What is Vestibular Rehabilitation?

Vestibular rehabilitation therapy (VRT) is an exercise-based program for reducing the symptoms of disequilibrium and dizziness associated with vestibular (inner-ear) pathology. A common neuro-otological approach for managing symptoms is to prescribe medication that suppresses vestibular function. However, in the long term, such suppressants can interfere with a person's ability to make necessary adaptations. In addition, many of these medications cause drowsiness that may limit a person's ability to be active.

VRT is an alternative treatment involving exercises that can eliminate or significantly reduce symptoms by promoting central nervous system compensation for inner-ear deficits. The program is designed to achieve these goals:

1. Decrease dizziness and visual symptoms.
   
2. Increase balance and walking functions.


3. Increase general activity levels.

The program may include exercises for:

• Coordinating head and eye movements.


• Stimulating the symptoms of dizziness in order to desensitize the vestibular system.


• Improving balance and walking ability.


• Improving fitness and endurance.

Exercises vary depending on the type of inner-ear disorder and the associated symptoms.

Does therapy succeed?
The best available clinical evidence shows VRT exercises to be effective in reducing symptoms of many types of surgical procedures for vestibular disorders. Treatment of BPPV using canalith-repositioning maneuvers (a series of head maneuvers that move displaced calcium carbonate crystals out of one of the semicircular canals of the inner ear) is, however, more effective than medication or other forms of exercise-based therapy.

Biodex Balance System - Helping Patients Get Back on Their Feet, Faster!

"Challenging and effective" is what patients are saying about the expanded Balance Testing and Training Pr0gram at Progressive Physical Therapy.

The program, built around the innovative Biodex Balance System SD, can be used for fall screening in older adults, as well as orthopedic and sports medicine. Post-surgical patients can objectively "track" their progress and recovery time.

Progressive Physical Therapy has introduced an innovative, life-saving program for older adults: the Biodex Fall Risk Screening and Conditioning Program. This program can help determine who is at risk of falling by identifying risk factors. If a patient is found to be at risk of falling, a series of suggested interventions can be offered to improve their condition.

What is the Biodex Balance System SD?

The Biodex Balance System, consisting of a computerized platform and touch-screen control panel, measures a patient's ability to maintain balance. Results are displayed on the large color screen for instant biofeedback as well as printed for "tracking." The system can compare your results to normative data stored in the system or be used to compare your results to your previous tests. The Biodex Balance System SD is safe and easy to use for most patients, all the patient needs to do is stand on the platform, follow the simple directions on the color screen, and see the results.

For more information or to schedule a Fall Risk Screening, call Progressive Physical Therapy at 1-800-91BALANCE today.

PPT's Lumbar Spine Rehabilitation Program

Our unique program at Progressive Physical Therapy is characterized by:

• A Scientifically Supported examination and daily re-examination process.
  
• Pain Relieving Exercise Programs (PREPs) designed to eliminate pain and other related symptoms the moment the patient uses them.
  
• Individually Tailored (not generalized) trunk strengthening exercises to immediately relieve symptoms the instant the patient applies them.
  
• A 100% commitment to Empower Patients to stop their own pain, improve their own function, and report their objective improvements daily.
  
• Individually assess and prescribe ADL & Workplace Restrictions.
  
• Enhance the effectiveness of Work Hardening and Functional Reconditioning Programs using more carefully constructed entrance criteria.
  
• Create Reinjury Prevention Programs specifically developed in accordance with each patient's proven effective PREP.

5 Reasons Why Physical Therapy is Important

Are you uncertain if physical therapy is the right treatment option for you? Consider these facts...

1) Physical therapy provides you with better health education.
Your primary care physician can provide you with an accurate diagnosis for any health condition you may experience. However, a qualified physical therapist can better explain the impact of the condition(s) on your body, as well as treatment options and how to prevent further injury or illness.

2) Physical therapy greatly improves your overall health and fitness.
When you attend a physical therapy session, you're doing much more than just treating and injury or ailment. You're giving your body the activity and exercise it needs to function at an optimal level. Our patients have reported regulated blood pressure, increased energy, and weight loss.

3) Physical therapy can improve your mental and emotional frame-of-mind.
It's a scientific fact that regular physical activity causes your body to release endorphins, creating more energy and giving you a feeling of well-being and relaxation. Additionally, once you experience results from your treatment, your sense of self-esteem will improve greatly.

4) Physical therapy allows your ailments and/or injuries to heal properly.
Using muscles and joints surrounding an injured area increases muscle mass, bone density, blood flow, and range-of-motion. This in turn promotes your body's natural ability to heal itself, reduces inflammation, and speeds up recovery time.

5) Physical therapy can restore the majority of your mobility and independence.
Regular therapy sessions not only promote healing, but retrain your brain and body to work together. With perseverence and dedication to your physical therapy program, you can recondition your body and regain your independence.

Still unsure? Give us a call! 1800-91BALANCE. We'll be glad to discuss any concerns you may have. Our goal at Progressive Physical Therapy is to help our patients achieve improved function, greater confidence and ultimately independence.

Natural Healing with ML830 Cold Laser Therapy

The ML830 laser sends light (photons) into your injured tissues and stimulates healing and reduces pain instantly. The low level light can penetrate 2 inches into your body without being absorbed by the skin, fat, or blood. No heat is generatesd so it is safe to use anywhere on the body. Once the photons find the injured tissues, they stimulate and energize the cells to repair and strengthen at a remarkably fast rate. Collagen production is stimulated so the ligaments and tissues grow stronger than with normal healing.

The ML830 cold laser therapy does not wear off like most medicines, electrical stimulation, heat or ice. When it reduces inflammation it stays away. It increases your body's own healing power and enhances that process. If you don't reinjure the area, the pain should not return.

The ML830 laser is FDA cleared and utilizes a patented wavelength proven to penetrate through human tissue for optimal stimulation. It successfully treats most muscle, joint, tendon and nerve pain associated with many conditions, including Arthritis, Back Pain, Fibromyalgia, and more. For more information please visit: http://www.microlightcorp.com/.