterns during walking and functional activities.
Anika Jansen, PT, DPT
Anika specializes in treating balance and gait disorders through her expertise in vestibular therapy, concussion management, and balance rehabilitation. Her comprehensive assessment identifies how visual, vestibular, and proprioceptive systems contribute to stability challenges. Anika develops personalized treatment plans that address each component of balance, helping patients progressively rebuild confidence and safety during everyday movements and challenging environments.
Ciena Lavallee PT, DPT, Cert. MDT
Ciena combines her McKenzie Method expertise with balance training principles to address gait disorders resulting from mechanical dysfunction. Her systematic approach identifies how movement patterns throughout the body affect walking mechanics and stability. Ciena specializes in developing progressive balance challenges that prepare patients for real-world environments, helping them return to independent, confident mobility in daily life and recreational activities.
Take the Next Step Toward Stability
If balance or gait issues are limiting your mobility, physical therapy can help restore confidence and independence. Contact Dynamic Physical Therapy to schedule an assessment and start your path toward better movement today.