Annie McDonnell

An Oregon native, Annie is thrilled to be back in her home state after her husband retired from a 20 year career in the Air Force in 2020.   A PT since 2006, she completed the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) and Duke University Competency Certification for Vestibular Therapy (the gold standard for vestibular rehab) in 2019. A lifelong learner, she has also completed advanced training in: vestibular rehabilitation through 360NeuroHealth (CCVT), vision therapy, neurological rehab, fascial counterstrain and has received the Competency Certification for Cervicogenic Dizziness (2019). 

The vestibular system lies in the inner ear and tells our body where we are in space and which direction we’re moving.  Symptoms of vestibular dysfunction may include: dizziness, vertigo (a false sense of movement), visual motion sensitivity, nausea, imbalance, headaches, motion sickness, heavy headedness and/or tinnitus. Annie works primarily with patients that have vestibular symptoms, balance impairments, and/or neck issues.  For more information on the vestibular system and disorders, go to www.vestibular.org.    

Vestibular disorders can be challenging to diagnose, taking many patients an average of 8 months before receiving a proper diagnosis. Seeing how disabling and isolating vestibular disorders can be, possibly provoking anxiety and/or depression, Annie became passionate about helping people with these symptoms gain a sense of empowerment around their well-being and to enjoy optimal health.  For this reason, she uses Vestibular First Insight Pro Video Goggles to assist in making accurate and timely diagnoses and providing effective treatment. In addition, Annie utilizes a holistic approach including fascial counterstrain, along with working with an interdisciplinary team as needed, in order to help you return to your highest achievable level of functioning.

Annie was inspired to go into PT by a life altering surgery and several subsequent surgeries and hospitalizations which required a year of PT.  She brings experience from outpatient, aquatic, home-care and adult day center settings.  She lives in Sisters with her husband and teenage son. She enjoys being outdoors, traveling, playing racquet sports and spending time with good friends and family.

Education: 

Associates of Natural Sciences; Villanova University, Villanova, PA 2003. Bachelors and Masters of Physical Therapy; Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 2006. Certificate of Competency for Vestibular Rehabilitation at Emory through Duke, April 2019. Certificate of Competency for Cervicogenic Dizziness November 2019. Completed 600 hours of Pilates Training, 2019.  Fascial Counterstrain 2020-ongoing.  Certified in RockTape IASTM, Myofascial Cupping and Kinesiotaping. Certificate of Competency in Vestibular Rehabilitation through 360NeuroHealth (CCVT), May 2022.