What situation or injury led you to ORSI?
I was struggling with persistent knee pain that made it difficult to walk or stand for any length of time. In addition to my knee discomfort, I have long battled fibromyalgia and arthritis, which together created a constant background of ache and fatigue. On top of all that, I suffered from recurring bouts of vertigo that left me unsteady on my feet and fearful of falling. My quality of life had suffered greatly. Daily tasks that used to be simple had become painful or impossible. I was unable to pursue the activities I loved and started to feel isolated from friends and family.
After trying multiple medications and seeing my primary care physician, I was referred to the OrthoRehab Specialists team for a comprehensive evaluation. I first met with one of their skilled vestibular therapists to assess my balance and vertigo symptoms, then with their orthopedic physical therapists to address my knee, fibromyalgia, and arthritis issues. I felt hopeful for the first time in years.
How would you categorize your story?
I don’t know where I would be today if I had not found my physical therapist Lu at the Edina clinic. She guided me through every step of my recovery, showed me how to manage flare ups, and constantly adapted my program to my needs. I went from fearing every step to confidently walking up and down stairs, and even trying gentle hikes again.
Between Lu’s expertise in vestibular rehabilitation and the team’s deep knowledge of joint mechanics and pain science, I experienced a level of care I never thought possible. My knee surgeries were postponed multiple times, and without physical therapy I am certain they would have happened sooner. Instead, I regained strength, mobility, and confidence.
Please share your experience.
From my first session at the Edina clinic, I was impressed by how thoroughly Lu evaluated not just my knee but my entire posture and movement patterns. She took a detailed history of my fibromyalgia pain, walked me through specific tests for arthritis in my joints, and performed vestibular assessments to pinpoint the causes of my vertigo.
Each visit began with a brief check in on how I had slept, whether I had any flare ups, and how my balance had been during daily activities. Lu would then guide me through hands on techniques to ease muscle tension, mobilize stiff joints, and retrain my balance responses. I learned gentle
| vestibular exercises |
| knee strengthening drills |
| fibromyalgia pain management strategies |
that I could do at home each day.
Lu also took the time to explain why certain movements triggered my pain and vertigo. By understanding the “why” behind each exercise I was able to approach my home program with enthusiasm rather than fear. She used simple language and diagrams to show me how the inner ear and neck muscles interact, why my kneecap tracking was off, and how gentle strengthening of my core and hip muscles could reduce stress on my painful joints.
What goals did OrthoRehab help you accomplish?
Over the course of several months I met a number of milestones that once seemed impossible. Within four weeks I could walk without a cane and without feeling my knee buckle. By six weeks my vertigo episodes had decreased in both intensity and frequency. I was able to climb a flight of stairs without stopping to catch my breath or clutch the railing for support.
My fibromyalgia pain flares became much more manageable thanks to the daily stretching and self-massage techniques I learned during my sessions. I was shown how to use simple tools like a foam roller and massage ball to release the tight spots in my legs and back. That alone gave me hours of symptom relief each day.
Perhaps my proudest accomplishment was completing a gentle neighborhood hike with my friends. We tackled a local park trail with moderate inclines and uneven terrain—something I never would have attempted before. Not only did my knee hold up beautifully, but my balance was steady and my back did not flare up.
Today I no longer live in fear of sudden vertigo when I turn my head or bend down, thanks to my weekly visits to the Minneapolis clinic. I have the tools to manage my arthritis pain flare ups, and I continue to practice Lu’s home vestibular exercises whenever I feel off balance. I feel as though I have my life back.
Next Steps and Resources
If you are suffering from similar issues, the OrthoRehab Specialists team can help you too. Explore these services for targeted care:
- Vestibular Rehabilitation – specialized care for dizziness and balance disorders
- Knee Physical Therapy – advanced rehab for knee pain and post-surgical recovery
- Fibromyalgia Management – gentle, evidence-based approaches to chronic widespread pain
- Arthritis Therapy – joint protection strategies and customized exercise plans
To schedule an evaluation or learn more about our approach, contact us online or call 952-922-0330 for Edina or 612-339-2041 for Minneapolis. Our team of experts is ready to create a personalized plan that addresses your unique needs and empowers you to regain function, reduce pain, and reclaim your active lifestyle.
