Is your child having trouble staying upright while walking or running? Do you see them moving in strange patterns? If this is the case, your child may have a balance or gait disorder.
Underlying musculoskeletal and neurological disorders in children can cause or aggravate balance or gait issues. There are numerous causes for this condition, which can result in both physical and mental limitations in daily life. Fortunately, physical therapy can be beneficial.
At Care360 Physical Therapy, we can treat the underlying cause of your child’s symptoms and help them live a better life. Are you ready to learn more about how our services can benefit your child? Request an appointment with our pediatric physical therapy office in Miami, FL today.
How are balance and gait disorders different?
Although balance and gait disorders are closely related, there are some important distinctions!
Gait disorders
Gait disorders can cause abnormal walking and running movements that can become exaggerated as a result of other underlying issues. Children with Cerebral Palsy or other neuromuscular disorders are more likely to have a gait disorder.
Balance disorders
Balance problems can be physical or neurological in nature. Joint strength, mobility, and the ability to sense where your joints are in space (proprioception) all affect your balance. Many children have balance problems as a result of other underlying issues; some children with Down Syndrome have balance problems.
If you’re not sure if any of these issues apply to your child, a Care360 Physical Therapy therapist can help you by providing you with an accurate diagnosis.
How do I know if my child has a gait or balance problem?
It can be difficult to determine whether your child has a gait or balance disorder without consulting a specialist, especially if your child is very young and cannot yet express how they feel. At first glance, your child may appear to be “clumsy” or simply navigating their way through the various stages of development.
The presence of the following symptoms can assist parents in determining whether their child has a balance or gait disorder:
- Balance issues that make it difficult to stand up, walk, turn corners, or climb the stairs without falling, bumping into things, or stumbling.
- Walking with their legs wide apart.
- Nausea, vomiting, and stomach pain.
- Involuntary eye movements.
- Vision problems.
- Headaches or migraines.
- Delayed development.
- Frequent falls.
- Constant fatigue or feelings of tiredness.
- Vertigo– children may describe this as feeling like the world is spinning or similar to the sensation of being on a merry-go-round.
The best way to determine if your child has a gait or balance disorder is by visiting a pediatric physical therapist. A licensed therapist can evaluate your child’s symptoms and create a personalized plan to tackle the issue they are facing head-on.
How will pediatric PT benefit my child?
Our pediatric physical therapists work with children who have delays or difficulty with walking and other gross motor skills. Our skilled team will evaluate your child’s posture, joint movement and stability, muscle strength, balance and coordination on a variety of surfaces.
After a thorough evaluation, one of our therapists will develop a personalized treatment plan for your child. Their treatment plan may include:
- Gait retraining exercises to correct abnormalities by learning proper movement techniques.
- Strengthening exercises to improve movement and functionality.
- Stretches to improve flexibility and range of motion.
At Care360 Physical Therapy, we strive to make therapy enjoyable and engaging for your child—making it something they look forward to! They may navigate obstacle courses during a session to improve their coordination and motor planning.
Your child’s therapist may also suggest activities for them to do at home, such as stair climbing, yoga, or riding a scooter or bike. We’ll give you the tools you need to help your child with their at-home exercise so they get the best results possible. Your child’s development will be obvious before you know it!
Contact us right away!
Do you need a pediatric physical therapist? If so, you’ve come to the right place. Contact Care360 Physical Therapy today to schedule a consultation and begin the process of assisting your child in living a more functional life!
