People who have vertigo often have a reduced quality of life, as symptoms can affect work, home life, and driving. If you experience vertigo, you are probably looking for a way to treat it. Various things can cause vertigo, and in many cases, physical therapy in Ahwatukee can help. During your first visit, your physical therapist will ask questions about your vertigo, such as when it started, how frequently it occurs, and if anything triggers it. If it is determined the therapist can help, he or she will design a personalized treatment plan.
PT Assistance for Conquering Vertigo
Vertigo has a variety of unwanted symptoms. These include a spinning sensation, lack of balance, nausea, and vomiting. When you seek Arrowhead physical therapy for vertigo, your therapist may treat these symptoms in a variety of ways.
Determine the Cause of the Vertigo
In order to get the most effective treatment for your vertigo, it is a good idea to first determine what the cause of it is. Some of the causes include:
- Inner ear issues
- Head or neck injury
- Migraines
- Vestibular nerve infection
- Certain medications
- Brain stem lesions
- Meniere’s Disease
Knowing what the cause is helps you decide what can be done to treat it. For example, if vertigo occurs because it is a side effect of a medication you are taking, you may want to speak with your doctor about modifying your meds. If an issue with the brain is causing it, physical therapy may not be the best treatment.
Fortunately, many types of vertigo stem from inner ear problems or a neck injury, so physical therapy can help with most cases.
Perform a Variety of Treatment Methods
One common inner ear issue that causes vertigo is benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, which interferes with relaying information about your head position. For those with BPPV and head or neck injuries, the physical therapist may use vestibular rehabilitation therapy. This type of therapy includes specific exercises that focus on retraining balance and controlling eye movement. Your therapist may also work with your on strengthening and stretching soft tissues of the neck.
The number of sessions you will need vary greatly based on your specific situation. However, on average, clients have six to eight weekly sessions with a physical therapist.
Vertigo Relief Tips
When you get physical therapy for vertigo, there is a good chance your therapist will demonstrate certain movements and exercises you can do at home. Popular ones include Epley maneuver, Brandt-Daroff, and Semont-Toupet. However, you should receive guidance from your PT, or else these movements may make your vertigo worse.
There are other things that may help relieve vertigo or reduce its frequency. Some of the triggers of vertigo are stress and lack of sleep. Make sure you are getting seven to eight hours of quality sleep each night, and do things to manage stress.
Yoga may be helpful, as it not only helps reduce stress, but it also improves balance. Supplements, such as gingko biloba, may also be effective in relieving vertigo.
