Steady Strides

Nearly half of stroke survivors contend with residual disabling limitations in mobility and activities of daily living. While many patients receive interventions aimed at preventing strokes, few undergo care for the disabling post-stroke limitations from an expert in stroke rehabilitation.

Following a stroke complications such as limb tightness (aka "spasticity"), shoulder pain, difficulty moving around and others are common. The American Heart Association/American Stroke Association has established specific guidelines for neuro-rehabilitation.

At Steady Strides we specialize in post-stroke conditions and synchronize our medical and physical/occupation rehabilitation efforts to optimize your recovery.

For some of our patients, chemodenervation procedures using Botox are employed to treat spasticity that is not adequately managed with more conservative measures.

The Centers for Disease Control defines patients at high risk of falls as older adults/seniors who experience one traumatic fall or two falls annually. These individuals require a thorough review of their medical and movement impairments by a professional with expertise in fall prevention, as falls in the elderly can lead to head trauma and fractures of the hips and wrists.

Unfortunately, it can often be difficult to get all your answers in one place, as very few physicians specialize in fall prevention. However, at Steady Strides this is our specialty and primary area of focus.

Typically, patients report that they continue to fall and suffer from balance deficits despite months or years of physical therapy and multiple specialist physician visits. Also, often express frustration with the lack of clarity regarding their diagnosis for falling. At Steady Strides, we provide a convenient “one-stop-shop” approach, providing a comprehensive medical assessment to diagnose the underlying causes of falls and develop a patient-tailored, goal-directed medical and rehabilitation plan of care.

Even though many of our patients seek treatment after experiencing life-threatening falls and fractures, we also cater to individuals who have not yet fallen. Those who suspect impairment in their balance or those that use walkers, canes, or foot braces are welcome in our fall prevention program.

On average car drivers can anticipate experiencing around 4 auto accidents throughout their lifetime. Statistics show that men tend to be involved in accidents more frequently than women.

Car accidents have the potential to result in various conditions including, psychological trauma, painful muscle sprains/strains, whiplash, neurological injury, brain injury/concussion and other medical complications. Unfortunately, these problems are often overlooked; without proper medical intervention, they can lead to long-lasting morbidity.

Thankfully, at Steady Strides we specialize in conditions -whether mild or severe- affecting muscles, tendons, joints, nerves, bones, and the central nervous system (including the spinal cord and brain). We work as an expert team combining medical and rehabilitative measures to diagnose and treat our patients’ pain, suffering and disability. Our physician and therapy providers coordinate closely to deliver individually tailored interventions to help maximize their recovery.

The human nervous system can be categorized into two main divisions: the central nervous system (comprising the brain and spinal cord) and the peripheral nervous system (encompassing nerves outside the brain and spinal cord). Central nervous system conditions include stroke, Parkinson's disease, brain injury/concussion, multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injury (resulting in paraplegia or tetraplegia). While conditions like stroke occur suddenly, others such as myelopathy (spinal cord compression) may develop gradually over years due to progressive narrowing in the neck or lumbar spinal canal (known as cervical or lumbar spinal stenosis).

These conditions often impact multiple body systems, affecting functions such as, vision, swallowing, bowel and bladder function, as well as the use of arms and legs. Peripheral nephropathy may be triggered by common conditions like diabetes, radiculopathy, the carpal tunnel syndrome, or rare etiologies such as the pancoast tumor.

Patients experiencing weakness, numbness and pain, typically in their hands and feet may be affected by these conditions. At Steady Strides, our commitment to thorough diagnosis involves conducting comprehensive neurological assessments. As part of our holistic approach, we may also perform on-site electrodiagnostic studies (EMG/NCS) or refer patients to advanced imaging facilities when necessary. By integrating these diagnostic modalities, we ensure a precise understanding of each patient's condition, allowing us to tailor treatment plans that optimize recovery and improve quality of life.

Feeling "light-headed" or "dizzy" can stem from a variety of medical conditions, ranging from benign to potentially life-threatening. While some may involve serious issues affecting the heart or brain, others may be more benign in nature.

Traditionally, vertigo, characterized by a sensation of the "room spinning," can arise from either "peripheral" or “central” conditions. The associated “peripheral” conditions often involve deeper ear-related structures such as benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, Meniere’s disease, or vestibular neuritis. Less commonly, the associated "central" conditions involve the brain, such as stroke, migraine, tumors, or multiple sclerosis.

Physician involvement is crucial to accurately diagnose the underlying condition and guide the appropriate treatment course. Given the complex nature of these conditions, a team based approach often involving rehabilitative interventions may be necessary for optimal management and recovery.

The National Center for Health Statistics reports that one in every four Americans have suffered from pain lasting longer than 24 hours with chronic pain being the leading cause of long-term disability. Common pain conditions include areas such as the neck, shoulder, lower back, hip and knee.

At Steady Strides we prioritize identifying the correct diagnosis for the source of the pain. Then we define a comprehensive yet conservative patient-specific goal-directed medical and rehabilitation protocol. Our approach focuses on avoiding potentially addictive opioid medications and preventing costly and often painful hip, knee, back, or neck pain surgeries.

We employ targeted rehabilitation therapies, modalities, topical and neuropathic medications, and, if necessary steroid injections. However, for patients seeking opiate medications we recommend consultation elsewhere. Our aim is to alleviate pain and improve function through evidence-based interventions that prioritize patient well-being and long-term health.

Parkinson's disease is a progressive brain disorder classically associated with slowed movement for which treatment focuses on symptom relief rather than a cure.

Common symptoms include muscle rigidity and tremors in the legs and arms, soft or slurred speech as well as a shuffling gait. Additionally, Parkinson’s disease also affects the autonomic nervous system leading to symptoms such as dizziness upon rising from a bed or standing from a chair due to a drop in blood pressure.

At Steady Strides, we specialize in coordinating medical and rehabilitation interventions to help individuals maximize their independence despite this degenerative condition. Through a comprehensive approach, we aim to alleviate symptoms, enhance mobility, and improve overall quality of life for those living with Parkinson's disease.

In conditions such as adult cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, amputation, traumatic brain injury/concussion, spinal cord injury, weakness, balance deficits and others that limit function we may be able to help.

Specializing in helping individuals regain their maximal level, we offer comprehensive medical and rehabilitative care. Our approach involves close collaboration with your existing physicians and therapists to ensure the best possible outcomes for you. Whether it's enhancing mobility, improving strength, or addressing balance issues, our goal is to support you in achieving your optimal level of function and quality of life.

Migraine headaches may be difficult to diagnose and treat. A comprehensive approach entails a thorough medical and rehabilitative assessment, incorporating interventions such as medication adjustment and manual therapies.

For select patients experiencing particularly difficult-to-treat pain, injections with Botox may be indicated as part of their treatment plan. By addressing both the symptoms and underlying factors contributing to migraines, we strive to provide effective relief and improve overall quality of life for our patients.