Skip to content

Vertigo Physical Therapy

Vertigo Physical Therapy at PT Solutions

Vertigo is a feeling or sensation that you, or the world around you, is spinning. You might feel unstable, off-balance, and disoriented. Many people have experienced dizziness after standing up too quickly or spinning around on a theme park ride. Vertigo is different from dizziness and can significantly impact your life. While dizziness is primarily associated with temporarily feeling lightheaded, vertigo can actually cause you to feel like the space around you is moving and you can’t quite find solid ground. There are several reasons why you may experience this altered sensation, and thankfully, physical therapy for vertigo can help provide you with lasting relief.

Causes of Vertigo

The most common cause of vertigo is known as BPPV, or benign paroxysmal positional vertigo. BPPV is an issue of the inner ear and semicircular canals that relay information about head position to the brain and eyes. When you have BPPV, you may turn your head too quickly or suffer a blow to the head, which can cause you to feel like you are spinning.

Another cause of vertigo has to do with issues of the inner ear. If you suffer from migraines, then you may also experience vertigo during those episodes. Migraines can induce vertigo that can leave you feeling out of sorts for minutes to hours at a time. An injury to the head or neck can also leave you with uncomfortable symptoms like vertigo. Certain medications may also cause vertigo as a side effect, along with dizziness, tinnitus, and ringing in the ears. Issues with the inner ear, including Meniere’s disease or an infection affecting the vestibular nerve, can also lead to stretches of vertigo.

Types of Vertigo

There are two types of vertigo: peripheral vertigo and central vertigo. Here’s what you need to know about both types of vertigo and how they can affect you.

Peripheral Vertigo

The most common type of vertigo is known as peripheral vertigo. If you are dealing with peripheral vertigo, then you likely have a problem or issue with the inner ear or vestibular nerve. Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, or BPPV, is a type of peripheral vertigo that can cause you to experience frequent bouts of vertigo that each last for short periods of time.

Central Vertigo

Central vertigo is less common than peripheral vertigo and occurs when there is an issue in the brain. A stroke, brain tumor, or traumatic brain injury can trigger this type of vertigo. Damage or dysfunction in the central nervous system can impact your sensory input and cause you to feel like everything around you is spinning.

Causes of Vertigo

The most common cause of vertigo is known as BPPV, or benign paroxysmal positional vertigo. BPPV is an issue of the inner ear and semicircular canals that relay information about head position to the brain and eyes. When you have BPPV, you may turn your head too quickly or suffer a blow to the head, which can cause you to feel like you are spinning. Another cause of vertigo has to do with issues of the inner ear. If you suffer from migraines, then you may also experience vertigo during those episodes. Migraines can induce vertigo that can leave you feeling out of sorts for minutes to hours at a time. An injury to the head or neck can also leave you with uncomfortable symptoms like vertigo. Certain medications may also cause vertigo as a side effect, along with dizziness, tinnitus, and ringing in the ears. Issues with the inner ear, including Meniere’s disease or an infection affecting the vestibular nerve, can also lead to stretches of vertigo.

Signs and Symptoms of Vertigo

If you feel like you can’t keep your balance and like your world is spinning, then you may be experiencing vertigo. Vertigo can make you feel unsteady and unstable on your feet and leave you with a spinning sensation. Other symptoms of vertigo include a sudden increase in sweating, nausea, ringing or buzzing in your ears, and a loss of balance. Some people who experience vertigo also experience symptoms of headaches, hearing loss, and even vomiting. Signs and symptoms of vertigo are typically not serious, though they can increase your chances of falling or impact daily activities. Stress can also make your vertigo symptoms worse. Older adults experiencing vertigo are at greater risk of suffering and hospitalization if vertigo leads to imbalance and a fall. Driving or riding in a car can also make your vertigo symptoms worse.

Diagnosing Vertigo

Talk to your doctor if you believe you are experiencing vertigo. Your doctor will want to hear about what symptoms you have been experiencing, when you first noticed vertigo, and talk with you about your medical history. If you recently suffered a blow to the head or other type of head or neck trauma, then let your doctor know. You should also talk to your doctor about any medications you may be taking, as they could have negative side effects like vertigo. Your doctor will also perform a physical exam and may also utilize certain tests to help assess you for vertigo. This may include diagnostic imaging, hearing exams, and testing your balance and coordination. Because vertigo can also be a sign or symptom of another type of injury or condition, your doctor will want to identify the root cause of your vertigo in order to determine the most appropriate treatment options for you.

