Balance Therapy - The Mission of Changing Lives
Feb 21, 2022
Email US
Click to Email Us
| Balance Therapy - The Mission of Changing Lives |
Brian Werner built a $2 million balance and physical therapy practice in less than 10 years thanks to his detailed evaluation tests, elaborate therapy systems, and revolutionary equipment. Now he's rebranded his business in hopes of helping millions more who suffer from dizziness.
An 82-year old man sits in a black, oversized chair. We'll call him John Smith (HIPAA laws don't allow us to reveal his true name). He looks like he could be your father or maybe grandfather, a favorite uncle or kindly neighbor. Large black straps come over each shoulder locking into another strap stretched across his midsection. The space-like goggles placed neatly over his eyes give the appearance that he's ready to be launched into orbit. The chair is affixed to a gyroscope-like structure that appears as if it was built on a sci-fi movie set.
A press of a button and John's seat turns him sideways then upside down. He will be spun and contorted for only a few minutes and he's cured. It's easy to envision a crowd of children with snow cone stained lips at a state fair lining up to take a turn on this apparatus. But this is no carnival ride. It's an Epley Omniax Chair. It's John's chance to stop feeling like he's riding a merry-go-round when he sleeps at night. The Epley Omniax Chair is one of many devices and procedures that Brian Werner, PT, MPT, uses at his recently rebranded Fyzical Therapy and Balance Centers in Henderson and Las Vegas, Nevada. The chair helps patients suffering from the effects of Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) and other vestibular disorders return to normalcy. His clinics specialize in diagnosing and treating patients with all types of peripheral and central nervous system disorders of the balance system.
Biggest Problem Among the Elderly in America
Werner has a passion for helping those who struggle with dizziness. After earning his Masters in Physical Therapy from Northern Arizona and working as a PT for several years, he helped open and operate several balance centers starting in Las Vegas in 2001. "By 2005 I got the entrepreneurial seizure," Werner laughed. "Once you've worked 80 hours a week for someone else, you want to try and do your own thing." Balance disorders are the third most common complaints to primary care physicians and in emergency rooms. They're the number one complaint in the elderly population. Thirty percent of the elderly in this country will suffer from vertigo; that's 12.5 million Americans. And as many as 475,000 hip fractures annually are the result, a devastating accident that 25 percent of seniors die from within a year of it happening. The stats are only going to grow larger. "Baby boomers are growing older. The stats aren't going to change. That means more people will be going to doctors with balance or dizziness problems. I knew there was going to be an increased need for this type of specialized care," Werner said. "I'm one of the first to drive a business model towards it in the nation."
90% + of Problems Identified
Patients undergo a series of evaluations upon arriving at Fyzical. Doctors of audiology conduct comprehensive hearing and inner ear testing. Next, a Computerized Dynamic Posturography (CDP) test is administered. It identifies with objective evidence where patients' balance problems are stemming from: Is it in their eyes, their proprioceptors in their lower extremities, or is it coming from the inner ears? Last are the Video nystagmography Test (VNG) and Vestibular Autorotation Test (VAT). These examinations look for postural instabilities in the eyes or nystagmus of the eyes. "As your postural stability in standing and walking is controlled by your balance system, your eyes are also controlled by the same systems," Werner explained.
"In the past, we treated based upon subjective information supplied by the patient, as we didn't have the technology or really know how to measure the balance system well. Now, we practice evidence-based medicine," he added. "We can identify what's causing the balance problem in 90%+ of the patients just by a battery of three or four tests."
The Latest in Balance Technology
Many of Werner's patients suffer from loose crystals brought upon by BPPV. The Epley Omniax Chair aligns the ear's semicircular canal to be parallel with the gravitational pull of the earth allowing maximum force to reposition the crystals quickly and efficiently, thereby reducing the nausea that comes with the standard maneuver. The chair is ideal for patients like John Smith, who are elderly and have certain physical limitations. "I met with Dr. Epley and we became friends. I believe we were one of the first in the world to get the final versions of his chairs," Werner shared. "The guy who invented the Epley maneuver invented the chair why wouldn't you want it? What he's using with his patients is what we're using with ours on a daily basis." Not everyone needs the Epley Omniax Chair. Other forms of treatment at Fyzical include vestibular rehabilitation, which is repositioning maneuvers, adaption training, and habituation exercises.
