Regaining Control: How Focused Ultrasound Helped Tremor Patient Reclaim His Life

For David Colman, a retired design engineer and avid golfer with a single-digit handicap since his early 20s, the simple act of signing his name marked the start of a life-changing journey. In 2016, while attending a company meeting, he struggled to write neatly in a narrow signature box. “That was the defining moment,” he said. “I knew something was wrong.”

Over the next few years, his symptoms gradually worsened to the point where the subtle tremor in his hand began to interfere with daily activities, from cutting food to holding a coffee mug. In 2019, Dave was diagnosed with essential tremor, a neurological condition that causes involuntary shaking, typically in the hands. He began treatment with medications like propranolol and later primidone, which provided temporary relief. But as the tremor returned, so did his frustration — especially when it came to golf.

“I could see my hands shaking in my shadow while putting,” he said. “It got to the point where I started losing interest in playing the game I’ve loved for over 50 years.”

In 2022, a Google search for “Essential Tremor and Golf” led Dave to an article about a fellow golfer who had undergone focused ultrasound (FUS) treatment, a non-invasive procedure that uses sound waves to target and treat the part of the brain responsible for tremor. The treatment often allows patients to resume daily activities within 24 hours, and for many, the results have been life-changing.

Dave, a native of New England, started researching his options and quickly discovered that Tampa General Hospital was one of the few academic medical centers in the country — and the first on Florida’s West Coast — to offer this advanced treatment. Nationally recognized for its expertise in treating complex neurological conditions, Tampa General’s Neuroscience Institute is committed to offering minimally invasive, image-guided therapies that improve outcomes and reduce recovery time.

After meeting with a neurosurgeon in Boston, Dave decided to undergo treatment at Tampa General during his annual winter stay in Florida.

“We live in Timber Pines, a community with over 6,000 residents, and I’ve met many people here who either have essential tremor or know someone who does,” he said. “As for my condition, I wanted to take action.”

“Focused ultrasound provides a non-invasive, outpatient option for patients with essential tremor who haven’t responded to medication,” said Dr. Yarema Bezchlibnyk, functional neurosurgeon at Tampa General Hospital and associate professor and head of the Division of Stereotactic and Functional Neurosurgery in the Department of Neurosurgery, Brain and Spine at USF Health Morsani College of Medicine. “By precisely targeting the area of the brain responsible for the tremor, we’re able to achieve meaningful improvement with very little recovery time. It’s especially gratifying to watch patients regain their independence and overall quality of life.”

In October 2025, Dave received focused ultrasound on the left side of his brain at Tampa General with immediate results.

“Three weeks after the procedure, I was cleared for physical activity and back on the golf course,” he said. “The grip strength in my left hand improved right away. I felt like I had control of the club again.”

To support recovery, Tampa General provides access to speech-language pathologists, occupational therapy and physical therapy services to help patients manage any post-procedure symptoms and improve long-term results.

While Dave’s right hand still trembles, he’s considering a second focused ultrasound procedure later this year. In the meantime, he’s back to playing in local golf competitions and enjoying everyday activities with less difficulty. His golf handicap doubled over the past few years and has improved by more than 30% since his focused ultrasound procedure, but more importantly, he has regained confidence and control.

“In my early career, I was a design engineer, so I did a lot of hand drafting and my printing style became somewhat of a trademark,” he said. “I’ve avoided printing or writing in recent years due to my tremors, and to get back even part of that ability means the world to me.”

Dave’s experience reflects Tampa General’s commitment to expanding access to advanced, minimally invasive options for patients living with movement disorders. Through its growing focused ultrasound program, Tampa General offers evidence-based care supported by specialized neurosurgeons, imaging experts and rehabilitation teams.

As treatments like focused ultrasound continue to evolve, Tampa General remains focused on providing safe, effective options that help patients manage symptoms, regain confidence and return to the activities that matter most to them.

Today, Dave shares his story with others in his Florida and New England communities to raise awareness about essential tremor and the life-changing potential of focused ultrasound.

“This treatment gave me back the ability to do the things I love,” he said. “I want others to know there’s hope — and that help is out there.”