Vertigo tripping you up? Physical therapy can help you stop feeling dizzy

Vertigo can be caused by a variety of conditions, but it is typically characterized by a spinning sensation, lightheadedness and dizziness. You may even experience double vision with it. It can be due to migraines, inner ear infections, head injuries, tumors or stroke. 

However, most vertigo involves a problem with the vestibular system, which includes the inner ear. One of the most common types of vertigo is benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), which is an inner-ear problem. Physical therapy is an effective treatment option for BPPV that can help you stop feeling dizzy. 

BPPV and physical therapy

To help relieve BPPV, a physical therapist will often treat you with a series of movements called the canalith repositioning procedure. It’s a specific type of vestibular rehab therapy. It’s also referred to as the Epley maneuver and entails trunk and patterned head movements to move the displaced calcium carbonate crystals in the inner ear. In turn, the movement of these crystals can help you stop feeling dizzy. 

Other types of maneuvers your therapist might use include the Brandt-Daroff exercise and Semont maneuver. All three treatments are highly effective. In fact, these three techniques have success rates of more than 95%, up to 98% and more than 90%, respectively. Home exercises are also an important part of treatment for vertigo. Your physical therapist will give you specific home exercises to do daily.

How does physical therapy help you stop feeling dizzy?

Physical therapy can be an effective treatment for vertigo. Your physical therapist will perform tests to determine its cause. Your therapist will also ask you questions such as: 

• How long does your vertigo last?
• When did it first start?
• Do you have nausea with the spinning?
• What are you doing when you experience vertigo? 

The goal of a physical therapist is to help you stop feeling dizzy so you can get moving again. 

Physical therapy for vertigo can take many forms. You may be given exercises to improve your ability to focus your eyes, to help the brain correct differences with the inner ear and to improve balance. You may even be prescribed exercises to improve flexibility, physical health and overall well-being. Epley, Brandt-Daroff and Semont maneuvers could also be used by your therapist.

Sometimes, medication is used in conjunction with physical therapy for vertigo. It really depends on whether your dysfunction is in an acute or chronic phase. Your physician may recommend Dramamine or Zovirax. Your physical therapist may recommend the use of a soft collar to limit your range of motion of your head until vertigo subsides. Either way, your physical therapist will work closely with your treating physician.

Advent Physical Therapy offers effective physical therapy to help you stop feeling dizzy

Ready to find out if physical therapy can help you stop feeling dizzy? Our Advent Physical Therapy team is ready and willing to help you. We offer free screenings designed to pinpoint the source of your dizziness and vertigo. Our team also excels at building vestibular rehab plans that are personalized to your specific needs. 

Not able to come into one of our clinics for therapy? Don’t fret! We offer at-home therapy and virtual care appointments designed to help you get effective therapy right from home. You can even begin using our therapy services without first obtaining a doctor’s recommendation. 

Take the next step to start getting our help with your dizziness and vertigo. Contact our team today for more information about how we can assist you or to schedule your free screening.