Balance and Gait Disorders in Mount Vernon
Tackle Balance and Gait Issues in Mount Vernon
Do you freeze mid-step, afraid to take another stride for fear of losing your balance? Does reaching for a cabinet or turning quickly cause the room to spin? You are not alone. Millions of people battle balance and mobility challenges that threaten their confidence and independence.
At New Steps Physical Therapy in Mount Vernon, our specialized neurological physical therapists deliver life-changing rehabilitation programs tailored to restore stability, coordination, and safety for those struggling with balance disorders.
What Causes Balance and Gait Disorders in Mount Vernon?
Your body relies on a complex network of systems—including your inner ear, brain, and nervous system—to maintain balance and execute smooth, coordinated movement. When any part of this network is impaired, it can result in dizziness, instability, and an increased risk of falling.
Common conditions that disrupt balance and walking include:
Neurological Disorders
- Parkinson’s Disease – Gradual loss of dopamine-producing neurons leads to stiffness, tremors, and slowed movement.
- Stroke – Damage to brain pathways responsible for coordinating movement can result in weakness and poor balance.
- Multiple Sclerosis – Disrupted nerve signaling affects motor planning and postural control.
- Traumatic Brain Injury – Damage from concussions or other head injuries impairs coordination and sensory processing.
Identifying the root cause of your balance challenges allows our specialists to create targeted rehabilitation strategies that promote recovery and independence.
Comprehensive Balance and Mobility Assessments
Accurately diagnosing the cause of instability is critical for developing effective, individualized treatment plans. Our assessments provide in-depth insight into your movement patterns, identifying key deficits that may be putting you at risk for falls.
Our balance and gait evaluations include:
- Gait Analysis – Examines step length, walking speed, symmetry, and balance reactions.
- Strength Testing – Identifies muscle weaknesses that may contribute to unsteady movement.
- Assistive Device Assessment – Determines if walking aids (e.g., canes, walkers) can enhance mobility and confidence.
- Range of Motion Testing – Evaluates flexibility limitations that may increase fall risk.
- Medication Review – Screens for prescription side effects that may cause dizziness or imbalance.
By establishing a baseline, we track your improvements over time and adjust your therapy plan to maximize progress.
Targeted Treatment for Balance, Walking, and Fall Prevention
At New Steps Physical Therapy, we go beyond generic therapy programs to provide customized, research-backed interventions that directly address your balance and gait deficits.
Our expert treatment approach includes:
- Balance Re-Education – Controlled movements and positional exercises help retrain your body’s equilibrium system.
- Gait Stabilization Strategies – Corrective walking drills improve step coordination and minimize instability.
- Assistive Equipment Integration – Use of lasers, weights, parallel bars, or gait belts to enhance stability and movement confidence.
- Strength & Flexibility Training – Exercises to improve ankle stability, knee control, and hip strength for smoother movement.
- Endurance Conditioning – Gradual cardiovascular training to build stamina for longer periods of safe walking.
Your plan evolves based on your progress, ensuring continued gains toward restored mobility and confidence.
Why Choose New Steps Physical Therapy?
Not all physical therapy programs are the same, especially when addressing neurological-based balance and gait disorders. At New Steps Physical Therapy in Mount Vernon, we provide specialized care that focuses on fall prevention, actively reducing risks by retraining balance reactions and improving gait mechanics. Our evidence-based treatments utilize cutting-edge, research-supported techniques to deliver the best possible outcomes.
We emphasize real-world application, designing exercises that mimic daily activities to build confidence in navigating home, work, and public spaces. Most importantly, our approach is rooted in compassionate, personalized care, ensuring that each treatment plan is tailored to your unique challenges, goals, and lifestyle.
Common Questions About Balance and Gait Therapy in Mount Vernon
What neurological conditions frequently cause walking difficulties?
Spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, and stroke can impair coordination and motor control, making walking difficult.
What are the most common balance and gait disturbances?
Neurogenic gait disturbances often cause slow, shuffling steps, poor limb elevation, episodes of freezing, and widened stances to compensate for instability.
What factors contribute to dizziness and unsteady walking?
Inner ear disorders, neuropathy, muscle weakness, poor vision, and certain medications can all interfere with balance and coordinated movement.
Start Reclaiming Your Confidence and Mobility Today
Don’t let dizziness, falls, or unsteady walking dictate your life. At New Steps Physical Therapy in Mount Vernon, our expert neurological rehabilitation specialists are dedicated to helping you regain control, confidence, and freedom of movement through personalized therapy plans designed for lasting results.
The sooner you begin therapy, the faster you can restore balance, rebuild strength, and walk with confidence again. Take the first step toward a safer, more independent life today. Call New Steps Physical Therapy in Mount Vernon today!

Dr. Howell brings positive healing challenge to the table (literally) when it comes to physical therapy. Not only is his work environment welcoming, clean and sophisticated; it assures a sense of hope and encouragement to come back for the next session. As a person who works in a high pace – retail industry I can 110% state that without his approach I would have had to go on disability. I’m proud to continue working and still healing; provide for my family and have a mindset that it is possible to listen to my body to strengthen weaken spots before it gets worse again. Dr. Howell, thank you for helping me through this rough patch and having the patience for me and others. Also, thank you for teaching me to reconnect with my soul and body again. That’s the most valuable lesson above all.
Garland Yurkovsky

Dr. K is the REAL DEAL!!!! My mom referred me to him because someone else referred her to Dr. K @ New Steps PT & said he was great. I can 100% agree that Dr. K & his team are THE BEST & absolutely know what they’re doing. I’ve been coming here for about 2.5 months & although I complain about the exercises, I continue to power through. I’m still on the mend, but I already feel significant improvement. Thank you Dr. K & team. You all are wonderful & I’m having an awesome experience.!!!!
