VertigoIn Louisville, Evansville & Southern Indiana
Vertigo is the sensation of spinning. Even when you’re staying still, you may feel as if you’re moving or the room is moving around you.
Physical Therapy for Vertigo
Vertigo is another term for dizziness or the room spinning around you. Physical therapy is a great step in conquering your vertigo. Our physical therapists at ProRehab are trained in detecting and improving your vertigo symptoms, especially if the cause of your vertigo is an inner ear problem. Physical therapy will include resolving your vertigo by introducing important movements, addressing weakness and tension in muscles in the body, and improving your balance.
Common Causes of Vertigo
Vertigo can be caused by a few different factors. Some causes are within the inner ear, like an infection or benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV). BPPV is an imbalance within the inner ear where calcium crystals block the signal between the inner ear and brain, causing a spinning sensation. This can be caused for no apparent reason and is very treatable. Vertigo can also be caused by serious problems like a tumor blocking nerve signaling to the inner ear (acoustic neuroma) or a stroke. It can also be a result of a car accident, frequent migraines, or occur for no apparent reason (idiopathic). If you are having vertigo, don’t hesitate to make an appointment with your physician or physical therapist to determine the cause and best treatment!
How to Treat Vertigo
What is the best treatment for vertigo? Your physician and physical therapist will determine the cause of your vertigo and treat it accordingly. If your vertigo is related to BPPV or balance issues, your physical therapist will set up an exercise program that will aim to resolve your symptoms. BPPV vertigo treatment involves whole body maneuvers to move the calcium deposits that are blocking the ear canals to the right place. For other causes of vertigo, you may need medications, medical intervention, and further testing to determine the cause. You can always go to your ProRehab physical therapist first because they will treat you if appropriate or refer you to another provider who is better able to help you!
How Physical Therapy Can Help
Physical therapy to improve vertigo will involve the head, neck, and eye movements to reduce your dizziness and allow your body to slowly accommodate back to normal movement. Therapy will also involve spinal mobility exercises, stretching, strengthening, and balance exercises. If you have BPPV, your physical therapist will teach you specific maneuvers to reduce your symptoms quickly.
