Physical Therapy for Vertigo: Exercises, Benefits, & More
Vertigo can be a frustrating and disorienting experience, making it hard to go about your daily routine.
Whether it's caused by inner ear issues or other factors, it can affect your balance and leave you feeling dizzy and unsure of your footing.
The good news is, physical therapy for vertigo is a highly effective way to manage and reduce symptoms!
Let's check out everything you need to know, including how you can get help today.
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What is Vertigo?
Vertigo is more than just feeling dizzy — it’s a spinning sensation that can disrupt your balance and make it hard to stay steady.
It can result from conditions like BPPV (benign paroxysmal positional vertigo), vestibular migraines, Ménière’s disease, or vestibular neuritis.
Each condition affects the inner ear or brain, which controls balance, leading to symptoms of dizziness and instability.
Common Causes of Vertigo
Vertigo can arise from several different conditions that affect the inner ear or brain.
Some of the most common causes we treat include:
- Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV): This happens when tiny calcium particles in the inner ear move out of place, causing dizziness with head movements.
- Vestibular Migraines: These migraines affect balance and cause dizziness, without the usual headache symptoms.
- Ménière’s Disease: A chronic inner ear disorder that leads to vertigo, hearing loss, and tinnitus.
- Vestibular Neuritis and Labyrinthitis: Infections that cause inflammation of the inner ear and result in prolonged dizziness.
How Physical Therapy Treats Vertigo
Physical therapy is a safe, non-invasive way to manage vertigo.
It involves exercises that help your brain adapt to the changes in your balance system, easing your symptoms over time.
Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT)
Vestibular rehabilitation therapy is an exercise program designed to help reduce dizziness and improve your balance.
It usually includes:
- Gaze Stabilization: Exercises that help your eyes focus while your head is moving.
- Balance Retraining: Practicing exercises that challenge your balance to help prevent falls and improve stability.
- Canalith Repositioning: Specific maneuvers to treat BPPV by moving particles in the inner ear back to their correct position.
At Elite Pain Doctors, we offer customized VRT programs based on your symptoms and diagnosis to help you feel more steady and in control.
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At-Home Exercises to Manage Vertigo
In addition to in-clinic treatments, certain exercises can help you manage vertigo symptoms at home.
Here are a few simple ones:
Brandt-Daroff Exercises
Great for BPPV, these exercises involve sitting and lying down in different positions to help the particles in your inner ear settle.
Gaze Stabilization Exercises
By keeping your eyes focused on a stationary object while moving your head, you can improve the coordination between your eyes and your inner ear.
Balance Retraining
Simple exercises like standing on one leg or walking heel to toe can help improve balance and reduce your risk of falling.
Note: Always check with your therapist before starting any home exercise program to ensure you're doing it safely.
The Elite Pain Doctors Approach To Vertigo
At Elite Pain Doctors, we combine a personalized approach with advanced tools to treat vertigo effectively.
Step 1: Thorough Evaluation
We start by conducting a detailed evaluation, including balance tests, vestibular exams, and gait analysis, to identify the root cause of your vertigo.
This ensures we develop the best plan for you.
Step 2: Tailored Treatment Plans
Once we have a clear diagnosis, our team creates a personalized treatment plan that may include:
- Posture and Gait Training: Correcting your posture and the way you walk can help reduce dizziness and improve balance.
- Manual Therapy: Hands-on techniques to increase mobility and ease vertigo symptoms.
We also offer additional services like pain management and chiropractic care for vertigo to create a well-rounded approach to your treatment.
Why Choose Elite Pain Doctors for Vertigo Treatment?
Elite Pain Doctors is committed to providing high-quality, personalized care to help you manage vertigo and its symptoms.
Here’s why we’re the right choice:
- Experienced Therapists: Our team specializes in vestibular rehabilitation and balance therapy.
- Advanced Tools: We use the latest diagnostic and treatment technologies to provide accurate diagnoses and effective treatments.
- Patient-Centered Care: We create personalized treatment plans based on each patient’s needs, ensuring you get the care that’s right for you.
Conclusion: Regain Balance with Elite Pain Doctors
Vertigo can be disruptive, but it doesn’t have to control your life.
At Elite Pain Doctors, our experienced team is here to help you restore balance and reduce dizziness through personalized physical therapy plans.
Contact us today to schedule your consultation and get started on the path to recovery!
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FAQs
What is vestibular rehabilitation therapy (VRT)?
VRT is an exercise program designed to help reduce dizziness and improve balance by retraining your brain’s response to balance signals.
How long does it take to see results from physical therapy?
Most patients notice improvement after a few sessions, but the duration of treatment depends on your specific condition.
Can physical therapy prevent future vertigo episodes?
Yes, physical therapy can help reduce the likelihood of future episodes by strengthening your balance system and addressing the root causes of vertigo.
What physical therapy do you do for vertigo?
Physical therapy for vertigo typically involves vestibular rehabilitation therapy (VRT), which includes gaze stabilization exercises, balance retraining, and canalith repositioning maneuvers for conditions like BPPV. These exercises help reduce dizziness and improve coordination between your eyes and inner ear.
What therapy is best for vertigo?
Vestibular rehabilitation therapy (VRT) is widely regarded as the best treatment for vertigo, especially for conditions like BPPV, vestibular neuritis, and Ménière’s disease. It involves specific exercises designed to help your brain adjust to the changes in your balance system.
What is the PT maneuver for vertigo?
The most common physical therapy maneuver for vertigo, particularly for BPPV, is the Epley maneuver. This series of head movements helps reposition particles in the inner ear that cause dizziness.
Does physical exercise help vertigo?
Yes, physical exercise, particularly balance and coordination exercises, can help reduce vertigo symptoms. These exercises retrain your brain to respond more effectively to changes in your balance system.
What exercises are good for vertigo balance?
Exercises like gaze stabilization, Brandt-Daroff exercises, and balance retraining (such as standing on one leg or walking heel-to-toe) are effective in improving balance and reducing vertigo symptoms.
Should I go to chiropractor or physical therapy for vertigo?
While chiropractors may help with neck issues that contribute to vertigo, physical therapy is generally the preferred treatment for vertigo caused by inner ear issues. Vestibular rehabilitation therapy is highly specialized for treating dizziness and balance problems.
What not to do while having vertigo?
When experiencing vertigo, it’s important to avoid sudden head movements, excessive bending over, and activities that can worsen dizziness, like looking up quickly. Also, avoid driving or operating heavy machinery until symptoms subside.
What am I lacking if I have vertigo?
Vertigo is often linked to issues in the inner ear or vestibular system rather than a specific deficiency. However, some cases of vertigo may be connected to low vitamin D levels or dehydration.
Should I walk or rest with vertigo?
It’s usually recommended to stay active and practice balance exercises if you have vertigo, as movement can help your brain adjust to balance changes. However, if the vertigo is severe, resting until the symptoms pass is advisable.