Balance Center
Our Balance Center is led by Chelsea Burrows, PT, DPT. Click here to learn more about Dr. Burrows.
Our Balance Center is focused on evaluating and treating patients with vertigo, dizziness, and balance disorders. Vertigo, dizziness, and imbalance can come from a variety of diagnoses/issues. Taking a thorough patient history and performing a proper bedside examination is very important to help direct each patient’s care. At our balance center, we have a physical therapist who specializes in vestibular rehabilitation therapy (VRT). She has been trained specifically to evaluate patients who are complaining of dizziness and/or imbalance. We also have two neurotologists (ENTs who specialize in evaluating and treating issues of the ear) and several audiologists on staff who can assist in the management and care for those complaining of hearing loss associated with their dizziness.
What is a Balance Center?
A Balance Center is designed to evaluate and treat disorders that cause dizziness, vertigo, and imbalance. Our team of physical therapy, physicians, and audiologists work together to help assess, treat, and refer patients who are struggling with these complaints. Our vestibular rehabilitation therapist is trained to perform a bedside oculomotor and vestibular examination that can help determine whether dizziness complaints are related to the inner ear. She can also assess physical function by looking at a patient’s strength, balance, and walking ability. Patients are typically with the PT for 45 minutes to an hour for their initial evaluation so that they can get a proper history and perform a thorough examination. Based on patient history, bedside findings, and functional exams, we can make recommendations on the next best steps in care.
What is vertigo?
Vertigo is not a diagnosis. It is a symptom. It is the sensation that you or the room around you is spinning or moving. Vertigo can come from a variety of causes/diagnoses, so it is important to be evaluated properly to help determine the cause. Vertigo may be caused by inner ear disorders, but it can also commonly be brought on by migraines, medication side effects, cardiovascular issues, or other neurological causes.
What treatment options do you provide for vertigo/balance disorders?
At our clinic, we offer vestibular rehabilitation therapy (VRT) which is a specialized form of physical therapy. This type of therapy can help improve balance, function, confidence, and overall mobility while decreasing dizziness and fear/avoidance behavior that can develop from dizziness. VRT can be very helpful for a specific group of patients. Our PT can help determine if VRT would be helpful for you.