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Company
Profile...
Top Clinics - 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2011
As featured in "Austin Business Journal"
Specializing in balance, dizziness and
hearing problems.
360°
Balance
5608 Parkcrest Drive,
Ste. 100
Austin, TX 78731 | Tel: 512-345-4664
Request
Information
 360° Balance
is a specialty clinic, located in Austin, devoted to the evaluation
and treatment of dizziness, balance and hearing problems. Our
unique blend of audiology and physical therapy enables us to meet
the needs of patients with neurological disorders, inner ear disorders,
mild head injury, hearing loss and fall risk. Our audiology services
include advanced testing and an array of specialized hearing devices
that fit many different needs.
Reasons to Call 360° Balance
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Vertigo (spinning sensation)
- Tinnitus (ringing/noises in the ear)
- Imbalance or unsteadiness
- Hearing loss
- Decreased concentration
- Foggy or fuzzy headedness
- Decreased range of motion and/or muscular strength
- Vestibular disorder
- Neurological disorder
- Post mild head injury/concussion
- High risk for falls
The specialized physical
therapy is tailored to the individual’s specific needs. The staff
at 360° Balance is committed to combining advanced technology with
patient centered care to provide a unique experience for all parties
involved.
Our focus is
on balance, dizziness and vertigo. We offer advanced diagnostic testing
and unsurpassed physical therapy evaluations for people
suffering from these often debilitating disorders.
Diagnosing
& Treating the Problem
At 360° Balance, we utilize advanced diagnostic tools to quickly and
accurately identify the source of the patient's complaints. We offer
testing that is not available elsewhere in the area. Testing is painless
and non-invasive.
The balance therapy or
vestibular rehabilitation program will be tailored to the
individual's specific findings as identified from the evaluation and
diagnostics performed. Studies show that a rehabilitation program
customized for a patient results in 85% resolution of symptoms versus less
than 50% when medication alone or a general treatment approach is used. In
addition, the average therapy duration drops from 11-14 weeks, to only 4-8
weeks. We take a one-on-one, hands on
approach to diagnosis and treatment.
Balance
Retraining Therapy
What is it?
Balance Retraining Therapy
(BRT) is a specialized form of physical therapy to decrease, if not eliminate,
primary symptoms of movement-related dizziness and imbalance through a
customized "hands-on" approach. Additional symptoms addressed in
therapy may include decreased strength, loss of
range-of-motion, muscle tension, anxiety and fatigue.
What does
Balance Retraining Therapy Involve?
The initial evaluation should
be performed by a specialist and may include the following:
- A thorough history of the patient's symptoms and past medical
history
- A musculoskeletal assessment for strength, range-of-motion,
flexibility
and soft tissue dysfunction
- Neurological testing (e.g., reflexes, proprioception and
sensation)
- Assessment of eye and head movements (including video recordings)
- Balance and specialized vestibular tests (in walking and
standing)
- Customized plan of care, including a home exercise program
Vestibular /
Balance Testing
The Vestibular Autorotation Test (VAT) is used to assess the
vestibuloocular reflex (VOR). The VOR is a system that helps us visually
track objects while we are moving our head and/or body. The VAT allows us
to look at the speed and timing of the VOR to determine if the system is
working correctly. When the VOR is not working correctly, vision can be
distorted and balance is affected. VOR abnormalities are often the cause of
dizziness when all other systems are working correctly. This test takes
about 30 minutes including preparation time.
Computerized Platform
Testing is used to assess the three primary sensory contributions to
our balance: inner ear, eyes, and sense of touch. This test addresses
balance on both stable and unstable surfaces, as well as in both
static and dynamic visual environments. This test takes approximately 15
minutes.
Electronystagmography (ENG) is a series of tests performed to
assess activity of the inner ear and the pathways to higher areas in the brain.
This test is divided into several categories: Ocular Motor testing
consists of tracking a series of lights; Positional/Positioning testing puts
the patient in a series of different positions to elicit any abnormal
responses; and Biothermal Caloric Irrigations, which involves
putting both cold and warm air in each ear and measuring the response of each
inner ear for comparison. This test take approximately 1 hour including
preparation time.
Frequently
Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is involved in the
evaluation?
The initial evaluation
will include a detailed intake of the patient's past medical history and
current complaints. Special tests include eye movements using
video, computerized balance testing, coordination of eye and head
movements and evaluation of balance during walking. Additional testing may
include strength, range of motion, and flexibility.
How long is a typical
therapy session?
A visit usually lasts
one hour and will be one-on-one with a physical therapist that is
specially trained in dizziness and balance disorders. The average number of
visits is seven. However, this varies according to the patient's needs and
may range from 2-15 visits.
What kinds of exercises are
done?
The treatment plan may
include a variety of exercises that focus on balance, eye and head
coordination, strength, range-of-motion, muscle tension, endurance and
specific exercises to decrease, if not eliminate, dizziness. Exercises are
customized to each person based on the patient's complaints and findings
from the intial evaluation.
Will the exercise make me
worse?
The exercises do NOT
make the condition worse but a patient can have an increase in symptoms
with the exercises. The increases in these symptoms are only temporary.
How long until the
dizziness/imbalance improves?
Balance may improve
within the first 2-3 weeks, depending on the severity of the problem.
However, resolution of dizziness and other secondary symptoms may
take longer. Medications, illness, stress, and allergies can also affect
the rate of recovery.
Will my insurance cover
these services?
360° Balance is on the
majority of insurance plans and we will file your insurance. Any out of
pocket expenses will be determined prior to the visit. Most insurance
companies require a physician's referral.
About Us
At 360° Balance, our mission is to value every individual and meet the
healthcare needs of patients and their families that suffer from dizziness,
hearing and/or balance disorders. All of our services will be provided in a
warm, compassionate environment that is patient centered and sensitive to
diverse cultural values of patients and their families.
Our specialized staff combines sophisticated technology
with patient centered care to provide a unique experience for those suffering
from a dizziness, hearing and/or balance disorder.
As President of 360° Balance, Bridgett Wallace,
PT, DPT, brings more than fifteen years experience to treating patients
with dizziness and balance disorders. Bridgett lectures and consults with the
medical and therapeutic communities, participates in research efforts, and
serves as contributing author to physical therapy textbooks. She is a board
member for the Austin Groups for the Elderly and a member of several
professional associations.
Kathy
Samaniego, AuD is the clinical audiologist
at 360° Balance. Dr. Samaniego is board certified and brings nearly ten years
experience assessing and treating patients with balance disorders. Dr.
Samaniego is currently one of the few audiologists in the state of Texas who
specialize in diagnosing auditory processing disorders in both children and
adults. She works passionately helping individuals with hearing loss overcome
their deficits through extensive counseling and assistive listening devices.
Dr. Samaniego is an active member in several professional organizations
surrounding audiology.
Amber
R. Hasenmyer, PT, DPT joined 360° Balance as a
physical therapist in spring of 2009. She brings nearly 10 years experience
diagnosing and treating patients with dizziness and balance disorders. Amber’s
background also includes sports medicine and orthopedic practice.
If
you suffer from vertigo, dizziness and/or imbalance…THERE’S HELP! Please call 360° Balance Diagnostics and Therapy today at (512) 345-4664 or complete our Request for Information form below.
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