Dizziness and Balance

Serving Buffalo & the Greater WNY Area

Who we are….

We are a unique outpatient clinic system that combines diagnostic audiology and rehabilitation by physical therapists, occupational therapists, and speech and cognitive therapists as well as a network of physician specialists. American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) states in their article “Diagnosis and Management of Balance/Vestibular Disorder: A Team-Based Approach” (Belinda C. Sinks-9/16), “The most effective way to manage dizziness in patients is with a multidisciplinary team …….

And that is exactly how we approach the problem approach the problem. We truly offer a multi-disciplinary approach to the diagnosis and treatment of vertigo, dizziness, and balance disorders by the top professionals in the area. Our ultimate goal is FALL PREVENTION, which can help prevent catastrophic injury and institutionalization and improve quality of life! 

Reach out to us today for more information or to schedule an appointment.

OUR TEAM MEMBERS INCLUDE VESTIBULAR AND BALANCE SPECIALISTS INCLUDING:

VESTIBULAR AUDIOLOGISTS

Our Audiologists specialize in inner ear issues that affect a patient’s equilibrium and ability to balance. Our balance system helps us remain upright as we run, walk, and move through the world. Balance is controlled through signals to your brain from your sensory systems, eyes, and inner ears. If any of these systems stop working perfectly, you can encounter unexplained dizziness or balance issues. Balance issues which stem from vestibular disorders, another name for inner ear problems, can be difficult to diagnose.

Though more than one third of all U.S. adults over age 40 suffer from some form of vestibular disorder, a dizzy patient will have to see seven doctors on average in order to get a proper diagnosis. 

Our audiologists recognize the warning signs of inner ear problems and will be able to get your treatment on the right track efficiently. Common symptoms of vestibular disorders include vertigo, difficulty concentrating, vision disturbances, spinning sensations when shifting positions or moving your head, and changes in your hearing. 
 

Audiological Diagnostic Testing for Dizziness and Balance

Vestibular problems stem from your balance system in your ears. Who better to diagnosis these problems then our Vestibular Audiologists. At our facilities, we will run a variety of special tests to diagnose your hearing and balance issues. Along with our diagnoses, we will offer a plan of treatment to help our patients improve to their maximum potential.

VESTIBULAR PHYSICAL THERAPIST

Physical therapy is recommended to help those who are physically, mentally, or emotionally challenged reach maximum functioning and improve their quality of life. This is done through the use of exercises, massages, and soft tissue mobilization. 

At Diversified, our physical therapy experts specialize in the evaluation and treatment of Dizziness and Balance problems.  This treatment is a specialty area and it is called VRT or Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy.  Depending on your diagnosis, it may also be called VBRT (Vestibular Balance and Rehabilitation Therapy)

How do you know if you have a problem?  Do you ever feel like you're moving, spinning or falling when you're standing still?  Do you ever feel like you are off balance when you walk or do you have a fear of falling?

If so, then vestibular rehabilitation therapy (VRT) is the right type of physical therapy for you. VRT can relieve these symptoms and help you regain your independence.

Vestibular rehabilitation at Diversified provides state-of-the-art treatment by experienced vestibular physical therapists to help patients resolve dizziness. vertigo and imbalance with the ultimate goal of reducing fall risk.

VESTIBULAR OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST

Our Vestibular Occupational Therapists will identify all the activities in your life that are affected by the vestibular problem, and develop a therapeutic activity program designed and graded specifically for you. 
 
Symptoms due to vestibular disorders can diminish quality of life and can impact all aspects of life from economic to social participation as well as can contribute to emotional problems, like anxiety and depression. Additionally, one of the consequences of having a vestibular disorder is that the symptoms frequently cause people to adopt a sedentary lifestyle in order to avoid bringing on, or worsening, dizziness and imbalance that occurs with movement. As a result, decreased muscle strength and flexibility, increased joint stiffness, and reduced stamina can occur from this lifestyle. At Diversified our therapists utilize treatment strategies for vestibular rehabilitation can also be beneficial for these secondary problems.