Vertigo, Balance, & Dizziness Therapy

Dizziness is one of the most prevalent concerns of patients seeking care from their primary care providers ~20%. However, it is often one of the most puzzling conditions. Statistically, sufferers will see an average of 4 providers before their “dizziness” is correctly diagnosed. There are many different causes of “dizziness” some are mild while others can be life-threatening.

One very common cause is “vertigo.” Vertigo is defined as a spinning feeling, whereas dizziness is characterized as “lightheadedness.” Often, they have various causes and different treatments. If you have vertigo followed by one or more of the following symptoms, call 911 immediately: difficulty speaking, double vision, a change in alertness, arm or leg weakness, or an incapability to walk.

What Is Vertigo?

Vertigo is the feeling of spinning—even when you’re absolutely still, you might feel like you’re moving or that the room is spinning around you. Most cases of vertigo involve the inner ear or the “vestibular system.

One of the common vertigo forms is benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, an inner-ear problem that causes a brief spinning sensation when you move your head or body.

Your physical therapist will perform tests to determine your vertigo’s causes and assess your risk of falling. Depending on the test results, your therapist may suggest further testing or consultation with a specialist. 

Woman Experiencing Vertigo — Littleton, CO — Functional Performance Physical Therapy Center

What Is Vertigo?

Vertigo is the feeling of spinning—even when you’re absolutely still, you might feel like you’re moving or that the room is spinning around you. Most cases of vertigo involve the inner ear or the “vestibular system.

One of the common vertigo forms is benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, an inner-ear problem that causes a brief spinning sensation when you move your head or body.

Your physical therapist will perform tests to determine your vertigo’s causes and assess your risk of falling. Depending on the test results, your therapist may suggest further testing or consultation with a specialist. 

Woman Experiencing Vertigo — Littleton, CO — Functional Performance Physical Therapy Center

How Can a Physical Therapist Help?

Physical therapists can conduct an in-depth evaluation to determine the cause of your symptoms. Based on your physical therapist’s evaluation and your recovery goals, the therapist will customize a treatment program for you. 

Physical therapy treatments for dizziness vary. The exercises that your therapist designs for you will depend on your unique problems and can include:

  • Balance improvement exercises
  • Exercises to improve the brain “correct” differences between your inner ear
  • Exercises to increase your ability to coordinate your eyes with head and body movement
  • Your physical therapist might also add exercises to improve your strength, flexibility, and heart health to improve your overall physical health and well-being.

What Kind of Physical Therapist Do I Need?

All physical therapists are qualified through experience and education to treat people with dizziness. However, at Functional Performance Physical Therapy Center our therapists have undergone extensive post-doctoral education to earn their certificates as Certified Vestibular Specialists. 

General suggestions when you’re looking for a physical therapist to help with your “vertigo:”

  • Get family and friends or other health care providers’ recommendations.
  • When you reach out to a physical therapy clinic for an appointment, ask about the physical therapists’ experience helping people with inner ear vestibular problems or injury.
  • During your initial visit with the physical therapist, be ready to describe your symptoms in as much detail as possible and explain what makes your symptoms worse. 

Have questions about vertigo? Call our office today at 303-948-1868 for more information and to schedule an appointment.

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