Alyssa Found Balance Through Therapy at Covenant Health 

When Alyssa Roy suddenly lost her balance, her active life came to a stop. She found answers, support and a clear path to recovery at Covenant Health Therapy Center – West Knoxville, a department of Covenant Health Parkwest. Today, she has regained her balance and returned to the activities she loves. 

“I walked into therapy not knowing what was wrong, but I walked out knowing there was a clear plan and that I was going to get better,” Alyssa shared.  

Alyssa lives in East Tennessee and enjoys spending time outdoors. She loves hiking, fishing and taking her four dogs to the dog park.   

A Sudden Loss of Balance 

Alyssa had always been relatively healthy and active, so losing her balance was alarming. On Dec. 14, 2025, she was grocery shopping when she felt a sudden wave of dizziness. 

“I thought it might pass, but it didn’t,” she said. 

Over the next several days, the dizziness persisted and worsened. She struggled to walk without assistance, and sitting upright made her nauseated. Even small movements caused the room to spin, and everyday activities soon required help. 

“I couldn’t walk on my own. I couldn’t sit up without feeling sick,” Alyssa said. “I was scared because I couldn’t do basic things for myself.” 

Getting Answers Quickly 

Later that week, Alyssa began therapy at Covenant Health, where Madison Ledbetter, DPT, PT, evaluated her. Madison is a physical therapist with board-certified training in neurologic and balance conditions. 

“Within about 10 minutes, it was clear what was happening,” Madison explained. “Alyssa had unilateral vestibular hypofunction, a condition where one inner ear fails to send accurate balance signals to the brain.”  

This condition can cause severe dizziness, motion sensitivity, nausea and difficulty focusing. When identified early, it often responds well to targeted treatment. 

“For Alyssa, quick evaluation made a big difference, allowing us to begin the right treatment right away,” Madison said. 

Building Confidence in Therapy 

Alyssa began physical therapy to restore balance, improve head and eye movement and reduce dizziness.  

“The first appointment was the turning point for me,” Alyssa shared. “I finally had answers, and I finally had hope.” 

Over the next several weeks, Alyssa worked closely with Madison and found reassurance in knowing her condition was treatable.  

Alyssa expressed appreciation for her therapists, saying, “They listened. They explained everything, and they helped me get my life back. Their support made a difficult situation feel manageable.” 

Regaining Independence 

With consistent therapy, Alyssa improved quickly. In just a few weeks, she was walking independently again, sitting comfortably and returning to her normal routines.  

“I don’t take things like walking or seeing clearly for granted anymore,” she said. “I’m very thankful to feel normal again and be back to living my life.” 

Today, she is back to hiking, caring for her dogs and enjoying time outdoors. She credits Covenant Health with helping her heal. 

Therapy You Can Trust 

With convenient locations across East Tennessee, Covenant Health Therapy Centers are never far from home. Our teams combine advanced technology, expert training and compassionate care to support patients through every stage of recovery. Alyssa’s experience highlights the importance of expert evaluation, timely treatment and coordinated care.  

Find a Covenant Health Therapy Center location near you and take the first step toward recovery by calling to self-schedule today.