Smith Physical Therapy+

06/07/2026

Exercise of the Week from the Balance + Concussion Center

Moving the head and body in different directions stimulates the vestibular system. This exercise does just that while using a functional movement pattern.

To make this exercise more challenging:
⬆️ Go faster
⬆️ Layer with a go/no go challenge
⬆️ Layer with saccades or other visual task
⬆️ Add more targets
⬆️ Stand on a compliant surface
⬆️ Stand with feet closer together

To make this exercise easier:
⬇️ Raise the targets up higher off of the floor
⬇️ Only reach to one side
⬇️ Slow down
⬇️ Widen the feet

If you think that this is a good exercise for you, be sure to discuss it first with your healthcare team!

06/05/2026

Spring/Summer Swim season is here! Whether you’re a year-round swimmer or jumping into a summer team, adding a little dryland training can make a big difference in the pool. Dry Land training isn’t ever swimmers favorite activity however the importance for strength training is worth the work.

Prone Y-T-W on Swiss Ball
• Focus on controlled movement—no shrugging
• Use little to no weight to target stabilizers
• Keep your neck relaxed and aligned

06/04/2026

Dizziness isn’t “just dizziness.”

At the 2026 Midwest Vestibular Symposium, specialists from across the country shared the latest research on vertigo, concussion recovery, balance disorders, PPPD, vestibular migraines, and more.

The root cause of dizziness is often more complex than people realize.

Dana shares her biggest takeaways from the symposium and what they mean for patients navigating dizziness, vertigo, and concussion recovery:

Key insights from the Midwest Vestibular Symposium 2026 on dizziness, vestibular rehab, concussion care, PPPD, and balance disorders.

06/03/2026

TONIGHT!

We invite you to come run, walk, or run/walk with us around the new Lake Loop Trail at Three Oaks Recreation Area. The Lake Loop Trail is approximately 3.4 miles long and will allow guests to walk around the entire lake.

We’ll meet at Pavilion A at Three Oaks. You are welcome to run or walk and do as many loops as you wish! We will have water setup at the same pavilion where we start and finish.

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/global-running-day-fun-runwalk-tickets-1989699493747

06/02/2026

Happy June!!! What events are you most looking forward to going into the summer?

Check out our events calendar: https://smithptplus.com/events-calendar/

06/02/2026

We are proud to be an ambassador site for Keeping Families Covered! These donations help provide essential items to neighbors in our community while offering a simple, meaningful way to give back. Accepted items are: diapers, incontinence items, and period products — opened or unopened.

For the month of June, each donation gets you entered in a drawing for a $25 gift certificate to Aroma!

06/01/2026

Last Friday, we lost a bright and beautiful light on our team.

Shawn Tegtmeier, owner of BAm Training, passed away after a courageous journey with cancer—one she faced with remarkable strength and determination.

We will miss her infectious laugh, the way she spoiled Rookie with carrots, and how she helped build strength and resilience in her clients, even when they doubted their own abilities. Shawn had a gift for inspiring and connecting with others, whether as a personal trainer, a running coach, or the volunteer coordinator for the Crystal Lake Aquathon.

We send our heartfelt condolences to her husband, her two sons, and her beloved puppies, as well as to the many patients, clients, friends, and community members whose lives she touched. Those of us who were fortunate enough to experience her warmth and sunshine in the clinic will never forget her.

Rest in peace, Shawn. Thank you for the strength, joy, and kindness you brought into our lives.

05/31/2026

Because a concussion is a brain injury, it can result in a wide variety of symptoms. These symptoms are categorized in several ways:

Observable physical symptoms: These include issues with coordination, balance, or general clumsiness.
Internal symptoms: These are sensations experienced by the individual, such as headaches, brain fog, or blurred vision.
Symptoms observed by others: These involve changes in mood or sleep cycles.

It is important to understand that concussion symptoms vary by individual.

05/30/2026

Amazing morning, trail runners! Thank you UltraSignup for coming back to Crystal Lake! See ya next year!!