Steady Steps Ahead – Regain Your Balance at Trilogy Clarence!
Featuring expert care in balance & vestibular therapy, patient success stories, and fitness tips for National Physical Fitness & Sports Month.
Clinical Director Message
“As summer approaches, now is the perfect time to address any nagging injuries or discomfort that may be holding you back. Whether you’re dealing with chronic low back pain, a bulging disc, or vestibular issues that affect your balance, our team is here to help you move confidently and comfortably into the season. Did you know we offer free screens with our physical therapists, for any pain and discomfort that you have? Don’t let pain keep you on the sidelines—request a free screen to get ahead of it now!” -Nick
Meet the Clarence Team!
At our Clarence clinic, you’re not just getting expert care—you’re gaining a whole crew of kind, passionate professionals who are here to help you feel your best. Our team brings skill, heart, and a lot of personality to every session. Whether you’re working on recovery, building strength, or just want to move through life with more confidence, we’ve got someone who’s just the right fit for your journey. Here’s a look at the specialties and passions that make each member of our team so unique:
Donna
The Go-To for Lymphedema Care
When it comes to managing lymphedema, Donna is the expert you want in your corner. She’s dedicated to helping patients reduce swelling, ease discomfort, and feel more comfortable in their own skin. With years of specialized experience, Donna makes a real difference for people dealing with chronic swelling and post-treatment side effects.
Craig
Our Resident Golf Guru (TPI Certified)
Got golf on the brain? So does Craig! As a Titleist Performance Institute (TPI) certified therapist, he helps golfers improve flexibility, avoid injuries, and shave strokes off their game. But even if you’ve never picked up a club, Craig’s movement-based training can help you move better, feel stronger, and prevent future injuries—on or off the green.
Maddie
The Balance Builder
Maddie is all about helping you feel steady, strong, and self-assured. She’s especially passionate about balance training and works closely with patients who want to regain confidence after an injury or a fall. Maddie also supports our members in the medically oriented gym, where her encouragement and energy keep people motivated and on track for ultimate health and wellness. Maddie leads a weekly yoga class every Tuesday morning from 8:00 to 8:40 a.m. Come start your day with some movement and mindfulness!
Nick
The Spine Supporter
Nick has a real passion for helping people tackle chronic back pain and spinal issues. He understands how much persistent pain can affect your daily life—and he’s all about finding ways to improve strength, movement, and mindset. Whether it’s through hands-on therapy or building a sustainable home program, Nick is there to help patients get back to doing what they love (without back pain holding them back).
Kim and Karen
Our Patient Liaisons
Kim and Karen are the bridge between our patients and our clinicians. They help ensure patients have a positive experience and that their concerns, questions, and needs are addressed effectively.
Is Your Head Spinning? How Physical Therapy Can Help Your Vertigo
Have you ever had a sudden sense that you’re spinning in place — even though you’re standing perfectly still? If so, then you’ve experienced vertigo, an unnerving sensation that often indicates an underlying issue with your vestibular system.
A single incident of vertigo probably isn’t anything to worry about, as the sensation isn’t typically harmful in and of itself. However, multiple vertigo attacks could indicate an underlying issue with your vestibular system, which helps manage your balance and spatial awareness. Frequent vertigo can also increase fall risk, leading to potential injury or hospitalization.
While vertigo can feel hallucinatory and strange, it is more often than not rooted in a physical issue — one that the physical therapists at Trilogy can help address. Our team’s understanding of your body’s vestibular and balance systems ensures you can find the relief you need to live a full, healthy life.
Don’t let vertigo sweep you off your feet. Call us today to schedule an initial consultation!
Understanding Vertigo: What It Is, What It Feels Like, and What Causes It
Many people use the terms “vertigo” and “dizziness” interchangeably, but vertigo is a specific type of dizziness. Dizziness can refer to a range of sensations: wooziness, lightheadedness, etc. Vertigo refers to a particular sensation in which you feel like you or the space you’re in is spinning.
Vertigo is closely associated with your vestibular system, which is located in your inner ear (the peripheral vestibular system) and in your cerebellum (the central vestibular system). Most people with vertigo have an impairment in the peripheral vestibular system: the structures and canals of the inner ear.
What sort of impairments? Here are a few of the most common:
- Benign Positional Paroxysmal Vertigo (BPPV): The most common source of vertigo, this occurs when tiny crystals build up in the inner ear canal.
- Meniere’s Disease: This results from fluid buildup in your inner ear. In addition to vertigo, you might experience hearing loss or muffled hearing, tinnitus, and a sense of fullness in the ear.
- Labyrinthitis: This is an inner ear inflammation resulting from an infection.
