Brian Werner, PT, MPT, FYZICAL's National Director of Balance and creator of the proprietary Balance Paradigm, and Dr. John Epley, inventor of the renowned Epley maneuver. Their shared dedication to advancing vestibular care has shaped Werner's approach to balance rehabilitation, driving his commitment to innovation and ensuring FYZICAL remains at the forefront of the field in balance therapy.
John McNaughton Epley (1930–2019) was an American otolaryngologist who revolutionized the treatment of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) by developing the Epley maneuver. This noninvasive repositioning technique guides displaced inner ear crystals back to their proper location, effectively relieving vertigo, dizziness, and nausea caused by benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV).
The Epley maneuver has become a cornerstone of vestibular rehabilitation, resolving BPPV in up to 90% of cases after just one or two treatments. Dr. Epley’s pioneering contributions have transformed the field of otolaryngology, providing life-changing relief to millions worldwide. The balance and vestibular rehabilitation community owes a tremendous debt to Epley, whose groundbreaking work set a new standard in treating inner ear disorders and continues to impact patients and clinicians globally.
Brian Werner, PT, MPT, FYZICAL’s National Director of Balance, had the privilege of meeting Dr. John Epley. This experience deeply inspired his commitment to advancing vestibular rehabilitation. Driven by this legacy, he continues to push the field forward through FYZICAL’s proprietary Balance Paradigm, pioneering innovative treatment methodologies and education. His work empowers clinicians nationwide with the tools, expertise, and resources needed to elevate balance care and transform patients’ lives.
Dr. John Epley: A Pioneer in Vestibular Science and Patient Care
Born in Portland, Oregon, in 1930, Dr. Epley's journey to becoming a leading figure in otolaryngology began with his graduation from the University of Oregon Medical School in 1953. After completing his residency, he dedicated over 40 years to practicing in his hometown.
Dr. Epley's groundbreaking work on BPPV culminated in 1979 with the publication of a seminal paper in the journal Archives of Otolaryngology. In this paper, he proposed a novel theory explaining the cause of BPPV: free-floating particles in the inner ear that move with head movements, triggering the sensation of vertigo. He also introduced a treatment procedure widely known as the Epley maneuver to reposition these particles and alleviate symptoms. This safe and effective maneuver boasts a success rate of over 90% and can be performed by healthcare professionals and patients.
Dr. Epley's contributions to otolaryngology extended beyond the Epley maneuver. He developed surgical instruments, pioneered new treatment methods for ear tumors, and co-authored a prominent textbook on otolaryngology. His dedication to advancing the field and improving patient care earned him the prestigious Distinguished Service Award from the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery. His work on BPPV has profoundly impacted the lives of billions of people worldwide.
Dr. Epley's legacy continues to inspire clinicians and researchers alike. He passed away in 2019 at 89, leaving behind a remarkable legacy of innovation and compassion.
Brian Werner, PT, MPT, FYZICAL's National Director of Balance and Inventor of the Proprietary Balance Paradigm
Inspired by Dr. Epley's legacy, Brian Werner, PT, MPT, has dedicated his career to advancing the field of balance and vestibular rehabilitation. Creator of FYZICAL's proprietary Balance Paradigm, he has integrated industry-leading fall prevention solutions, including clinical diagnosis and applied Sensory Mismatch Theory, establishing FYZICAL as the market leader in balance care and a trusted resource for patients and professionals.
A graduate of Northern Arizona University in 1999, Werner quickly established himself as a respected leader, founding the Balance Center of Las Vegas in 2001 and the Werner Institute of Balance and Dizziness in 2005. His passion for knowledge-sharing has led him to present at national conferences and conduct continuing education courses for professionals, focusing on concussion management, fall prevention, and vestibular rehabilitation.
With over 25 years of experience and having personally treated over 80,000 patients, Brian possesses an unparalleled understanding of the complexities of balance disorders. He is committed to providing personalized care that empowers patients of all ages and activity levels to overcome dizziness, regain confidence, and return to their loved activities.
Werner: A Trailblazer in Advancing Epley's Omniax Chair and FYZICAL's Vision
Werner was inspired by Dr. Epley's groundbreaking work and had the distinct honor of meeting him in 2001. "I had the incredible privilege of meeting Dr. John Epley, the brilliant mind behind the Epley Maneuver," he said. "It felt like meeting a pioneer who had single-handedly changed the landscape of dizziness treatment. His contribution to medicine is immeasurable, impacting hundreds of millions of lives. It was a truly humbling experience."
That meeting reinforced Werner’s commitment to advancing vestibular rehabilitation, driving him to seek out innovative technologies like Epley's Omniax Chair to further enhance patient care.
The Omniax Chair is an advanced vestibular rehabilitation device that utilizes multi-axis rotational movement to precisely assess and treat balance disorders, vertigo, and other vestibular dysfunctions. Recognizing its transformative potential, Werner became one of the first physical therapists in the world to acquire and implement this cutting-edge technology, providing a more effective and controlled approach to patient care.
Building on his commitment to transforming healthcare, Werner became an early adopter of the FYZICAL franchise model in 2013. He saw the potential of FYZICAL’s visionary approach, established by Jim Abrams, Dan Dean, and Dr. Ronda Dean, to reshape the physical therapy industry through innovation and patient-centered care.
Today, FYZICAL remains at the forefront of vestibular rehabilitation, with three Omniax Chairs in the United States—located in Nevada and Florida—demonstrating the company’s dedication to providing patients with the most advanced care available. As FYZICAL’s National Director of Balance, Werner leads the development of educational programs for a growing network of 600+ Physical Therapy, Audiology, and ENT centers, ensuring the widespread implementation of the FYZICAL Balance Paradigm and reinforcing the company’s leadership in balance therapy. "Our mission is to empower clinicians with the tools and knowledge to transform lives," said Werner. "The work we do today will shape the future of balance therapy.”
Learn About FYZICAL's #1 Balance Paradigm
Advancing Balance Therapy Through Innovation and Expertise
Just as Dr. Epley revolutionized the field with his groundbreaking innovations, Werner has distinguished himself by pioneering cutting-edge technologies and treatment methodologies for managing dizziness and balance disorders. These advancements, integrated into the FYZICAL Balance Paradigm, equip clinicians with the expertise and resources to deliver superior, results-driven care.
Approximately 8 million American adults struggle with balance issues. The FYZICAL Balance Paradigm revolutionizes care with evidence-based fall prevention therapies, transforming treatment through targeted solutions for balance deficiencies. This approach not only addresses the root causes of imbalance but also empowers patients to regain stability, confidence, and independence—dramatically improving their quality of life.
Continuing a Legacy of Innovation and Balance Therapy
Werner's dedication to innovation and patient care reflects Dr. Epley's pioneering spirit. Carrying this legacy forward, he continues to advance the field of balance rehabilitation, ensuring FYZICAL remains at the forefront of vestibular care. His leadership and FYZICAL’s unwavering commitment to excellence provide individuals suffering from dizziness and balance disorders with the highest standard of care and life-changing solutions.
"Meeting Dr. Epley was a dream come true," said Werner. "His groundbreaking work laid the foundation for modern vestibular care," he said. "At FYZICAL, we honor his legacy by continuing to push the boundaries of balance rehabilitation, ensuring every patient receives the most advanced and effective treatment possible."
"To think that such a profound solution to vertigo – a problem that affects so many – originated from a simple sketch on a napkin… it's truly inspiring. He's a giant in the field, and I'm so grateful for the opportunity to have met him."
WEBINAR with Brian Werner: The Business of Balance
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