Balance retraining physical therapy is also offered, a combination of vestibular rehabilitation with orthopedic management or standardized physical therapy. "That's the beauty of the model we've developed. There's the balance program and there's pain management. We want it to be a seamless program between the two," Werner urged. "That's perfect because most of our patients are older. They don't walk in with one problem. They have multiple problems. We can take care of them all."
First to Use a Safety Gate System
Fear can neutralize and make ineffective even the most dynamic therapy treatments. If a patient is afraid of falling while training, he or she may never fully recover. Werner identified this issue and developed a way for his patients to maximize their treatment sessions while providing reassurance that they're completely safe. "I was a gymnast through high school and college. When gymnasts practice, they're at times in harnesses and attached to ropes in case someone falls. That way they can minimize injuries," Werner said. "I came up with the same principle as it pertains to therapy." Werner employs a safety gate system at Fyzical. Patients wear a full-body harness attached by dynamic ropes to a ceiling-mounted trolley system that slides along a track. Patients can perform a full array of exercises while sliding along the 100 to 120-feet of track. And they're easily switched from one track to another as they progress from one phase of therapy to the next.
"The patient needs to experience the very edge of their ability and at the same time know they're not going to get hurt. Our safety gate system is there as a precaution. They'll still fall, but they fall in their harness and not to the ground," Werner clarified. "Patients get so much more out of their therapy by being able to push themselves without being afraid. We're one of the first in the U.S. to use this approach."
Other Articles You May Like
Understanding Your Digital Footprint
Digital what? Footprint? You may be thinking thats what you leave behind at the beach. While that may be correct, it is also what you leave behind every time you provide your email, set up a new online account, or allow your data to be tracked. Your digital footprint is the trail you leave behind with Location services on your phone. It is the data you leave behind when commenting on Aunt Sallys Facebook page, sharing your familys vacation pictures on Instagram, or traipsing around the internet to various sites looking for that cute Lladro figurine your mother wanted for Christmas. All of it tells something about you whether you realized it was happening or not.Most of the time, the sharing of your data what you do, how you do it, etc. may not be a big deal. Or is it? The reality is that your data supports big business every day. It is collected, bought and sold (mostly without your knowledge) by data brokers (i.e., Acxiom, Epsilon), credit and identity bureaus (i.e., Experian, Equifax, TransUnion), and Big Tech Companies (i.e., Google, Amazon, Meta, Microsoft, Apple) that share your data with their partners and ad networks.The danger to you is when there is a data breach at one of the many sites that has your data and your data is captured and posted on the dark web. This enables nefarious characters to better target you for scams and potentially steal your identity. Call Lily in the Details today 941-237-0157 and schedule Understanding Your Digital Footprint, Navigating the Online World Safely and Wisely for your community.
Serving America and our community
By Dr. David RiceSouthwest Florida is home to more than 100,000 veterans, according to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.They own homes, manage businesses and pay taxes here. They volunteer at local nonprofits and donate to local causes. They are the core of our community.Nearly every day, at least one veteran walks into Advocate Radiation Oncology for treatment. Cancer impacts people from every background, including veterans. Even the most hardened veterans struggle with a cancer diagnosis, which is understandable; no one is invincible and cancer generates a wave of emotions shock, anxiety, frustration, fear and stress.Over the years, veterans in Charlotte and Sarasota counties have found an ally inside the treatment room Dr. Brian Lawenda. A board-certified, Harvard-trained physician who completed medical school at Temple University, Lawenda has all the credentials to help a patient feel confident that they're in good hands, medically speaking. Then they find out something else about their physician. He is a veteran, too, having served this country 13 years with the U.S. Navy and attaining the rank of commander."When I enlisted, I took an oath to serve this country and uphold the U.S. Constitution," Lawenda said. "When I became a doctor, I pledged to dedicate my practice to patients and the community I serve, and it's especially gratifying when those patients are fellow veterans."The best doctors don't just treat symptoms; they connect with patients, usually through shared experiences they're from the same state, cheer for the same sports team or attended the same university. Lawenda's military experience helps create an instant doctor-patient bond that continues during treatment and beyond. In fact, Lawenda has become the region's go-to radiation oncologist for veterans, not just Navy veterans, but those who have admirably served across all six branches of the military."When he told me he served in the Navy, it gave me comfort," said Ret. Command Master Chief Scott Fusco, a North Port resident who recently completed prostate cancer treatments at Advocate. "I had absolute trust in him from that point on."Lawenda wasn't the only veteran on Fusco's care team, either. His urologist also served in the Navy and referred Fusco to Dr. Lawenda for treatment."We served at different times and places, but we're all part of the same team," Fusco said. "They've been there, done that, just like me. There is instant respect, instant trust."Lawenda, who sees patients at Advocate's cancer treatment centers in Port Charlotte and Venice, specializes in the treatment of prostate, lung, breast, head and neck, rectal, liver, bone, cervical and other types of cancers. Although Lawenda doesn't technically specialize in the treatment of veterans, he is especially proud to support patients like Fusco on their cancer journey."A veteran may retire or end their military service, but he or she will never stop serving this country and their community," Lawenda said. "Being able to help local veterans beat cancer is extremely gratifying and certainly rewarding. The military is a brotherhood and a sisterhood, and I'll continue fighting for my brothers and sisters."About the AuthorDr. David Rice is a board-certified radiation oncologist who sees patients through Advocate Radiation Oncologys cancer treatment centers in Port Charlotte and Venice. Visit AdvocateRO.com for more information.
