If you are suffering from vertigo, physical therapy can provide invaluable assistance. Your therapist will evaluate your condition and create an individualized treatment program tailored specifically to you and your symptoms that may include head and neck maneuvers as well as vestibular rehabilitation.
Dizziness and balance problems often originate in the inner ear. Common culprits include BPPV (Benign Paroxysmal Position of the Cerebellum) or loose crystals which are easily detected with the Dix-Hallpike test, taking just minutes.
Physical Therapy For Vertigo
Repositioning Techniques
Physical therapists can be an invaluable source of relief when it comes to vertigo symptoms. Your physical therapist may teach vestibular rehabilitation exercises, neck stretching techniques to loosen tight muscles contributing to dizziness and balance training techniques.
Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV), for instance, requires head movements that will help move calcium carbonate crystals from your inner ear known as canaliths around. They usually remain in an area known as the utricle; however, trauma or surgery may dislodge them into semicircular canals which then send false signals about movement to your brain.
Your physical therapist can teach you to perform the canalith repositioning maneuver at home, which should be quick and simple. After performing it, your PT will re-test to ensure that symptoms have improved; using this information, they’ll devise an efficient treatment plan tailored just for you.
Vestibular Exercises
Your therapist may suggest exercises designed to target both your inner ear and vision to balance system. These are typically conducted slowly so that your body can become used to the movement and strengthen connections from your inner ear to eyes, muscles and joints to reduce dizziness symptoms.
Your physical therapist may employ canalith repositioning maneuvers for BPPV (benign paroxysmal positional vertigo), including lying down and turning your head to one side before rolling onto it; these movements aim to dislodge any crystals present within your inner ear that might be contributing to symptoms of BPPV.
Gaze stabilization exercises may be recommended if your condition involves impaired eye muscle coordination such as oscillopsia.
These exercises may initially cause dizziness symptoms; however, with practice they will help your vestibular issues to improve and enable you to complete activities without dizziness or nausea.
Neck Stretching
People suffering from frequent attacks of vertigo may find relief through specific neck movements designed to decrease dizziness and nausea associated with this disorder. While they won’t cure it completely, these exercises may provide enough relief from symptoms to improve quality of life and overall quality of living.
These exercises, known as Brandt-Daroff exercises, are a fast way to ease vertigo symptoms and reset the brain. These can be performed sitting or lying down and should always be guided by a physical therapist in order to ensure it doesn’t become too intense.
Patients can perform these exercises at home on their own, though consulting a physical therapist before beginning is advised.
A PT can identify what’s causing vertigo and suggest the most appropriate treatments; those covered by health insurance should reach out to their provider for recommendations of local physical therapists; otherwise the Academy of Neurologic Physical Therapy provides a useful resource that allows individuals to find someone nearby.
Manual Therapy
Physical Therapists use soft tissue mobilization/massage techniques on the neck or head to treat myofascial restrictions that contribute to vertigo. This may involve canalith repositioning maneuvers, vestibular exercises and balance training as appropriate treatments.
Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT) is a form of physical therapy designed to retrain the brain to respond differently to feedback from the inner ear. VRT may be effective for people experiencing frequent bouts of dizziness caused by BPPV, for instance.
Vertigo sufferers describe feeling as though the world is spinning around them even while lying still or rolling in bed.
Physical treatment and certain at-home exercises may significantly alleviate or even eliminate vertigo symptoms; those seeking qualified physical therapists in their area can visit the Academy of Neurologic Physical Therapy’s website to locate professionals near them; health insurance may even cover some or all costs for physical therapist visits.
How Long Does Physical Therapy Take to Improve Vertigo?
The duration of physical therapy for vertigo varies depending on the individual and the severity of their symptoms. Here’s what to expect:
Individual Variations
The time it takes to see improvement with physical therapy for vertigo can differ from person to person. Factors such as the underlying cause of vertigo and the patient’s response to treatment play a role in determining the duration of therapy.
Typical Duration
According to Georgia Upper Cervical, most physical therapy programs targeting vertigo symptoms last around 6-8 weeks. During this time, patients undergo specific exercises and maneuvers aimed at reducing vertigo episodes.
Swift Relief with BPPV
For Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV), physical therapy maneuvers can be highly effective in eliminating current episodes. In many cases, it only takes a few treatment visits, as highlighted by Core Balance Physical Therapy.
Considering Underlying Causes
The underlying cause of vertigo can impact the timeframe for improvement with physical therapy. It is crucial to consult with a healthcare professional to gain insight into the expected outcomes of treatment based on the specific cause.
Expanding the Scope: Treating Other Balance Disorders
Physical therapy is not limited to vertigo treatment alone. It can also be utilized to address various other balance disorders. Conditions such as vestibular disorders, gait and balance disorders, and vertigo can all benefit from physical therapy intervention.
Customized Treatment Programs
Physical therapists, equipped with their expertise in evaluating and treating movement, can design personalized programs for balance retraining exercises. These programs aim to enhance balance and alleviate dizziness or vertigo symptoms.
Tailored Approach
The treatment plan employed by physical therapists will be tailored to meet the unique needs of each patient and the underlying cause of their balance disorder. Through targeted exercises and interventions, physical therapy can aid in restoring balance and improving overall quality of life.
