Physical Therapy and Balance Center

Our Physical Therapy and Balance Center includes our specialty practice for Vestibular, Concussion, and Neurological Rehabilitation.  We perform comprehensive evaluations to determine the reason for dizziness, poor balance, or impairments from a concussion, stroke, spinal cord injury, or other neurological condition. 

By drilling down to the specific components contributing to the deficit, we are then able to tailor our intervention based on individualized needs. We provide intensive, individualized care that enables us to achieve better outcomes.

Vestibular Rehabilitation

Vertigo is usually described as a spinning sensation, whereas dizziness usually is described as “lightheadedness.” Often, they have different causes and different treatments.  Most causes of vertigo involve the inner ear (vestibular system). 

A number of conditions can produce vertigo, such as Inner ear infections or disorders. These include: 

• Migraines
• Tumors, such as acoustic neuroma 
• Surgery that removes or injures the inner ear or its nerves
• Head injury that results in injury to the inner ears
• A hole in the inner ear
• Stroke

Individuals suffering from Vertigo may also experience nausea, vomiting, sweating, and abnormal eye movements.  One of the most common forms of vertigo is benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, or BPPV, an inner-ear problem that causes short periods of a spinning sensation when your head is moved in certain positions.  We perform tests and measures to identify the cause of the problem and then treat those areas specifically.

The Role of Vestibular Rehabilitation

This special form of therapy has the aim of decreasing imbalance, headaches, and dizziness. The approach is individualized and problem-oriented as it aims to promote brain adaptation and compensation. 

Each client gets a regimen of customized exercises to address their specific problems based on the findings of the assessment. The three principal methods of examination findings include habituation, gaze stabilization, and balance or exertional training. 

Habituation Exercises 

These types of exercises are ideal for those who have symptoms when they are in stimulating environments or when they move around. So, for example, when you bend over to pick up something on the ground or when you are grocery shopping. The main goal of habituation exercises is to reduce dizziness by means of repeated calculated exposure to the environments that stimulate and cause the symptoms. 

Gaze Stabilization Exercises

These exercises are useful for improving the control you have over your eye movements. This helps to create clear vision when your head is in motion. You will find these exercises useful if you have dizziness while driving, walking, reading, or taking notes. 

Balance and Exertional Training Exercises

These types of exercises have the aim of improving your cardiovascular response and improving steadiness. This helps to improve your ability to perform daily sports and activities successfully. 

Recovering Faster with Balance Rehabilitation

Vestibular rehabilitation requires you to have an established exercise program which you will regularly perform at home. Your brain will only make changes after thousands of repetitions. So you want to follow your exercise regimen as prescribed so you can meet your goals. Initially, your symptoms may seem worse but with consistent work and over time they will steadily decrease. 

With our comprehensive program, you will be able to return to your full activities sooner. 

Concussion and Neurological Rehabilitation

A concussion is a traumatic brain injury that can cause lasting effects on brain tissue and change the chemical balance of the brain. Concussion may cause physical, cognitive, and behavioral symptoms and other problems, both short-term and long-term.  

The symptoms of a concussion include: 

• Confusion 
• Headache
• Memory loss
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Ringing ears
• Dizziness
• Difficulty concentrating

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) estimates that 1.6 million to 3.8 million people experience concussions during sports and recreational activities annually in the United States. These numbers may be underestimated, as many cases are likely never reported.

We will assess your symptoms to determine if a concussion is present, determine the extent of your symptoms, and treat your injury by guiding you through a safe and personalized recovery program. 

Neurological disorders such as Stroke, Brain Injury, and Parkinson’s can cause a range of long-term problems, including:

• Inability or difficulty moving one side of the body (hemiparesis or hemiplegia)
• Severely limited movement or stiffness in the arms and legs (spasticity)
• Balance problems
• Weakness on one side of the body
• On and off numbness
• Loss or lack of sensation
• Sensitivity to cold temperatures
• Memory loss
• Slowed or slurred speech
• Difficulty remembering words

After examining you and evaluating your condition, we will develop an individualized plan to help you achieve the best possible quality of life.

Based on your impairments and functional limitations, physical therapy will include a variety of activities including expanding your range of motion, therapeutic exercise, therapeutic activities, balance, coordination and agility training, walking, stairs, work and leisure activity training, positioning and training with assistive devices, caregiver training and more.

Call us today at (315) 765-0063!