Specialty Certifications Improve Quality of Care

Kara Wood, physical therapist for the home health segment of Lutheran SeniorLife/VNA, Western Pennsylvania, has recently achieved her certification in vestibular rehabilitation from the American Institute of Balance, which will be beneficial when working with those who experience inner ear problems, weakness, and balance issues.

This certification is added to Kara’s growing list of specialty certifications since graduating with a doctorate in physical therapy from Duquesne University in 2007. After obtaining her doctorate, she became one of only 2,700 people in the US to be certified as a neurologic specialist. This certification resulted from in-depth training to improve her work with patients diagnosed with neurological deficits from conditions such as stroke, multiple sclerosis, and Parkinson’s disease – just to name a few. This is a population of patients with whom Kara passionately loves working.

Christine Namey – who oversees our outpatient therapy and VNA home health services – remarked, “Kara’s interest in improving her knowledge and clinical base is impressive. She utilizes these skills to maximize patient care and the patient’s ability to advance towards their goals. In addition, Kara is a natural mentor and has been able to share her expertise in neurology and vestibular rehabilitation with her fellow physical therapists, as well as the other clinicians working throughout the agency. We, as well as our patients, are blessed to have her.”

Kara has been working in home care for the last seven years, and she doesn’t intend to change paths. “I hope to work in home care for the remainder of my career,” she stated. “I love it because I get to help people regain their independence in their own homes.”

While specializing in serving seniors over the age of 55, our physical therapists are trained and available to treat adults of all ages with a variety of concerns.

If you or someone you know would be interested in improving your well-being by working with a physical therapist like Kara, please call us at (724) 452-3492 or complete our inquiry form.