Frequently Asked Questions

What, exactly, do you guys do?

We are a specialty balance and dizziness clinic featuring both audiology and vestibular retraining physical therapy. The unique combination of audiology and physical therapy provides advantages for the patient in terms of better diagnosis and more effective treatment than either of the two specialties working separately.

Do you guys take Medicare?

Absolutely. We try to take every reasonable insurance. For patients with Medicare and a quality supplement, there is very little to no out-of-pocket expense for patients.

I feel off, not dizzy --- I have a balance problem, not dizziness -- can you help me?

Absolutely. The term dizziness is a fairly unspecific term. The assessment of balance is very similar to a dizziness assessment. The same advantages the clinic offers the dizzy patient also apply to the imbalanced patient.

Do I need a referral?

Yes, and even if you didn't we'd want you to have one. The reason is that we are a prescribed remedy to your specific issues as judged by your physicians. We pride ourselves in working with your trusted physician to best assess and consider all factors going into whatever issues you may be experiencing.

Its best to think of us like a prescription --- your physician writes the prescription because he/she sees our facility as the best way to improve your outcome with your balance and dizziness issues. Similarly to a prescription, some insurances may require a co-pay or fee to be charged upon the receipt of services.

How long does it take?

This is a tough question. The reason that it is tough is because it depends on the patient and the severity of their problems. Patients with BPPV may be done in an afternoon. Patients who are determined to be weak and a high fall risk will generally come to therapy from four to eight weeks.

What do I have to do for balance retraining therapy?

Generally speaking, you must be willing to spend your first week being put into positions that you have been avoiding for some time. The balance system is similar to muscle function in its 'use it or lose it' functionality. The first week involves being strapped into the safety harness system and performing exercises and strengthening. The first week is always the hardest. The reason that it is the hardest is that getting used to being in the harness and challenging your balance system is tiring and awkward.

The second week is almost always a GREAT week. The reason is that by the beginning of the second week people start feeling better -- sometimes a great deal better. It is this dramatic improvement that helps people see the light at the end of the tunnel and see themselves through to the end of therapy.