Roughly 63 million people in the U.S. are estimated to be at risk of a fall. The majority of those individuals are over sixty-five years of age. One in five older people who fall never recover.

That was almost the case for Linda. After suffering a debilitating fall, she struggled for over two years trying to recover. “About two years ago after I initially fell, I worked with more than four different individuals over the course of seven weeks, and nothing seemed to be working,” says Linda. “I was still having problems.”

Things changed dramatically after Linda discovered the new Fyzical Dizziness & Fall Prevention Center at The Ear, Nose, Throat & Plastic Surgery Associates Winter Park location. After just three weeks of dizziness and balance therapy, her life was transformed.

“I can be on my feet a lot more than I could previously,” says Linda. “I don’t get dizzy as often as I did and it’s getting rarer for me to get dizzy with each day that passes.”

What Is the Fyzical Dizziness and Fall Prevention Center?

The Fyzical Dizziness & Fall Prevention Center is a comprehensive, state-of-the-art therapy and balance center with specialized staff, equipment and training protocols to treat vestibular balance disorders for patients of all ages and lifestyles.

The Center is located within The Ear, Nose, Throat & Plastic Surgery Associates’ Winter Park facility creating a unique synergy between audiology, physical therapy, and otolaryngology. The center was designed to address, to evaluate, and to treat balance disorders. Patients benefit from the treatment to overcome their dizziness and falls without having to drive to multiple locations for various services.

“Treatment at our one-of-a-kind dizziness and balance center starts with a thorough history and physical with one of our medical specialists,” says Barry S. Kang, M.D., F.A.C.S., a board-certified otolaryngologist at The Ear, Nose, Throat & Plastic Surgery Associates. “Upon evaluation, if we find there is a balance challenge within the inner ear or the vestibular system, we will get you into our balance center to confirm any diagnosis and for therapy to treat the diagnosis we find.”

Unlike some other centers that look uniquely at reactive treatments after the falls have happened, the Fyzical Dizziness & Fall Prevention Center aims to treat the effects of the fall and prevent future balance issues from arising. Through diagnostic testing, balance deficiencies or weaknesses can be identified and addressed before a future injury occurs.

“At the Fyzical Center, it’s more than 100%. My therapist has helped me so much,” says Linda. “I’ve been able to do more in just three weeks after starting here. I’ve continued to improve.”

What is Vestibular Rehabilitation?

Vestibular rehabilitation is an exercise-based program designed by a specialized physical therapist who focuses only on dizziness and balance therapy to improve balance and reduce dizziness-related problems. A treatment plan is designed to improve your ability to function in the activities of everyday living, reduce your risk of falling, and, ultimately, enhance your quality of life.

Multiple factors can play into balance issues including:

• Age
• Inner ear
• Eye issues
• Spinal challenges
• Joint problems
• Arthritis

Typically no one single factor is responsible for one’s balance issues. Every patient presents a unique situation with a multitude of factors interacting with each other and the brain that can play into the challenge.

Dizziness Symptoms

Common symptoms of dizziness include:

• Vertigo – feeling a spinning or whirling sensation
• Dysequilibrium – feeling tilting, swaying, off-balance or unsteady
• Light-headedness/wooziness – feeling like you may pass out or feeling confused
• Motion sickness – feeling queasy or sick to the stomach
• Behavioral – feeling anxious or panicked

The Fyzical Center has clinical protocols and treatment strategies that have been streamlined to offer people the best chance at not just fall prevention but at regaining their independence. Not just living their life but celebrating their life.

“Their gym is absolutely fantastic,” says Linda. “For what they do here, it’s great. I realize now that I let (my problem) go for too long. These last six weeks I’ve improved more than I have in the last two years. And I’m improving where I haven’t been able to before.