Physical Therapy Can Help Vertigo or Dizziness?
Why am I dizzy?
This is a complicated question to answer, as dizziness is a vague symptom that could the be result of many issues. The onset of dizziness is a serious symptoms and should not be taken lightly. If the onset is sudden or new, we recommend going to the emergency room as this can be the result of a serious injury such as a stroke. If your symptoms are chronic, or there is a clear cause and effect relationship (“every time I lay down, it spins for 30-60 seconds, and then it goes away”) you may be dealing with a condition called BPPV. You may still need to see a physicion, however often times 1-2 visits of physical therapy can resolve your symptoms. Should you need to see a physician, we can help make a recommendation!
I was told I have BPPV. What does that mean?
BPPV is an acronym. It stands for Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo. Benign meaning it is not life threatening. Paroxysmal meaning it comes in “fits” or “waves.” Positional meaning it is position dependent, for example: laying down, or rolling in bed. In some cases, it can be strong enough to be constant. Vertigo meaning the sensation of spinning. Please note that in the majority of cases spinning occurs, however in some instances, it does not.
What is BPPV?
Your inner ear has calcium carbonate crystals that are tiny, but important. They help your body tell your brain when you are moving! Your inner ear also has 3 canals on each side that tell your brain where your head is, in space, as well as if it is moving. The crystals do not belong in the canals. BPPV occurs when the crystals become dislodged and float into the canals.
Calcium Carbonate Crystals, “Otoconia,” are supposed to stay located in the Saccule and Utricle. If they break free and float into any of the canals, they can cause spinning. This occurs because the crystals disrupt the normal flow of information from the canals to the brain. **Please note this is a simplified explanation.
How can mobile physical therapy help with my BBPPV?
Our physical therapists are highly training (and even teach courses to other PT’s) on how to fix BPPV. There are many video’s on how to do this yourself, however we do not recommend this, as the sudden onset of dizziness can be stressful and difficult to deal with, especially if you are untrained. Our knowledge of the anatomy of your inner ear allows us to use gravity to move the crystals through the canals of your inner ear and back where they belong. Most people are symptom free after only 2 visits!
This is a sample treatment only and is not intended as a replacement of medical treatment.
Besides BPPV what can be causing my dizziness?
As noted above, dizziness is a vague symptom and it is important you see a medical doctor to ensure that serious pathology is not present. With that being said, some of the more common conditions we work with include vestibular hypofunction, post-stroke rehabilitation, traumatic brain injury, and general decline. Vestibular hypofunction is a condition that occurs when the organs that are deep in your inner ear (which help to coordinate balance) stop working properly. Physical therapy can help to rehabilitate these regions as well as work on balance, strength, and coordination. We do not work with individuals who are in the acute or subacute stage (0-6 months) following a stoke or brain injury. This is a highly specialized field of physical therapy and we leave that work to those who are trained. We are able to help with lingering symptoms and functional goals once discharged from neurologic physical therapy services.