Rehab Connection is proud to welcome Jason Mattioli, MSPT, to our team. Jason joined the Rehab Connection family in May 2010, as Clinic Manager of our clinic in the Katz JCC. Jason graduated from Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia in 2005 receiving his Masters of ScienceDegree in Physical Therapy. Since graduating, Jason has worked in a variety of settings including pain management, in-patient rehab and out-patient orthopedics. Jason is a dynamic individual who has focused his skills in treating musculoskeletal injuries, especially those related to sports. Jason also specializes in manual therapy techniques and is trained in Maitland Manual Therapy techniques and active release techniques. Jason's hobbies and interests include weight lifting and participating in men's softball and soccer leagues. Jason brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to our practice. Jason has been a great asset to our company and we are confident you and your patients will enjoy working with him!

Introducing Vestibular Rehabilitation at Rehab

Rehab Connection is happy to announce that we will be offering vestibular rehabilitation therapy in all of our facilities. Vestibular rehabilitation is a form of physical or occupational therapy designed to treat patients who experience vertigo. Vertigo is a dysfunction of the structures in the inner ear that control equilibrium, and can cause a sense of spinning or motion within a still environment. A person experiencing vertigo will have a violent hallucination of spinning. These symptoms typically occur with changes in body position. Vertigo can occur at any age. Other symptoms that may accompany vertigo include nausea and balance disturbance.

Therapy is a common treatment option for those experiencing vertigo in addition to addressing the balance deficits that accompany vertigo. Therapy for vertigo uses exercise-based programs and techniques specifically targeting deficits of the inner ear. These exercises are designed to over stimulate the organs of the inner ear to promote adaptation at the central nervous system.

Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, the most common cause of vertigo, can be treated and cured therapeutically in just a few sessions. The pathophysiology involves displacement of otoconia ("crystals") into the semicircular canals of the inner ear. Physical therapy utilizes manual canalith repositioning techniques, to include The Epley Maneuver, to remove the crystals from the semicircular canals.

At Rehab Connection, our trained staff will evaluate the symptoms and devise an appropriate treatment plan. During the evaluation, procedures may provoke symptoms of dizziness; therefore, it may be beneficial to advise your patient to have a ride to their first session. We will look at the cause of the vertigo, as well as, evaluate potential balance deficits. If your patient complains of dizziness or unsteadiness, consider therapy as an option.