MASSENA, NY – Two members of St. Lawrence Health’s Physical Rehabilitation team recently earned their American Institute of Balance Vestibular Rehabilitation and Concussion Certification.
October may be National Physical Therapy (PT) Month, but the therapists say it is also a great time to bring attention to Occupational Therapy (OT). Physical Therapist David DiSalvo is part of Massena Hospital’s Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation outpatient team at 269 Andrews Street, Massena. Occupational Therapist Brittany DiSalvo works per diem for St. Lawrence Health and mostly serves patients at Canton-Potsdam Hospital, 50 Leroy Street, Potsdam. (Don’t let the same last names throw you; they are a married couple.)
Their newly added certification now provides them with the ability to effectively evaluate and treat clients who present with vestibular- and concussion-related injuries. Mr. DiSalvo pointed out his previous training has allowed him to treat patients with these conditions in the past, but the added certificate publicity assists to inform area providers and community members about the services.
“Our certification enhances awareness to the community that OTs are an option for therapeutic care. I think the best part of having this certification and completing this process with Dave, a PT, is the ability to see how the combination of OT and PT can effectively treat a client as a whole,” Mrs. DiSalvo said.
Offering both therapies to patients with vertigo-related disorders, and for concussion management means they no longer have to travel long distances for treatment.
“We can offer one-on-one treatment for both disciplines. Furthermore, the work can be divided and more focused with OT working on cognitive aspects (memory, processing, interpretation, and daily living), and with PT work focusing on physical exertion tolerance, cervical spine dysfunction/pain, and balance. Again, both disciplines can provide all the treatments, but with a team effort we see even more success” Mr. DiSalvo said.
Most often, people associate vertigo/dizziness with vestibular dysfunction. However, many individuals may have an inner ear dysfunction and have to retrain their brain to manage it with a different strategy, such as adaptation, habituation or substitution.
When individuals are faced with a concussion, vestibular dysfunction is only one pathway it may take. Others include cervical spine dysfunction, cognition, anxiety/mood, post traumatic migraines, or ocular.
“Depending on where the brain injury is located can dictate the symptoms and how we manage them. Another big thing is that OT and PT play a huge role in assisting those injured to return to school, work, and sports,” Mrs. DiSalvo noted.
“PT and OT therapeutic interventions always take a client-centered approach in being able to provide the best care,” she continued. “There are some personal factors we must consider and adapt as needed when evaluating and treating each client. When providing treatments for these populations, the therapist (PT/OT) must take a client-centered approach in providing function-based treatment. This means engaging the client in tasks and activities that are important or essential to them.”
When a provider refers patients to Physical Rehabilitation, they should always follow-up and seek that specific treatment. Making the decision to for-go therapy can greatly impact the patient’s ability to function throughout the daily lives.
“Vestibular dysfunction is not just vertigo (hallucination of the world spinning around), it can be balance impairments, motion intolerance, impaired vision, and more. All of which can affect any individual on a daily basis with basic activities,” Mr. DiSalvo said.
“In regards to any head injury, if your gut tells you something is wrong, believe in it, especially when involving school-aged children. It is so important that we recognize these concussion injuries and implement an appropriate protocol for the individual to allow the brain the time it needs to heal. It is through the expertise of the therapists that guides the individual in regaining function, all while allowing the brain to heal,” he added.
Along with working as therapists for St. Lawrence Health, the DiSalvos also work at Clarkson University in Potsdam. Mrs. DiSalvo is a Clinical Assistant Professor in the Occupational Therapy Department, and Mr. DiSalvo serves as an adjunct, tutor, and guest lecturer in the Physical Therapy Department.
In addition to outpatient Physical Rehabilitation services offered through St. Lawrence Health in Massena, they are also offered at the Helen Snell Cheel Medical Campus in Potsdam, St. Lawrence Health Medical Campus in Canton, and at Gouverneur Hospital. Learn about all therapies provided through SLH.
