Do You Have Difficulty Walking Due to Balance/Gait Issues?
For Elizabeth, a vibrant 72-year-old retired teacher, life had always been about embracing every moment. She relished spending her days tending to her garden, meeting friends for tea, and sharing stories with her grandchildren. Yet, over time, something began to change, something she couldn’t quite grasp.
It started subtly. Elizabeth noticed that her once-steady gait had become somewhat unsteady. Her confident stride had given way to tentative steps. Each morning, as she rose from her bed, she couldn’t ignore the peculiar feeling of imbalance that now seemed to accompany her every move.
With a touch of anxiety creeping in, Elizabeth began to modify her daily routine. She avoided taking long walks, opting for shorter strolls instead. The thought of climbing stairs made her apprehensive, and she held onto handrails with an iron grip.
One sunny afternoon, over tea with a close friend, Elizabeth finally confided her concerns. Her friend gently suggested that Elizabeth consider seeking physical therapy to help address her balance and gait issues.
Hesitant but determined, Elizabeth decided to take the leap. She scheduled an appointment at Foundation Therapy to assess her condition and hopefully find a way to regain her confidence and mobility.
The First Step: A Comprehensive Evaluation
Elizabeth met with one of our skilled physical therapists with a lot of experience helping individuals like her on the day of her appointment. To begin, her therapist conducted a thorough evaluation, including questions about her medications, vision, and any other health concerns that could impact her stability.
Next, she performed a physical exam that included the following tests:
- Range of motion: The physical therapist assessed her range of motion in the joints of the lower extremities.
- Muscle strength: The therapist also tested her muscle strength in the lower extremities and core.
- Observation: Her physical therapist observed Elizabeth’s walking pattern and looked for abnormalities in her walking.
As they reviewed the assessment results, her therapist explained that Elizabeth’s gait had patterns that were likely contributing to her feelings of instability and fear of falling. Fortunately, she also reassured her that they could work together to address these issues and help her regain her confidence.
Next Up: A Fall Risk Assessment
Her therapist also performed a fall risk assessment to get a complete picture. She asked Elizabeth more questions about her daily life, including specific questions about her home environment.
They discussed several measures to reduce obstacles at home that increase fall risks. Here are some common recommendations:
- Remove boxes, newspapers, electrical cords, and any other trip hazards from walkways.
- Move coffee tables, magazine racks, and plant stands from high-traffic areas.
- Secure loose rugs with a slip-resistant backing — or remove loose rugs from the home.
- Place non-skid mats, strips, or carpets on all surfaces that may get wet.
Her therapist then guided Elizabeth through a series of balance tests to identify specific areas of weakness or instability. These tests helped pinpoint the root causes of Elizabeth’s balance issues.
The Path to Recovery: Personalized Treatment Plan
With a comprehensive understanding of Elizabeth’s condition, her physical therapists designed a treatment plan tailored to her needs. The plan included a combination of mobility work, strengthening exercises, balance and coordination training, and gait activities.
As the weeks passed, Elizabeth noticed a remarkable transformation. Her unsteady steps began to regain their steadiness. She grew more confident with each session, and the fear of falling slowly ebbed away. She practiced walking on different surfaces and navigating obstacles under her therapist’s watchful eye, gradually rebuilding her trust in her abilities.
Regaining Confidence: Progress and Results
Elizabeth’s story is a powerful reminder that balance and gait issues can affect anyone, even without a specific injury or medical condition. Seeking the expertise of one of our skilled physical therapists can make all the difference in regaining confidence, improving mobility, and embracing life to the fullest.
If you or a loved one is struggling with balance and gait issues, don’t let the fear of falling hold you back. Reach out to Foundation Therapy today, and take the first step towards a safer, more stable future!
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Miss feeling your best? Come back to Foundation Therapy and let us help you get there—schedule your appointment today!
Innovative Approaches to Physical Wellness this Thanksgiving Season
Thanksgiving is more than just a day of feasting; it’s a time to come together and celebrate what we’re thankful for. While traditional advice often emphasizes the basics, let’s elevate your approach to physical well-being this season with these cutting-edge tips:
- Dynamic Warm-Up Before the Turkey Trot: If you’re planning a Thanksgiving morning run or family games, forget old-school stretching. Use a dynamic warm-up to prep your muscles and boost your range of motion.
