What to Expect At Vestibular and Balance Physical Therapy

As a physical therapist that treats persons with dizziness and balance deficits, I’ve come to realize that people do not know what to expect when they attend physical therapy (PT) for these issues. Due to the lack of exposure to this treatment and unfamiliarity with how it works, people come to their first session with trepidation and fear. So, let’s see what I can do to clear up some of your queries and give a more clear vision of what will occur in PT. WHY DO PEOPLE GET DIZZY? There are so many reasons! As I’ve previously mentioned in an earlier blog post, some of the reasons are: • Inner ear dysfunction having to do with loose calcium deposits. This condition is called Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) • Nerve changes in the inner ear, often but not always associated with aging • Fluid imbalance in the inner ear, called Meniere’s Disease • Strokes in the part of the brain called the cerebellum • On rare occasion, tumors • Concussions Each of these issues requires a different management strategy. Some are movements meant to shoo the calcium deposits out of the canals, and others are aimed at getting your brain […]

What Is Vestibular And Balance Therapy, And How To Know If It Is Right For You

Today I’m going to write about a topic that many people don’t realize is covered by physical therapists. It’s a particular area of interest for me, and I believe an area of concern that is widely under-treated in general. It’s called VESTIBULAR or BALANCE THERAPY, and it has to do with helping those who feel dizzy, off balance, and/or are falling down. First of all, there are many reasons why people get dizzy, nauseous, and light headed. Similarly, there are many causes that can lead a person to fall or have balance problems. The first step, before diagnosis, is recognizing the symptoms and knowing when to seek help. THE FOLLOWING ARE A LIST OF SYMPTOMS THAT SHOULD LEAD ONE TO VISIT THEIR DOCTOR: • Dizziness, including spinning (vertigo), nausea, light headed sensations, and difficulty focusing the eyes • Frequent falling or tripping, with or without provocation • Difficulty focusing the eyes on the computer for long periods without getting headachy, dizzy, or noticing trouble reading • Difficulty staying upright while walking in crowds • Difficulty focusing your eyes while driving • Recent hearing loss or ringing in the ears • Recent head trauma, concussion, or suspicion of concussion The list […]