Holiday Visits: Prepare the Home, Protect Your Peace
A warm welcome doesn't require a perfect house. Whether family is coming for an afternoon or staying a few nights, a little planning now can make holiday gatherings more comfortable for everyone.1. Have the conversation earlyConfirm dates, overnight arrangements, food preferences, and any mobility needs. Let guests know what works for you, including visit length and quiet time.2. Create a comfortable place to landFresh linens, a clear bedside surface, and an easy-to-reach lamp can make a guest space feel welcoming. No guest room? Agree on sleeping arrangements ahead of time.3. Make movement easierClear hallways and stairs, secure or remove loose rugs, and check lighting between sleeping areas and bathrooms. Keep frequently used items within comfortable reach.4. Put safety before tidinessStore medications securely, especially when children are visiting. Check smoke and carbon monoxide alarms according to the manufacturer's instructions, and keep exits clear.5. Share the hostingInvite family to bring a dish, help with cleanup, or organize an activity. Keep meals simple and make room for breaks. Being together matters more than doing everything yourself.6. Make space for connectionSet out a few family photos, plan a favorite game, or ask guests to share a memory. Often, the simplest traditions are the ones everyone remembers.
Local Services By This Author
FYZICAL
Physicians 2401 University Parkway #103, Sarasota, Florida, 34234We are much more than your typical physical therapy clinic. At FYZICAL Therapy & Balance Centers, we focus on improving your quality of life by using a holistic, whole-body approach toconnectyour diagnosiswith acustomizedplan of care.FYZICAL therapists are experts in the art and science of the evaluation and treatment of the human body. We care for people of all ages and treat a variety of muscle, joint and neurological conditions.In addition to using the most relevant therapeutic techniques and state-of-the-art technology, effective communication is a key component for successful, efficientrecovery. We make sure you fully understand why you are experiencing your symptoms, what is the recommended treatment program, and how to prevent pain or dysfunction from happening in the future.The comprehensiveevaluationand wellness programs at FYZICAL Therapy and Balance Centers will help youachievethe pinnacle of healthy living, expand your boundaries and feel better. Our highly skilled therapy providers are 100% focused onyouroptimal health so you can Love Your Life!Sarasota, Manatee, Charlotte County Office Locations:FYZICAL Ellenton2990 US-301 N, Ellenton, FL, 34222(941) 721-1854 (941) 721-1859 [email protected] of Operations Mon 7:20am - 6pm Tue 7:20am - 3pm Wed 7:20am - 6pm Thu 7:20am - 6pm Fri 7:20am - 6pm Sat Closed Sun ClosedFYZICAL Bradenton Central5211 Manatee Ave W, Bradenton, FL, 34209(941) 749-1734 [email protected] of Operations Mon 7:20am - 6pm Tue 7:20am - 3pm Wed 7:20am - 6pm Thu 7:20am - 6pm Fri 7:20am - 6pm Sat Closed Sun ClosedFYZICAL University Parkway2401 University Parkway, Suite 103, Sarasota, FL, 34243(941) 444-5970 (941) 444-5971 [email protected] of OperationsMon 8am - 5pm Tue 8am - 5pm Wed 8am - 5pm Thu 8am - 5pm Fri 8am - 5pm Sat Closed Sun ClosedFYZICAL South Sarasota5980 S Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL, 34231(941) 894-6848 (941) 263-7491 [email protected] of OperationsMon 8am - 5pm Tue 7:20am - 5pm Wed 8am - 