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Gait therapy and gait re-education is one of the specialised areas of rehabilitation at Physability.

Locomotor recovery following spinal cord injury through body weight support (BWS) has been shown to improve walking abilities (Wering and Muller; 1992).
Physability uses partial weight bearing gait therapy as part of an exercise programme if required using  a specialised treadmill and combined over head suspension system with parallel bars enabling partial weight bearing support.   

Body weight support (BWS) is a method where clients' fitted with a full body harness are suspended over a treadmill or parallel bars enabling partial weight bearing through their legs. In the early stages, walking can be achieved with ease through a combination of therapist assistance and the client's own efforts.  (BWS) can be as much as 60% of the client's body mass through harness support during early gait training. As strength, fitness and technique improves, body weight support is steadily reduced. Through continuous training some of our clients are able to 'walk' with full body weight bearing in the parallel bars with or without our overhead support system and harness, using prescribed orthoses and some initial assistance

The system has also been used successfully with individuals affected by head injury and stroke where harness support (BWS) provides a safe and effective means to re-train walking techniques without the fear of falling.

The need to understand the mechanics of gait, its cycle and all of the components required to achieve such goals is fundamental for client rehabilitation. Our exercise therapists have a thorough understanding of the mechanics involved in walking. They also have the knowledge to transfer these skills required to the client both verbally and visually. Video analysis, digital photography and objective footprint analysis provides further means to analyse technique and monitor progress providing invaluable feedback for our clients'.