Fyzical at Siegel, Bosworth and Sorensen ENT is a niche in the Physical Therapy world. We specialize in the treatment of fall prevention, dizziness, TMJ disorders, and Parkinson’s Disease. Keep reading to find out more!
Fall Prevention
Balance is something most of us take for granted. However, we use balance all day, everyday, without even thinking about it. We are balancing anytime we sit upright in a chair, shift our weight to walk, or step up a curb. When we develop balance problems, these tasks become a challenge and we develop a risk for falls and injury. Unfortunately, as we age, we are at risk to sustain a more serious injury, such as a broken bone. This often leads to a downwards spiral in health and a lack of confidence during everyday activities. Yet, research shows that most falls are preventable with early intervention through the use of physical therapy and balance programs.
Throughout the course of your balance program, you will learn how to safely recover your balance during episodes of unsteadiness. Additionally, you will learn how to maintain your balance when you are walking on uneven surfaces, such as at the beach, or down a cobblestone street. You will practice stepping over hurdles, static balance, finding your way around in the dark, and educated on home safety.
Further benefits of balance programs include:
- Improved endurance levels
- Stronger muscles
- Stronger bones
- Faster reaction times
- Improved brain function
- Increased flexibility
By enrolling in a balance program, you will regain, or prevent loss of independence with household chores, work duties and recreational activities. The sooner your balance problems are addressed, the quicker you will get back to being able to do the things you love.
Dizziness
Dizziness is a broad term that is used to describe a few different sensations:
- Vertigo: characterized by a spinning or rocking sensation
- Presyncope: the technical term for feeling like you’re about to faint. Often described as lightheadedness
- Disequilibrium: feeling imbalanced or unstable
At Fyzical, we are able to treat the causes of your dizziness through vestibular therapy. This may involve exercises to reorganize your balance systems, or maneuvers to resolve your vertigo.
TMJ Disorders
TMJ disorders are caused by many things. It may be following an event of trauma to the face, such as being hit with a hockey stick. Or it can result from frequent “micro-trauma”. This type of trauma can occur from overusing the joint, and is mostly seen in people who clench, or grind their teeth at night. Additionally, people often experience pain following extensive dental work due to the jaw being stretched open for too long.
During Physical Therapy, treatments are tailored to improve the mobility of your jaw, and to reduce pain. Soft tissue massages to reduce tightness in the muscles of the jaw and neck help relive some of this tension. Some joint distractions and manipulations may be provided to the jaw to increase range of motion. Behaviors and bad habits contributing to the pain will be addressed to improve overall management of the condition. In addition, exercises to stretch tight muscles, strengthen weak muscles and exercises to promote good posture will be provided.
Parkinson’s Disease
Parkinson’s disease (PD) is caused by a reduction of a hormone called dopamine in the brain. It causes movements to become smaller and slower than normal. It also affects the way you walk, your balance, coordination and posture. These changes can diminish your confidence, reduce your quality of life, and impair your safety with common tasks and increase your risk of falling.
LSVT BIG is a specialized treatment protocol consisting of 16 individual 1-hour sessions, with an LSVT BIG Certified physical therapist. The treatment program is carried out 4 consecutive days a week for 4 weeks. The program consists of special exercises to treat PD symptoms, training in functional skills meaningful to you, and daily home work to boost your treatment progress.