Turns out, there’s a right way and a wrong way to walk.

It’s about safety, says Michele Warehime, a physical therapist with Tidelands Health Neurological Rehabilitation Center. 

“A lot of people don’t realize how unsafe they are until they take a look at their walk,” she says.

That’s why some patients experiencing balance issues — like those who have recently had a stroke or brain injury, those who have started falling and people who are experiencing leg pain or numbness — may be referred to a physical therapist for something called a gait assessment.

“When we do a gait assessment on a patient, we simply watch how they walk,” Warehime says. “We look at how big of a step they take, how fast they walk and if they’re independent or need assistance.”

Physical therapists also observe how patients navigate obstacles in their path, such as curbs or stairs, and test their leg strength.

Warehime performs gait assessments for a variety of reasons. Some patients are recovering from a neurological issue such as a stroke, while others are learning how to be safe as they age.

Physical therapists help patients improve their strength, balance, and endurance through various exercises. These include:

• Standing on one leg
• Closing their eyes while standing
• Adjusting to different surfaces
• Moving and changing directions

For patients who have fallen, physical therapists may teach them how to use assistive devices like canes or walkers. They will also address factors contributing to falls, such as weakness, inner ear issues, and balance integration. Warehime also encourages patients to make changes at home to reduce their fall risk, including turning the lights on if they get up in the middle of the night or removing rugs.

“Patients can be a little worried about the idea of an assistive device,” Warehime says. “Often, it’s temporary and balance and stability can be worked on through therapy so that a device isn’t needed.”

If you’re experiencing balance issues, a Tidelands Health physical therapist can help identify the cause and work toward correcting it.