5pm Thu 7:20am - 4:20pm Fri 8am - 4:20pm Sat By Appointment Only Sun ClosedFYZICAL Venice2203 S Tamiami Trail, Venice, FL, 34293(941) 408-0670 (941) 408-0160 [email protected] of OperationsMon 8am - 5pm Tue 8am - 5pm Wed 8am - 5pm Thu 8am - 5pm Fri 8am - 5pm Sat Closed Sun ClosedLee & Collier County Office Locations:FYZICAL North Fort Myers16251 N. Cleveland Ave. Suite #3, North Fort Myers, FL 33903Phone: 239-731-6222 Fax:239-731-6555FYZICAL West Fort Myers15620 McGregor Blvd. Suite 115, Fort Myers 33966Phone: 239-561-5616 Fax:239-561-0345FYZICAL East Fort Myers10676 Colonial Blvd., Fort Myers 33913Phone: 239-465-4880 Fax: 239-465-4604FYZICAL Northeast Naples7740 Preserve Lane Suite #5, Naples 34119Phone: 239-227-2297 Fax:239-228-4878FYZICAL East Naples12250 Tamiami Trail E. Suite 102, Naples 34113Phone: 239-417-0027 Fax:239-417-0041FYZICAL Bonita Springs25241 Elementary Way, Suite 200, Bonita Springs 34145Phone: 239-947-4184 Fax:239-947-4171
FYZICAL
Physical Therapy , Sarasota, Florida, 00000We are much more than your typical physical therapy clinic. At FYZICAL Therapy & Balance Centers, we focus on improving your quality of life by using a holistic, whole-body approach toconnectyour diagnosiswith acustomizedplan of care.FYZICAL therapists are experts in the art and science of the evaluation and treatment of the human body. We care for people of all ages and treat a variety of muscle, joint and neurological conditions.In addition to using the most relevant therapeutic techniques and state-of-the-art technology, effective communication is a key component for successful, efficientrecovery. We make sure you fully understand why you are experiencing your symptoms, what is the recommended treatment program, and how to prevent pain or dysfunction from happening in the future.The comprehensiveevaluationand wellness programs at FYZICAL Therapy and Balance Centers will help youachievethe pinnacle of healthy living, expand your boundaries and feel better. Our highly skilled therapy providers are 100% focused onyouroptimal health so you can Love Your Life!Sarasota, Manatee, Charlotte County Office Locations:FYZICAL Ellenton2990 US-301 N, Ellenton, FL, 34222(941) 721-1854 (941) 721-1859 [email protected] of Operations Mon 7:20am - 6pm Tue 7:20am - 3pm Wed 7:20am - 6pm Thu 7:20am - 6pm Fri 7:20am - 6pm Sat Closed Sun ClosedFYZICAL Bradenton Central5211 Manatee Ave W, Bradenton, FL, 34209(941) 749-1734 [email protected] of Operations Mon 7:20am - 6pm Tue 7:20am - 3pm Wed 7:20am - 6pm Thu 7:20am - 6pm Fri 7:20am - 6pm Sat Closed Sun ClosedFYZICAL University Parkway2401 University Parkway, Suite 103, Sarasota, FL, 34243(941) 444-5970 (941) 444-5971 [email protected] of OperationsMon 8am - 5pm Tue 8am - 5pm Wed 8am - 5pm Thu 8am - 5pm Fri 8am - 5pm Sat Closed Sun ClosedFYZICAL South Sarasota5980 S Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL, 34231(941) 894-6848 (941) 263-7491 [email protected] of OperationsMon 8am - 5pm Tue 7:20am - 5pm Wed 8am - 5pm Thu 7:20am - 4:20pm Fri 8am - 4:20pm Sat By Appointment Only Sun ClosedFYZICAL Venice2203 S Tamiami Trail, Venice, FL, 34293(941) 408-0670 (941) 408-0160 [email protected] of OperationsMon 8am - 5pm Tue 8am - 5pm Wed 8am - 5pm Thu 8am - 5pm Fri 8am - 5pm Sat Closed Sun ClosedLee & Collier County Office Locations:FYZICAL North Fort Myers16251 N. Cleveland Ave. Suite #3, North Fort Myers, FL 33903Phone: 239-731-6222 Fax:239-731-6555FYZICAL West Fort Myers15620 McGregor Blvd. Suite 115, Fort Myers 33966Phone: 239-561-5616 Fax:239-561-0345FYZICAL East Fort Myers10676 Colonial Blvd., Fort Myers 33913Phone: 239-465-4880 Fax: 239-465-4604FYZICAL Northeast Naples7740 Preserve Lane Suite #5, Naples 34119Phone: 239-227-2297 Fax:239-228-4878FYZICAL East Naples12250 Tamiami Trail E. Suite 102, Naples 34113Phone: 239-417-0027 Fax:239-417-0041FYZICAL Bonita Springs25241 Elementary Way, Suite 200, Bonita Springs 34145Phone: 239-947-4184 Fax:239-947-4171
