Complete Balance and Fall Evaluation and Treatment
The Lowcountry's flagship balance and fall prevention program continues to lead the way with unique programs, equipment, and services to reduce our patients' falling risks, boost their confidence, and improve their quality of life.
Balance and Fall Prevention
Check YOUR Risk of Falling and see why it matters.
Recognize and diminish symptoms of dizziness and feelings of imbalance. If you answer “yes” to at least 3 of the following statements, you may be at an increased risk of falling.
-
People who have fallen once are likely to fall again.
-
People who have been advised to use a cane or walker may already be more likely to fall.
-
Unsteadiness or needing support while walking are signs of poor balance.
-
This is a sign of weak leg muscles, a major reason for falling.
-
People who are worried about falling are more likely to fall.
-
Rushing to the bathroom, especially at night, increases your chance of falling.
-
Numbness in your feet can cause stumbles and lead to falls.
-
Side effects from medicines can sometimes increase your chance of falling.
-
These medicines can sometimes increase your chance of falling.
-
Symptoms of depression, such as not feeling well or feeling slowed down, are linked to falls.
How did you score?
If you answered “yes” to at least 3 of the statements, you may be at an increased risk of falling. Our team is here to help!
Vestibular Care & Treatment for Vertigo
Horizon has one of the most comprehensive balance
and vestibular programs in the area. This program
is specifically designed to work with patients
at any level of dysfunction. Horizon’s investment
in the latest technology allows the ability to have
a look into an in-depth cause of patients’ vertigo
and assist in their treatment and recovery.
Our neuro sensory motor integrator is designed to offer a host of therapy procedures to a wide range of patients requiring visual or neurological therapy including balance, vision, and inner ear therapy; as well as treatment for concussions.
Do you experience dizziness, or have trouble keeping your balance?
Unfortunately, you're not alone. According to data from the National Institutes for Health, approximately 69 million Americans over the age of 40 suffer from some type of balance disorder. Our highly-trained team of specialists understands the balance system and treats a variety of vestibular and balance disorders.
Symptoms may include:
Positional Vertigo
Dizziness
Unexplained Falls
Gait Instability
Wooziness
Motion Sensitivity
Nausea or Vomiting Related to Movement
Visual Disturbances
Cervical Spine Disorders
Meet Our Specialized Balance Team
These talented individuals are dedicated to providing the most effective physical therapy available to alleviate pain, improve physical conditions, and help you return to the activities you love.
Mavis Lepper, PT, DPT, CBIS, CIDN
Doctor of Physical Therapy, Certified in Dry Needling, Certified Brain Injury Specialist
Mavis helps patients for regain the mobility and confidence needed to carry out their day-to-day activities. Mavis recently moved from Indianapolis, IN to the Lowcountry. She is a certified brain injury specialist, which aids in the restoration of brain function and the promotion of optimal health. She is also certified to perform dry needling, along with many other capabilities. Outside of work, she enjoys spending her time walking her dog in the beauty of the Lowcountry.
Dani Tolman, PT, DPT
Doctor of Physical Therapy, Balance and Vestibular Rehabilitation, LSVT Big Certified
Danielle Tolman, DPT is a physical therapist who specializes in the evaluation and treatment of patients with vestibular and balance dysfunction. She is proud to be the President of the Vestibular Disorders Association (VEDA) in addition to serving on the Legislative Advocacy Committee, the Medical Advocacy Committee, the Virtual Conference Committee, and the Professional Development Committee.
Jacob Eldred, PTA
Physical Therapy Assistant, LSVT Big Certified
Jacob is originally from Ithaca, New York. He moved to the Lowcountry, where he received his education and currently practices. He is certified in LSVT Big, which allows him to specialize in treating neurological and balance-related diagnoses. Outside of being a skilled and experienced physical therapist, he enjoys playing pickleball.
Kyle Garrity, PT, DPT
Doctor of Physical Therapy
Originally from Southern California, Kyle enlisted in the U.S. Army where he served as a combat medic in the Army Rangers for 6 years. During his time in service, he met his wife who is now a kindergarten teacher. He ended up being stationed in Savannah, GA where he received his degree in Rehabilitation Science and then his Doctorate of Physical Therapy at Georgia Southern University. Kyle enjoys kayaking, hiking, and running with his dog.
Brett Ratner, BS, PTA, ME
Orthopedics, Sacroiliac Dysfunction, IASTM, Cupping
Brett has over 20 years of experience as a licensed Physical Therapist Assistant in both New York and New Jersey. His expertise is in outpatient Orthopedics, treating various musculoskeletal and neuromuscular conditions along with treating post-surgical, and Parkinson's patients. Brett’s goal is to correct the problem causing the patient’s injury or loss of function and return them to a pain-free functional, and recreational lifestyle they can enjoy.
Katlyn Scarpinella, DPT
Doctor of Physical Therapy, LSVT Big Certified
Katlyn is originally from Long Island, NY and studied at Utica College. She enjoys treating a variety of neurological diagnoses, including Parkinson's Disease, post-stroke, Multiple Sclerosis, and the vestibular system. Along with her experience and skilled background, she is certified in LSVT BIG. She enjoys spending time with friends and family, exploring new outdoor scenes/activities, and trying out new food spots in her free time.
The Area's Only Indoor, Heated, Resistance Therapy Pool
At Horizon Rehabilitation, we have the area's only indoor, heated, resistance therapy pool, as well as Certified Aquatic Therapists on staff. For patients who are in pain and are weakened due to an injury or disability, Aquatic Therapy provides safe and efficient exercise to decrease pain, heal and improve stability. The natural buoyancy of water reduces the stress on the body and helps patients exercise easier with less pain.
LSVT BIG® Program
Our LSVT BIG® program is designed for patients with Parkinson's Disease. In working with a certified LSVT BIG therapist, patients are instructed in a standardized treatment protocol comprised of a series of whole-body exercises, gait training, and functional training. Treatment is administered in 16 sessions over a single month (four individual 60-minute sessions per week). The goal of the program is to help patients move bigger and better in all that they do.
Safe Driving Assessments
Horizon’s Safe Driving Program in conjunction with 123 Drive! Driving Academy, will tune up your driving skills and get you safely back in the driver's seat. Our Driving Rehabilitation Specialists will perform several tests to ensure your safety both physically and with your driving skills. When you successfully complete this program you are eligible to receive a 15 – 20% discount on most auto insurance for three (3) years.
Home Safety Assessments
Particularly if you’re an individual who lives alone, a home safety assessment is an important way to identify potential hazards in your home. Our Horizon home safety assessment may include home improvement recommendations to help you navigate your environment more securely, such as moving rugs, installing handrails in the bathroom, or making sure your house has adequate lighting.
Rock Steady Boxing Therapy for Parkinsons
Rock Steady Boxing is a unique exercise program based on training used by boxing pros and adapted to people with Parkinson's disease. The program involves regular exercises, such as stretching, bicycling, running, jump-roping, push-ups, balancing, and non-contact boxing led by Horizon's experienced therapists and trainers. Rock Steady Boxing serves both men and women of all ages and levels of ability.
Additional Helpful Resources available for Balance and Fall Concerns
Our therapists have many resources that they can tap into from our community to help with a patient’s care, safety, or support. Be sure to ask your therapist!
Some resources available to our patients include:
Home Exercise
Caregiver Training
Fall Proofing your Home
Technological Monitoring/Support
Local Support Groups
Wheelchair Fittings
Safe Driving Assessments
Medical Support from our network of Nutritionists, Neuropsycirtricsts, Vision Center, and many others.