Comprehensive Gait, Balance And Falls Anodyne Therapy Program

Anodyne Therapy: A Photo-Energy Treatment Modality

Comprehensive Gait, Balance And Falls Therapy Program

Balance and fall problems can be caused by problems with:

  • Vision
  • Vestibular (inner ear)
  • Sensory Nerve Function in Legs, Ankles, Feet
  • Some Medications Cause Poor Balance

Because painful circulatory problems can lead to gait and balance problems, Anodyne therapy can be effectively used as a treatment component of a comprehensive gait and balance program. In order to assess patients for fall risk, we:

  • Evaluate typical balance/fall risk issues (listed above).
  • Conduct a somatosensory assessment (monofilament, proprioception testing).
  • Pain assessment.
  • Conduct a functional evaluation (Tinetti or Berg, Range of Motion, etc) for flexibility, strength, balance, ability to walk/do activities, vestibular effect.

We then set goals based on what the patient wants to be able to do at the end of treatment.

Generally, our typical gait/balance/falls therapy protocol may include:

  • Anodyne therapy to increase circulation, decrease pain, stiffness, muscle spasm.
  • Anodyne 3 times per week, for 30 minutes (minimum) per session, 12-24 treatment sessions.
  • Therapeutic exercise for strengthening, endurance, range of motion and flexibility.
  • Neuromuscular re-education as balance exercises.
  • Gait training for proper walking techniques.
  • Other modalities and therapeutic techniques, sensory integrative techniques.
  • Addressing any other issues having an affect on balance (vision, medication, vestibular, etc).

[Note: Anodyne is not cleared for improving gait and balance. In our program, Anodyne therapy is used adjunctively to increase circulation and reduce pain as part of a coordinated physical therapy plan. The gait, balance and falls results cannot be ascribed to Anodyne therapy alone.]