"Walk This Way," by Aerosmith in 1975, is a tune sung by many Physical Therapists as we utilize our special blend of humor and skill to improve our clients ability to walk.

Potential clients often ask: "Do you specialize in gait training?" Just like in all forms of medicine these days, physical therapists also tend to have certain specialities that are unique to their own practice. Physical Therapists have quite the discerning eye and can pick up a dysfunctional pattern of gait a mile away (well maybe not quite that far, but you catch my drift).

What is Gait Training?

Gait refers to the way we walk. And gait training is a specific form of physical therapy that helps strengthen and improve your walk and stance. And, yes, Cape Concierge Physical Therapy does specialize in gait training.

Patients have many different reasons for wanting gait training, and the list is a long one, but here are the top 5.

1. Stroke

2. Joint Replacement

3. Parkinson's Disease

4. Fall Prevention

5. Low Back Pain

Stroke is a leading cause of long-term disability.

Impairments caused by a stroke lead to difficulties with walking. So many of the patients we evaluate and treat list walking ability has one of their top priorities. In addition, walking ability has been shown to prevent secondary complications, such as heart disease, osteoporosis, joint stiffness/osteoarthritis and decrease risk of falling.

Most of our patients with a stroke will have received some rehab services immediately after the event, rarely does rehabilitation extend beyond one year post-injury. Rehab services, such as PT, OT and Speech are typically discontinued after 6 months due to the belief that a "plateau in functional recovery" has been reached by this time. Additionally, traditional insurance companies will not pay for long term services, even if though they are beneficial.

Impairments resulting from stroke, such as muscle weakness, pain, spasticity and poor balance will only worsen the cycle of difficulty walking, poor balance and sedentary lifestyle.

Cape Concierge Physical Therapy and other Concierge PT companies will create a customized wellness program for each patient so that long term gains can be made. Patients may only need treatment 1-2 times per month in order to reach their goals. We offer a holistic approach, including Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Speech Therapy and Massage Therapy.

Balance and Parkinson's Disease

People with Parkinson's often experience increased gait impairments as the disease progresses and symptoms become more severe.

• Hypokinesia (decreased step length with decreased speed).

• Decreased coordination.

• Festination (decreased step length with increased cadence).

• Freezing of gait (the inability to produce effective steps at the initiation of gait or the complete cessation of stepping during gait).

• Difficulty with dual tasking during gait. 

Our patients with Parkinson's Disease often have a fear of falling with has it's own psychological impact leading to depression and feelings of isolation. This is probably the biggest reason for patients seeking our help with their gait and balance. Maintaining independence is critical for patients in all stages of their Parkinson's journey.

Gait training does work!

Prevent falls and improve your quality of life by learning how to walk better with physical therapy. It's not just about living longer, it's about living better.