- Text Neck Prevention: As we catch up on social media or text friends and family Thanksgiving wishes, “text neck” can be a real issue. Counteract this by sitting tall or not at all and doing neck stretches every hour.
- Mindfulness Through Movement: Instead of sitting to meditate or relax, try combining mindfulness with gentle movements like Tai Chi or a light stroll through the neighborhood.
Embrace your health by prioritizing your physical and mental well-being to ensure you have the best Thanksgiving yet! 🦃
November Word Scramble
nrbareycr
tfuisngf
ouoarncpic
iamylf
drapea
altkunhf
Answer Key
cranberry
stuffing
cornucopia
family
parade
thankful
Patient Spotlight:
“I am very pleased with the results I obtained from the PT sessions at Foundation Therapy.
My surgeon said I was an overachiever and my shoulder mobility and strength was much more than was expected. I received great care, encouragement, and support from the whole staff during my recovery. They worked around my schedule and made the sessions easy to complete. I strongly recommend Foundation Therapy and the staff for anyone needing help with recovery after surgery.”
— D.E.
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Enjoy This Healthy Recipe!
Sheet Pan Crispy Mashed Potatoes
Crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside, these Sheet Pan Crispy Mashed Potatoes are the ultimate Thanksgiving side dish. They’re easy to make, freeing up precious oven space while adding a golden crunch to your holiday spread. Gather around and enjoy this simple, crowd-pleasing twist on a classic favorite!
- 5 pounds Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and cut into 1 1/2- to 2-inch pieces
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, cut into pieces
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh chives
Directions:
Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F. Fit a wire rack in a sheet pan.
Add the potatoes to a large pot and cover with cold water by at least 1 inch. Heavily salt the water and bring to a boil over high heat. Continue to boil until the potatoes can be easily smashed with the back of a spoon, about 10 minutes. Drain the potatoes in a colander, then shake the colander as hard as you can without losing any of the potatoes until they are roughed up and craggy. Transfer the potatoes to the prepared sheet pan and let dry for 10 minutes. Meanwhile, pour the vegetable oil onto a separate sheet pan and heat in the oven for 10 minutes.
Carefully remove the sheet pan from the oven and transfer the potatoes to the hot oil (carefully, as the oil might splatter a bit). Gently mash the potatoes with the back of a spoon until they fill most of the sheet pan, then season with 1 tablespoon salt and a few grinds of pepper. Scatter the butter over top of the potatoes.
Bake until the bottoms of the potatoes are turning golden brown, about 45 minutes. Toss the potatoes and continue to bake until the bottoms are golden brown and the tops are golden brown in a few places, another 50 to 55 minutes.
Let cool slightly, about 10 minutes. Season with salt and pepper and sprinkle with the chives.
Don’t Let Your Benefits Go to Waste
Use Your Deductible Before the Year Ends!
Did you know your physical therapy sessions could be free or reduced if your insurance deductible has already been met? Now’s the perfect time to schedule those sessions you’ve been putting off!
Whether it’s addressing lingering pain, improving mobility, or just staying on top of your health, Foundation Therapy is here to help you finish the year strong –and save money while doing it.
Call us today to check your benefits and book your appointment before the year ends!
Staff Spotlight: A Marathon of Dedication and Family
One of our incredible physical therapists, Stephen Hanson, recently laced up his running shoes and headed to Boulder, Colorado, to take on the Boulderthon Marathon — and he did it alongside his son!
We’re so proud of Stephen for his commitment, both to his health and to the meaningful time he spends with his family. Completing a marathon is no small feat, but sharing that journey with a loved one makes it even more special.
At Foundation Therapy, we believe in practicing what we teach — staying active, pursuing balance, and making time for the things (and people) that matter most.
Please join us in congratulating Stephen on this amazing accomplishment and in celebrating the joy of family and movement!
Chamber of Commerce November Luncheon
Thursday, November 20, 2025 11:30 AM
Weatherford College Wise County
5180 US Highway 380
Bridgeport, Texas 76426
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Our purpose at Foundation Therapy is to leave a greater impact on the community around us. In order to achieve our goal we want to change as many lives as possible as we become a beacon of positivity in our community.
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Meet Our Team
Chris Hicks
Owner / PT
Kelli Smith
Supervising Clinician/PT
Ali Martinez
Office Manager
Sandra McDonald
Insurance Verification and Authorization Specialist
