Managing chronic balance disorders

Concussions/Brain Injuries

Dizziness/Vertigo

Movement disorders

Neuro-degenerative diseases

Spinal cord injuries

Orthopedics

Identifying/Managing Elderly Falls

Lynn Herbert, PT, Founder

Certified Vestibular Rehabilitation Specialist, 1989, 2003
Certified Neuro-developmental Treatment Specialist, (Bobath approach) in treatment of Adult Hemiplegia
Completed International Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation ,(PNF), Six –month residency program, Kaiser Vallejo, achieving IPNFA Level 4 status
American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) credentialed Physical Therapy educator and clinical instructor
Member American Physical Therapy Association
Member California Physical Therapy Association
Member Private Practice and Neurologic Sections
Member and resource provider for the Vestibular Disorders Association (VEDA)
Board member and clinical advisor for Monterey county Quality of Life Project, 2 years
Clinical Advisor for Northern California National Multiple Sclerosis Society, 1 year

Lynn Herbert graduated Summa Cum Laude from Ohio University in 1982 with a Bachelor of Science in Recreation Therapy. She immediately went on to obtain her degree in Physical Therapy from Northern Arizona University, graduating with honors in 1989.
Lynn’s interest in physical therapy began after she sustained a knee injury running cross-country track in high school. She underwent reconstruction for an ACL, MCL and medical meniscus tear. Her extensive rehabilitation allowed her to continue her love of running for many years. Following her knee rehabilitation at the age of 16, she knew she would become a physical therapist.
Her interest in outdoor recreation and affinity for working with children led her to her undergraduate degree in Recreation Therapy. She worked as a Recreation Therapist at a children’s hospital and a crisis center for abused children while completing her physical therapy degree. After she completed her physical therapy degree, she enjoyed being a pediatric physical therapist for 10 years in the hospital setting in addition to working with patients with neurologic and vestibular disorders.
In 1998, Lynn attended the first Vestibular Rehabilitation Competency based coursed offered to physical therapists at the University of Miami, Division of Physical Therapy under the direction of Susan Herdman, PT, Phd, FAPTA. After successful completion of this course, Lynn became one of the first certified vestibular rehabilitation specialists in the country and the only one in Monterey County. In 2002 she opened her practice, Optimum Balance and Rehabilitation Center. Lynn has continued to maintain a high level of technical skill in the area of Vestibular Rehabilitation by completing a re-certification of the Vestibular Competency course at Emory University, in 2003, and other course work along the way. She has attended over 400 hours of post-graduate educational coursework. Her focused concentration of late has been in the area of post-concussion syndrome and how it affects the vestibular system.As a dedicated recreational enthusiast , Lynn enjoys all the activities that the Monterey Peninsula has to offer, especially; sailing, scuba diving, kayaking

What we do

Optimum Balance and Rehabilitation Center opened December 1, 2002. Lynn Herbert, PT, its founder, saw a need to provide a new kind of therapy to the residents of Monterey and its surrounding communities. Lynn worked in the acute care setting for over 10 years and during this time she saw repeat patients who came into the hospital with multiple fractures of the hip, shoulder, wrist, ankle and face. She also saw many patients with head injuries that resulted from falling. Lynn’s interestwas in preventative medicine. Through her own research, she discovered a course that was being offered on Vestibular Rehabilitation. It was the first Competence Based Certification Program ever offered to physical therapists. Through this training program, Lynn had the rare opportunity to learn from and work directly with the physicians and educators who were on the cutting edge of vestibular rehabilitation, including John Epley, MD. Doctor Epley developed the most common treatment for vertigo, the Epley Maneuver, also known as Canalith Repositioning Maneuver.Since opening Optimum Balance and Rehabilitation Center, Lynn has made it her mission to educate the public about Vestibular Rehabilitation and fall prevention. She offers free balance screenings to the general public every year during her Fall Prevention Workshops.

Vestibular Rehabilitation

What is Vestibular Rehabilitation

Vestibular Rehabilitation is an alternative form of treatment involving specific exercises, focusing on integrating vision, joint sensation and inner–ear stimuli. The exercise program is designed to decrease dizziness, increase balance and function, and increase general activity level by promoting central nervous system compensation for inner ear deficits. Even moderate dizziness can result in a significant disabling condition that can diminish quality of life, reduce employability and affect all aspects of life.

A High Tech Approach to Assessment of Vestibular Disorders

Extensive interview with the patient regarding symptoms, chief complaint and functional limitations
Oculomotor exam (smooth pursuit, vestibule-ocular reflex, saccades, Dynamic Visual Acuity)
Positioning exam (e.g. Dix-Hallpike) using Electronystagmography
Balance/Postural Control evaluation (using functional, outcome-based measures)
Neuromusculoskeletal examination (muscle strength, range of motion)
Neurological exam, (proprioception, coordination, vibration, sensation, tone)

Highly Effective Treatment Techniques for Vestibular Disorders

Vestibular Rehabilitation consists of procedures and treatments that may include:

Canalith Repositioning
Movement Habituation
Eye Movement Exercises (VOR and Adaptation)
Flexibility and Strengthening Exercises
Fall Prevention Education
Balance Retraining in doors and in the community
Instruction in a comprehensive Home Exercise Program

Contact Information

Please Call For an Appointment. Home visits available on case by case basis.

Cell Phone : (831) 601-7728

Work Phone : (831) 644-0450

Fax Number : (831) 644-0450

Our Office Location

2340 Garden Road Monterey, CA 93940