MAC WELLNESS
A MESSAGE FROM OUR PARTNERS AT LEARN ABOUT DIZZINESS AND BALANCE DISORDERS Almost 35 percent of adults over the age of 40 have experienced some form of vestibular dysfunction, an impairment to the inner-ear balance system which can lead to dizziness, balance issues and vertigo.* The vestibular system includes parts of the inner ear and brain that process sensory information and helps control balance and eye movement. If you feel dizzy or off balance, these systems may not be working together properly. Vestibular dysfunction can result from an injury, illness, infection, aging or environmental factors. SSM Health Physical Therapy has physical therapists who are expertly trained to treat vestibular disorders that may cause: F Dizziness F Gait impairments F Headaches F Hearing deficits F Imbalance F Lack of concentration or thought processes F Memory loss F Nausea related to motion sickness F Sensitivity to light and/or noise F Spatial disorientation F Ringing in the ears F Vision disturbances * Agrawal Y, Carey JP, Della Santina CC, Schubert MC, Minor LB. Disorders of balance and vestibular function in US adults. Arch Intern Med. 2009; 169(10): 938-944, as reported by Vestibular Disorder Association (VEDA) Physical Therapy Can Help SM Health Physical Therapy’s specialized Vestibular Rehabilitation Program is
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designed to help you resume daily activities, regain function and restore quality of life. We offer individually tailored treatment that includes exercises to improve balance and stability, gait and positioning, along with education and compensatory strategies. The exercises are designed not only to build strength and balance, but also to retrain the brain to recognize signals from the vestibular system and use other senses to overcome any deficits. In addition, a home exercise program may be provided to reinforce the gains you make. Next Steps Schedule a visit with the MAC’s resident SSM physical therapist, Jay Zaber. Please call 314-822-3205 or stop by the clinic for assistance scheduling. The clinic can be found in the West JAY ZABER Clubhouse near the Youth Activity Room. At the time of scheduling, Members will receive an email of the paperwork to complete prior to your appointment. Often, treatment will begin during the first appointment, which will be 45-60 minutes. F