It’s important to remember that vertigo isn’t really a condition in and of itself — it’s a symptom. If you can’t find an obvious inner ear issue that could be causing your vertigo, you may have central vertigo, vertigo that’s rooted in your cerebellum. The following can cause central vertigo:
- Stroke
- Migraines
- Vascular disease
- Traumatic brain injury
Our physical therapists will work with you and other providers, if needed, to determine the exact root of your vertigo attacks.
Physical Therapy’s Role in Treating Vertigo
Many people are surprised that physical therapy is a standard treatment for vertigo, but it’s true, especially if you have peripheral vertigo. Our therapists will blend several different treatments to help manage your vertigo attacks while working to improve your overall balance and stability:
- Vestibular rehabilitation is a specialized form of physical therapy that consists of exercises specifically designed to address issues with the vestibular system, including relaxation techniques, gaze stabilization exercises, and more.
- Repositioning maneuvers help people with BPPV. We can dislodge the crystals causing your symptoms by positioning your head in certain ways.
- Balance training is an integral part of any vertigo treatment plan. We’ll walk you through exercises designed to challenge — and improve — your overall balance, which helps reduce your fall risk.
- Conditioning programs are another important piece in the vertigo puzzle. Muscular weakness, particularly in the core, can contribute to balance issues; a tailored exercise program will help you build the strength you need to stay on your feet.
- Finally, patient education ensures you understand the cause of your vertigo and have the tools you need to manage it. For example, we can help you identify and avoid vertigo triggers and provide strategies to make it through vertigo attacks.
John “Jack” Barrett
Balance Patient & MOG Member
After experiencing a fall at home and struggling with stairs, John Barrett came to physical therapy for help with balance and lower body weakness. With steady progress, he transitioned into the Medically Oriented Gym (MOG) to keep building strength—and now he’s feeling more confident on stairs and has goals of getting back to the golf course!
“Since starting in the MOG, I have been able to feel a difference in my strength and especially when using stairs anywhere. It has made a big impact on my life…I am looking forward to continuing to use the gym to achieve the personal goals I have set. Maddy has been excellent with making sure I have the proper form and techniques to complete each set safely and correctly, introducing new challenges and providing good at home practice.” – Jack
Why Choose MOG?
We aren’t just a gym—we’re an all-in-one wellness destination, designed to support you wherever you are on your fitness journey. Whether you’re recovering from injury, maintaining your health, or setting new fitness goals, we’ve got something for you:
✅ Nutrition Services
✅ Personalized Training Plans
✅ Group Classes
✅ On-Site Exercise Specialists
We provide the tools you need for better health, longevity, and success. It’s more than just fitness; it’s a lifestyle change designed to meet you where you are.
Say Goodbye to Vertigo. Call Trilogy Today!
Although it’s not life-threatening, vertigo can profoundly impact your overall quality of life. Many people with frequent vertigo are less likely to go out or participate in their favorite recreational activities for fear of an ill-timed attack. But our physical therapists can help control–and sometimes even resolve — your vertigo, ensuring you live a rich, active life.
Ready to learn more? Call to schedule an appointment today.
National Physical Fitness & Sports Month: Move More this May!
Why Movement Matters
When we think about “getting active,” we often picture intense gym sessions, long runs, or structured classes. But here’s the good news: movement doesn’t have to be all-or-nothing—every little bit counts.
Movement supports your heart health, improves blood flow, and helps keep your joints mobile and pain-free. It can boost mood, reduce stress, and even help you sleep better at night. Whether it’s walking the dog, dancing in your kitchen, or taking the stairs instead of the elevator, those small choices add up over time.
At our medically oriented gym, we believe in functional fitness—movement that supports your everyday life. That means:
- Getting up and down from the floor without strain
- Walking with confidence and balance
- Carrying groceries without discomfort
- Preventing injuries before they happen
Moving more in May could mean going for a walk outside, joining a pickleball game, stretching during a work break, or doing yardwork or gardening. If you’re not sure where to start or want a plan that’s safe and tailored to your goals, we’re here to help. Whether it’s a mobility assessment, personal training, or just some accountability—let’s get moving, together.
Sources
- https://rheumatology.org/patients/joint-replacement-surgery
- https://www.choosept.com/guide/physical-therapy-guide-total-knee-replacement
- https://www.choosept.com/guide/physical-therapy-guide-total-hip-replacement-arthroplasty
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S187706572200077X
- https://www.choosept.com/guide/physical-therapy-guide-osteoarthritis
- https://inspiredbycharm.com/roasted-carrot-salad/
- https://www.choosept.com/guide/physical-therapy-guide-vertigo
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5954334/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK482356/
- https://www.physio-pedia.com/Introduction_to_Vestibular_Rehabilitation
