In 2009, Richard Jensen noticed a small shake in his hands. He was able to ignore it until 2017, when the tremor became too much to handle. Richard decided it was time to contact his local specialist to get to the root of the problem. After learning he had an essential tremor, Richard met with multiple neurologists, searching for a non-surgical solution.
Finally, Jumana Alshaikh, MD, a neurologist and movement disorder specialist at the University of Utah, recommended the Balance and Mobility Clinic.
“I was on the road to having my tremors fixed with surgery,” Richard said. “I’m over the moon that Dr. Alshaikh recommended me to the clinic instead.”
At first, Richard was skeptical that a group of physical and occupational therapists could make a difference. He went in seeking a quick fix, but soon realized that persistent work was worth it to give him his life back.
“Before I sought help, I had to quit eating out in public because I was dropping so much food,” he said. “I had trouble buttoning my shirt, moving a computer mouse, and swiping an iPhone—basically anything you do with your hands.”
Richard met Amy Powell-Versteeg, MS, PTA, and Lenny Swenson, PT, DPT, two of the clinic’s physical therapists. Through a year and a half of consistent treatment, he went from what he considered a ‘dumpster fire’ to ‘85% improved.’
“The clinic staff are well-trained, compassionate, and have a sense of humor,” he said. “Lenny and Amy gave me concrete strategies I could take home with me, and over time I saw the difference it made. I was thunderstruck.”
Today, Richard has graduated from intensive therapy, but still plans to come back for more treatment at the clinic. His experience has been so impactful that he wants to continue working with the team for as long as possible.
“I told Lenny I need adult supervision holding me to a standard of accountability,” he said. “If I quit doing this stuff, my essential tremor could come back and get progressively worse. It’s adopting a new lifestyle.”
Richard is glad that he avoided an invasive brain procedure, thanks to the Balance and Mobility Clinic. And the connection he’s built with his therapists will last a lifetime.
“I’ve got two people I can depend on,” he said. “I can text Lenny and Amy anytime with questions. They’re good friends and I owe them a lot.”