Treatment Options for Vertigo

In order to treat vertigo, your doctor will first need to identify the underlying cause for your spinning sensations. Treatment options for vertigo will involve managing your symptoms so that you can move with confidence again. The vestibular nerve inside the inner ear is what helps your whole body balance. If you are dealing with an inner ear infection or disorder, then you will need to treat the inner ear issue along with the vertigo symptoms. Your doctor may talk to you about certain medications that can help with vertigo and may also recommend physical therapy treatment. Physical Therapy provides vestibular rehabilitation for a non-invasive and conservative approach to managing your symptoms and help you move comfortably again

Physical Therapy for Vertigo

Physical therapy for vertigo offers an individualized approach to managing your symptoms and restoring your mobility. A physical therapist will develop a treatment plan for the cause of your vertigo and help manage your symptoms. While the exact treatment plan for vertigo will vary depending on what causes your vertigo, vertigo physical therapy will involve exercises that help resolve your uncomfortable symptoms of vertigo. A physical therapist can work with you to address any issues with balance, mobility, dizziness, and provide you with safe and effective strategies for management.. Your physical therapist will walk you through exercises so that you can safely perform these movements with daily activities. Your physical therapist can also “help you practice and educate you on ways to manage your symptoms outside of the clinic Physical therapy exercises for vertigo can help improve your balance along with improving your overall health and well-being.

Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy for Vertigo

PT Solutions offers vestibular rehabilitation therapy for vestibular conditions that can cause issues like vertigo, dizziness, and balance issues. Vestibular therapy and rehabilitation with a physical therapist will help you regain your mobility and balance. Physical therapists certified in vestibular therapy have the training and expertise to address vertigo and other uncomfortable symptoms. A physical therapist can develop an exercise-based treatment plan for vestibular rehab that will reduce symptoms. Once your physical therapist has completed a thorough evaluation and assessment of your condition, they can develop a personalized plan of care for you. Treatment options with vestibular rehab may include balance and gait training, gaze stability exercises, strength training, and fall prevention. Vertigo physical therapy may also include habituation and compensation training, cervical proprioception training, and aerobic conditioning and endurance training.

Benefits of Physical Therapy

Physical therapy has numerous benefits for people struggling with vertigo along with balance and mobility issues. Doctors recommend physical therapy in a variety of contexts, including managing symptoms like vertigo, recovering from an injury, and as part of pre-surgery and post-surgery care. Here are the top 4 benefits of physical therapy and how it can benefit you when dealing with vertigo.

Strength

A physical therapist will work with you through exercises to help improve your strength. Strengthening groups of muscles will help support an injured area and help increase your range of motion. If you are recovering after an injury or surgery, physical therapy can help you strengthen weakened muscles.

Flexibility

Physical therapy can help you improve your flexibility so that you are better able to move through the motions of your everyday life. Physical therapy exercises can target flexibility and help you stretch sore, tight, or stiff muscles.

Balance

Physical therapy can also help improve your balance with exercises that focus on static movements, like sitting and standing, as well as dynamic motions like your daily activities. A physical therapist can work with you on balance issues to help reduce and prevent falls and further injuries.

Mobility

Whether you are recovering from an injury, surgery, or looking to manage an uncomfortable condition like vertigo, a physical therapist is here to help. Physical therapy can work with you to improve your mobility so that you can move freely and efficiently. A physical therapist can help you increase your range of motion and strengthen muscles in your core and legs that help support those movements.

Vertigo Physical Therapy at PT Solutions

Experience the PT Solutions difference, where our physical therapists offer evidence-based treatments grounded in scientific research. Our team of physical therapists at PT Solutions is dedicated to helping you reach your goals for treatment and improving your health and well-being. We offer an innovative and encouraging atmosphere with physical therapists who will motivate you through your journey to recovery and wellness. To learn more about vertigo physical therapy near you, visit PT Solutions and get started today with personalized physical therapy.

Types of Treatment

  • Soft tissue mobilization
  • Joint mobilization
  • Myofascial release
  • Muscle energy technique
  • Electrical stimulation
  • Neuromuscular reeducation
  • Therapeutic exercise and activity

Request a Vertigo Physical Therapy Appointment Today!