Dizziness and Vertigo Services

Vestibular Rehabilitation

Dizziness or vertigo are conditions that occur for many different reasons.  Symptoms can include dizziness, loss of balance, nausea and trouble focusing the eyes. Patients with the conditions can benefit from vestibular rehab services to address their condition.

Why should I choose Stewart Memorial?

Our physical and occupational therapists have undergone specialized training specific to treating dizziness and vertigo issues.  They rely on their many years of experience and knowledge in treating vestibular conditions when determining your therapy needs.

What should I expect at my appointment?

For active and severe cases of dizziness, it is recommended to have someone drive you to your first appointment.  During your initial appointment, we request that you arrive 20 minutes prior to your scheduled time to allow for intake paperwork completion. Intake information is gathered about your problem, daily activities affected by it and medical history.  After your intake is complete, your therapist will conduct an assessment of your condition and make recommendations for treatment. Most therapy appointments are scheduled to give you 40 minutes of 1:1 time with your therapist so it is important to arrive on time.  At times, the amount of time for a session may fluctuate based on your individual situation that day.

One of the more common causes of vertigo is called Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo or BBPV. A small piece of calcium carbonate debris, also known as otoconia and “ear rock”, in the inner ear becomes dislodged and becomes free floating in the semicircular canal of the inner ear.  The semicircular canal in the inner ear plays a large role in how people feel motion and balance. Why otoconia or “ear rocks” form is often unknown but can be related to a blow to the head, an infection, or the aging process. Because the otoconia is free floating in the semicircular canal, when the head is moved, the patient will be dizzy, see the room spinning, and may become nauseated. Through a technique called the Canalith Repositioning Technique, the therapist repositions the “ear rock” back where it belongs, and the patient usually recovers within a few treatments.

Meet Our Therapists 

Lisa Findley, OTR/L Occupational Therapist 1301 W. Main Street, Lake City, IA 51449 Phone: (712) 464-4244 Education: • Master of Science, Occupational Therapy, University of South Dakota, 1997 • Bachelor of Arts, Child Development and Family Relations, South Dakota State University, 1990 Professional Interests & Specialized Training: • Dizziness and vertigo • Hand injury and post-surgery therapy • Home adaptation • Pediatrics      o   Sensory and fine motor coordination • Wheelchair assessments and fitting Personal Information and Interests: • Biking, walking and crafting • Spending time with my husband, family and cats Community Involvement: • Founding Therapist for the SMCH Occupational Therapy Department in 1998 • Iowa Occupational Therapy Association Member • American Occupational Therapy Association Member • Active Member of the Lake City Union Church and Hand Bell Choir

Luke Larson, DPT Physical Therapist 1301 W. Main Street, Lake City, IA 51449 Phone: (712) 464-4244 Education: • Doctor of Physical Therapy, Des Moines University, May 2016 • Bachelor of Science, Human Physiology, The University of Iowa, May 2013 Professional Interests & Specialized Training: • Dizziness and vertigo • Functional dry needling • Graston technique • Manual therapy including joint manipulation • Work-related injuries • Neuropain science • Orthopedics • Sports injuries and performance Personal Information and Interests: • Golfing, working out • Spending time with family and friends Community Involvement: • Iowa Physical Therapy Association Member • American Physical Therapy Association Member • Safety educator for Calhoun County workers • Elderbridge and Matter of Balance Instructor • Central Church Connect Team Member

Kay Crabb, PT, MSPT Physical Therapist 1301 W. Main Street, Lake City, IA 51449 Phone: (712) 464-4244 Education: • Master of Science in Physical Therapy, Des Moines University, 1994 • Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration, Iowa State University, 1988 Professional Interests & Specialized Training: • Aquatic therapy • Balance problems • Corporate health and wellness • Craniosacral therapy • Dizziness and vertigo • Functional aging exercise specialist • Graston technique • Hippotherapy • Home-based therapy • Musculoskeletal and joint pain • Manual therapy technique • Orthopedics • Senior Strong instructor Personal Information and Interests: • Avid cyclist and RAGBRAI participant, including century rides • High School and AAU volleyball coach • Iowa State Cyclone Alumni and Athletics Enthusiast • Spending time with husband and two wonderful sons Community Involvement: • Iowa Physical Therapy Association Member • American Physical Therapy Association Member • East Sac County Youth Soccer Coach • Elderbridge and Matter of Balance Instructor

Jill Birks, PT, MSPT, ATC, CMYK Physical Therapist 505 E. Lake Street, Rockwell City, IA 50579 Phone: (712) 297-5016 Education: • Master of Science, Physical Therapy, Des Moines University, 1992 • Bachelor of Science, Biology & Athletic Training, Buena Vista University, 1990 Professional Interests & Specialized Training: • Graston technique • Manual therapy technique • Orthopedics • Sports injuries • Concussion management • Certified Myokinesthetic Practitioner Personal Information and Interests: • Biking, hiking and golfing • Watching family compete as coaches and athletes Community Involvement: • Elderbridge and Matter of Balance Instructor • Sideline PT and ATC for South Central Calhoun Community School (SCC) • Baseline ImPACT concussion testing program manager for SCC