Boost Your Independence With a Gait Speed Analysis!
Walking is a wonderful way to improve your health. It strengthens your heart, boosts your mood, enhances mobility, and helps prevent chronic illnesses. But here’s the catch—walking requires a baseline level of health and mobility to be safe and effective.
If your balance, strength, or endurance is compromised, walking can become more challenging or even risky for short distances. By addressing any mobility concerns you might have early, you can enjoy the countless benefits of walking while reducing the risk of falls or injuries.
Has Your Walking Slowed Down? Here’s Why It Matters
If you’ve experienced a recent fall, struggled with balance, or didn’t move as much as you wanted this winter, you’re not alone. Aging, injuries, and being indoors for long periods can make us less active. The good news? You can regain mobility and reduce your risk of falls with simple steps.
Did You Know?
Walking speed can predict your future independence. Research shows that slower walking speeds are linked to:
- Higher risks of falls
- Challenges with daily activities like cooking and cleaning
- Increased likelihood of hospitalization
The best part? Gait speed can be measured, monitored, and, best of all, improved!
What Is Gait Speed?
It’s simply how fast you walk.
Why Does It Matter?
A gait speed evaluation provides valuable insights into the following:
- Your fall risk
- Whether you need help with daily activities
- Your overall health and life expectancy
What Happens During a Gait Speed Analysis?
This quick test takes less than five minutes. You’ll walk a short distance at your normal pace while a healthcare provider observes your movement.
Why Get a Gait Speed Analysis?
If you’ve been slowing down, losing balance, or falling, this evaluation can help healthcare providers develop a personalized care plan to improve mobility and safety.
How CaringEdge Can Help
At CaringEdge, our physical therapists specialize in gait speed analysis and can create a plan tailored to your needs. We accept Medicare for home health services, meaning your care could be low-cost or fully covered.
Based on your results, you may qualify for physical therapy to:
- Boost your independence
- Prevent falls
- Improve your overall quality of life
Benefits of Physical Therapy:
- Gain confidence in your mobility
- Reduce fall risks
- Get back to doing what you love
The Power of Prevention
Slowing down when walking indoors can increase your risk of trips and falls. Remember: you lose mobility when you don’t use it. A gait speed analysis is a powerful tool for assessing your condition and tracking progress.
Don’t wait for a fall to take action. You can improve mobility and safety today with CaringEdge’s therapists and home health services. Contact CaringEdge at info@caringedge.com to learn more. Let’s work together to keep you moving safely and confidently!