FYZICAL
Fall Prevention Specialists , Sarasota, Florida,We are much more than your typical physical therapy clinic. At FYZICAL Therapy & Balance Centers, we focus on improving your quality of life by using a holistic, whole-body approach toconnectyour diagnosiswith acustomizedplan of care.FYZICAL therapists are experts in the art and science of the evaluation and treatment of the human body. We care for people of all ages and treat a variety of muscle, joint and neurological conditions.In addition to using the most relevant therapeutic techniques and state-of-the-art technology, effective communication is a key component for successful, efficientrecovery. We make sure you fully understand why you are experiencing your symptoms, what is the recommended treatment program, and how to prevent pain or dysfunction from happening in the future.The comprehensiveevaluationand wellness programs at FYZICAL Therapy and Balance Centers will help youachievethe pinnacle of healthy living, expand your boundaries and feel better. Our highly skilled therapy providers are 100% focused onyouroptimal health so you can Love Your Life!Sarasota, Manatee, Charlotte County Office Locations:FYZICAL Ellenton2990 US-301 N, Ellenton, FL, 34222(941) 721-1854 (941) 721-1859 [email protected] Hours of Operations Mon 7:20am - 6pm Tue 7:20am - 3pm Wed 7:20am - 6pm Thu 7:20am - 6pm Fri 7:20am - 6pm Sat Closed Sun ClosedFYZICAL Bradenton Central5211 Manatee Ave W, Bradenton, FL, 34209(941) 749-1734 [email protected] Hours of Operations Mon 7:20am - 6pm Tue 7:20am - 3pm Wed 7:20am - 6pm Thu 7:20am - 6pm Fri 7:20am - 6pm Sat Closed Sun ClosedFYZICAL University Parkway2401 University Parkway, Suite 103, Sarasota, FL, 34243(941) 444-5970 (941) 444-5971 [email protected] of OperationsMon 8am - 5pm Tue 8am - 5pm Wed 8am - 5pm Thu 8am - 5pm Fri 8am - 5pm Sat Closed Sun ClosedFYZICAL South Sarasota5980 S Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL, 34231(941) 894-6848 (941) 263-7491 [email protected] Hours of OperationsMon 8am - 5pm Tue 7:20am - 5pm Wed 8am - 5pm Thu 7:20am - 4:20pm Fri 8am - 4:20pm Sat By Appointment Only Sun ClosedFYZICAL Venice2203 S Tamiami Trail, Venice, FL, 34293(941) 408-0670 (941) 408-0160 [email protected] Hours of OperationsMon 8am - 5pm Tue 8am - 5pm Wed 8am - 5pm Thu 8am - 5pm Fri 8am - 5pm Sat Closed Sun ClosedLee & Collier County Office Locations:FYZICAL North Fort Myers16251 N. Cleveland Ave. Suite #3, North Fort Myers, FL 33903Phone: 239-731-6222 Fax:239-731-6555FYZICAL West Fort Myers15620 McGregor Blvd. Suite 115, Fort Myers 33966Phone: 239-561-5616 Fax:239-561-0345FYZICAL East Fort Myers10676 Colonial Blvd., Fort Myers 33913Phone: 239-465-4880 Fax: 239-465-4604FYZICAL Northeast Naples7740 Preserve Lane Suite #5, Naples 34119Phone: 239-227-2297 Fax:239-228-4878FYZICAL East Naples12250 Tamiami Trail E. Suite 102, Naples 34113Phone: 239-417-0027 Fax:239-417-0041FYZICAL Bonita Springs25241 Elementary Way, Suite 200, Bonita Springs 34145Phone: 239-947-4184 Fax:239-947-4171