Balance & Walking Problems

Balance and walking difficulties can affect a wide range of patients—from older adults at risk of falls and individuals recovering from stroke or neurological conditions, to those with inner-ear disorders, diabetic neuropathy, or musculoskeletal weakness. These issues can lead to unsteadiness, decreased mobility, and reduced confidence moving, increasing the risk of injury. Physical therapy offers a non-invasive, evidence-based approach that not only addresses your symptoms but uncovers and treats underlying causes.

Common Causes

  • Vestibular Disorders (e.g., BPPV, Ménière’s disease, post-concussion dizziness)
  • Neurological Conditions (stroke, Parkinson’s disease, peripheral neuropathy)
  • Musculoskeletal Weakness or Imbalance (arthritis, hip/knee pain, foot problems)
  • Visual or Proprioceptive Deficits (reduced joint-position sense)
  • Medication Side Effects or Cardiovascular Issues (blood pressure fluctuations, inner-ear blood flow)

How a Licensed Physical Therapist Can Help

  • Comprehensive Evaluation: Hands-on assessment of your vestibular function, gait mechanics, muscle strength, joint mobility, and posture.
  • Advanced Diagnostics:
    • NCV/EMG Testing by board-certified professionals to detect nerve conduction delays or neuropathies contributing to unsteady gait and to quantify chronicity and severity .
  • Individualized Treatment Plan: Combines vestibular rehabilitation (e.g., canalith repositioning, gaze stabilization), balance retraining exercises, core and lower-extremity strengthening, and proprioceptive drills.
  • Progress Tracking: Repeat EMG assessments and functional gait evaluations to objectively measure nerve recovery and functional improvement.
  • Fall Prevention & Education: Tailored home-exercise programs, environmental modifications, and safety strategies to minimize future risk .

Advantages of Physical Therapy vs. Other Interventions

  • Safe & Non-Invasive Approach
    No surgical complications, anesthesia, or systemic medication side effects—making it suitable for virtually all patients.
  • Long-Lasting Functional Improvement
    Vestibular and gait retraining deliver durable gains in balance and mobility, outperforming medication alone or passive treatments.
  • Empowerment Through Self-Management
    Teaches lasting skills—proper movement strategies, home exercises, and environmental adjustments—to maintain balance and prevent future falls.
  • Targeted Diagnostics for Precision Care
    NCV/EMG testing by board-certified specialists precisely identifies nerve involvement and severity, guiding the most effective, individualized interventions.

References

  1. Gait and balance problems: Common causes and more. Medical News Today.
  2. Catalyst Physical Therapy. Balance and gait disorders – EMG/NCV testing benefits.
  3. Narayanaswami P et al. Diagnostic Accuracy of EMG for Radiculopathy: A Systematic Review. Clin Neurophysiol Pract. 2016;1:123–129.

LispineMed. Vestibular Rehabilitation for Post-Concussion Syndrome. January 2025.