Santa Cruz CORE Fitness + Rehab home of MedxCare Health Professionals Becomes First Santa Cruz County Location to Offer Vivistim Therapy Evaluations and Rehabilitation Protocol
New local program expands access to advanced upper-extremity rehabilitation for eligible survivors of chronic ischemic stroke
SANTA CRUZ, Calif. — September 22, 2026 — Santa Cruz CORE Fitness + Rehab, home of medical group, MedxCare Health Professionals today announced that it is the first rehabilitation location in Santa Cruz County to offer patient evaluations and the specialized rehabilitation protocol for Vivistim Therapy™, an FDA-approved treatment designed to improve hand and arm function in certain survivors of chronic ischemic stroke.
Vivistim Therapy pairs vagus nerve stimulation with task-specific occupational or physical therapy. During rehabilitation, a therapist activates the implanted Vivistim device as the patient practices meaningful movements and functional activities. This pairing is intended to reinforce the brain connections involved in relearning upper-extremity motor skills.
“Bringing Vivistim Therapy to Santa Cruz County gives local stroke survivors access to an important rehabilitation option closer to home,” said Chase Leiblein, physical therapist at Santa Cruz CORE. “Our goal is to help each person work toward the activities that matter most to them—whether that means preparing a meal, getting dressed, returning to a hobby or using their affected hand and arm more confidently in daily life.”
Santa Cruz CORE will provide evaluations at both their Santa Cruz and Watsonville locations to help determine whether prospective patients may be appropriate candidates for Vivistim Therapy. Eligible patients are referred to a qualified surgeon for consultation and implantation. Once medically cleared following the outpatient procedure, patients can return to Santa Cruz CORE to complete the Vivistim rehabilitation protocol.
The standard in-clinic protocol consists of 18 individualized, 90-minute therapy sessions—typically three sessions per week for six weeks. Treatment emphasizes active movement, functional goals, and high-repetition practice. Patients may also use the Vivistim magnet outside the clinic while performing prescribed exercises and everyday activities with their affected hand and arm.
Potential candidates generally include adults who:
A complete clinical evaluation is required to determine eligibility and candidacy.
After having a family member suffer from a stroke and seeing firsthand the arduous recovery process, founder of Santa Cruz Core, Jaimi Jansen has become passionate about stroke recovery. “Recovery after stroke does not necessarily end when progress slows,” said Jaimi Jansen. “By introducing Vivistim evaluations and therapy locally, Santa Cruz CORE is expanding the pathways available to survivors who are still working toward greater independence.”
Santa Cruz CORE’s occupational and physical therapy programs provide one-on-one care focused on functional movement and real-world goals. The addition of Vivistim Therapy builds upon the organization’s commitment to personalized, collaborative rehabilitation services for the Santa Cruz County community.
The next question is, “Who pays for this?” The process from assessment to implantation to rehabilitation is an insurance approved process. Santa Cruz CORE accepts PPO insurance plans and is in network with Blue Shield and Medicare
Stroke survivors, family members and healthcare professionals interested in learning more or requesting an evaluation may contact Santa Cruz CORE Fitness + Rehab at 831-425-9500, email info@santacruzcore.com or visit www.santacruzcore.com.
About Santa Cruz CORE Fitness + Rehab
Santa Cruz CORE Fitness + Rehab is an award-winning integrated health, fitness and rehabilitation center serving the Santa Cruz County community for over 17 years. Its occupational and physical therapy services emphasize individualized care, functional rehabilitation, and collaboration across health and wellness disciplines. Santa Cruz CORE is located at 317 Potrero Street, Suite C, Santa Cruz, California and 50 Penny Lane in Watsonville.
About Vivistim Therapy
Mobia Medical® Vivistim® Paired VNS™ System is intended to stimulate the vagus nerve during rehabilitation therapy to reduce upper-extremity motor deficits and improve motor function in chronic ischemic stroke patients with moderate to severe arm impairment. Vivistim is an implanted medical device and requires evaluation by qualified rehabilitation and surgical professionals.
The system should not be used in patients who have undergone a bilateral or left cervical vagotomy. Risks may include pain following surgery, hoarseness, bruising, swelling, coughing, throat irritation, and infection that may require removal of the device. Individual results may vary. Full safety information is available at www.vivistim.com/safety.
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