Why I Started My Mobile Vestibular Therapy Practice: The Story Behind Custom Care Rehab
The Moment That Changed Everything
In the early months of 2020, the world as we knew it came to a standstill. The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted daily life, overwhelmed hospitals, and left many vulnerable individuals without access to essential medical care. As a vestibular therapist working in a hospital system in Ohio, I witnessed firsthand how patients with dizziness, vertigo, and balance disorders were suddenly left without treatment.
During the height of the pandemic, outpatient therapy clinics shut down, hospitals prioritized only the most urgent cases, and many vestibular patients—who rely on consistent therapy to regain balance and prevent falls—were told to stay home indefinitely. Even for those whose symptoms were debilitating, there were few, if any, options available.
Then, in the middle of it all, I received notice that I was being laid off for two weeks due to the hospital’s restructuring. That temporary layoff—though brief—was a pivotal moment. It gave me the time to reflect on the gaps in the healthcare system and the urgent need for a new way to deliver vestibular therapy.
I asked myself:
How many patients were stuck at home, struggling with dizziness, unable to get help?
Why should patients have to wait weeks—or even months—for treatment when early intervention is crucial?
What if I could bring therapy to them instead of making them come to me?
These questions planted the seed for what would eventually become Custom Care Rehab—a mobile therapy practice that brings expert vestibular rehabilitation directly to patients in their homes.
The Need for a New Approach to Vestibular Therapy
The pandemic highlighted a reality I had been seeing for years in my hospital work:
🚫 Too many vestibular patients went undiagnosed or untreated for too long.
🚫 Many patients were too dizzy or unstable to travel safely to an outpatient clinic.
🚫 The traditional healthcare model forced patients to navigate long waitlists, insurance headaches, and rushed appointments.
I knew there had to be a better way. Instead of forcing vestibular patients to fit into a rigid system, why not design a model that works for them?
By going directly to my patients, I could:
✔️ Provide individualized, one-on-one therapy in a setting where patients felt comfortable.
✔️ Help patients who were homebound or unable to drive due to dizziness or visual motion sensitivity.
✔️ Offer flexible scheduling to accommodate busy working professionals and older adults who needed a more personalized approach.
✔️ Reduce barriers to care, allowing patients to receive treatment faster instead of waiting weeks or months for an appointment.
And so, in 2020, I took the leap—leaving behind the security of the hospital system to launch Custom Care Rehab, a concierge mobile vestibular therapy practice serving patients across Ohio.
Starting a Business in a Pandemic: The Challenges and Rewards
Launching a new business is never easy—doing it during a global health crisis made it even more daunting. But I was driven by one simple mission: Make vestibular therapy accessible to those who need it most.
Here’s how I got started:
1. Finding My First Patients
At first, it was just me, my car, and my therapy equipment. I started reaching out to former patients, doctors, and community members, letting them know that I could now bring therapy directly to their homes. Word spread quickly—people were eager for care, especially after months of being stuck inside with worsening symptoms.
2. Overcoming Logistical Challenges
I had to figure out how to structure home visits while maintaining safety protocols.
I navigated licensing, liability, and documentation requirements for a mobile practice.
I built my business infrastructure—creating a website, setting up scheduling systems, and streamlining patient communication.
3. Seeing the Immediate Impact
One of my first patients was a woman in her 70s who had suffered from vertigo for months but was unable to leave her home due to COVID-19 restrictions. Within just a few sessions, she was walking more confidently and no longer fearing a fall.
Another patient, a young professional with PPPD (Persistent Postural-Perceptual Dizziness), had been trying to work from home but struggled with screen motion sensitivity. Through customized exercises and coaching, we helped him gradually regain his tolerance for computer work.
These early successes confirmed that mobile vestibular therapy was not just necessary—it was life-changing.
How Custom Care Rehab Has Grown
Fast forward to today, and Custom Care Rehab has expanded beyond what I ever imagined.
✔️ We now provide specialized care for a wide range of conditions: orthopedic disorders like sciatica, headaches, neck pain, osteoporosis, BPPV, vestibular migraines, PPPD, post-concussion syndrome, and more.
✔️ We offer free 15-minute discovery calls so that patients can connect with us before committing to treatment.
✔️ We’ve added a virtual coaching component for patients who need guidance but live outside our service area.
✔️ Our team has grown! In 2025, we now have 6 additional therapists, all with their own specialties. We have expanded to offer dry needling, disease prevention and have wellness programs for women’s health, osteoporosis, and pregnancy-related conditions.
And through it all, our core mission remains the same: Provide expert vestibular therapy where and when patients need it most.
Why Mobile Therapy Works—And Why It’s the Future
The success of Custom Care Rehab has reaffirmed what I’ve believed since day one: Healthcare should adapt to the patient—not the other way around.
✔️ Patients get care faster—without waiting for weeks to see a specialist.
✔️ Therapy is more effective because it’s done in real-life environments.
✔️ Fear and anxiety are reduced because patients feel safe and comfortable in their own homes.
✔️ It’s a more personal, hands-on approach that puts the patient first.
Mobile therapy isn’t just a response to COVID-19—it’s a sustainable, patient-centered model that solves many of the problems in traditional healthcare.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Custom Care Rehab?
As we continue to grow, my goal is to reach even more people focused on prevention of illness and disease through manual therapy, stress management, and weight lifting.
✔️ Expanding services to include more education and online resources for patients.
✔️ Collaborating with specialists in functional medicine, hormonal therapy, and nutrition to provide a comprehensive approach to patient health.
✔️ Advocating for better access to preventive care through professional education and outreach.
If you or someone you love is struggling with pain or dizziness, you don’t have to wait for help. I built this practice for YOU—to bring expert therapy directly to those who need it most.
Final Thoughts: The Best Decision I Ever Made
Starting Custom Care Rehab was a leap of faith—but looking back, I wouldn’t change a thing.
We get to help people regain their balance—literally and figuratively.
We have the freedom to provide the best care possible, without the constraints of a hospital system.
We get to see my patients thrive, knowing they’re finally getting the treatment they deserve.
I am able to build a healthcare model where my therapists can have a life work balance, take a vacation when they want to, and focus on family how they want to.
If you’ve ever wondered whether a different kind of healthcare is possible—it is. And I’m proud to be part of the change.
Want to Learn More?
If you’re struggling with dizziness or want to explore how mobile vestibular therapy can help, visit Custom Care Rehab or schedule a free consultation. You don’t have to do this alone—I’m here to help.
