Find Long-Term Success With Dizziness Treatment Through Physical Therapy
Have you ever felt like the world is spinning, even when you’re standing still? Or perhaps you experience a sudden sense of imbalance or lightheadedness? Dizziness is a common condition that can be a fleeting annoyance or a debilitating condition, significantly impacting one’s quality of life. Learning about the various causes of dizziness and exploring effective treatment options with physical therapy can help you navigate your way toward relief.
Read on to learn more about this common condition.
Defining Dizziness
Dizziness isn’t a single condition but rather a symptom with a myriad of potential causes. It can feel like a spinning sensation (vertigo), a sense of imbalance or unsteadiness, or a feeling of lightheadedness or faintness. Understanding the underlying cause of your dizziness is crucial for finding the right treatment approach.
Numerous Factors Can Contribute to Dizziness:
- Inner ear problems (BPPV, Ménière’s disease, vestibular neuritis)
- Neurological conditions (migraines, stroke, multiple sclerosis)
- Cardiovascular problems (low blood pressure, heart arrhythmias)
- Medications (certain blood pressure medications, antidepressants, sedatives)
- Anxiety and stress
- Dehydration
- Low blood sugar
- Aging
Dizziness Can Be Accompanied by a Range of Symptoms:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Sweating
- Hearing loss or tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
- Blurred vision
- Difficulty concentrating
- Fatigue
Common Conditions that Cause a Feeling of Dizziness:
Vertigo
This is the most common type of dizziness, characterized by a false sense of motion. You might feel like you or the world around you is spinning or tilting. Vertigo is often caused by problems in the inner ear, such as benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), Ménière’s disease, or vestibular neuritis.
Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV)
Inner ear disorder that causes brief episodes of vertigo triggered by specific head movements. It occurs when dislodged calcium crystals in the inner ear send false signals to the brain, creating a sense of spinning or motion.
Meniere’s Disease
Another inner ear disorder that is characterized by episodic vertigo, tinnitus (ringing in the ears), and fluctuating hearing loss. It is believed to be caused by a buildup of fluid in the inner ear, although the exact cause remains unknown.
Physical Therapy For Dizziness
Physical therapy plays an important role in the treatment of many conditions, particularly those related to the inner ear or balance system. Common physical therapy techniques for dizziness include:
Vestibular Rehabilitation Exercises
Retrain the brain to compensate for problems in the inner ear and improve balance.
Canalith Repositioning Maneuvers
Targeted maneuvers can help dislodge crystals in the inner ear that contribute to BPPV.
Balance Training
Improve your awareness of your body’s position in space, which can enhance balance and coordination.
Gait Training
Retrain your walking pattern to reduce the risk of falls.
Treatment For Your Dizziness At Schultz Physical Therapy
If you’re struggling with dizziness, don’t let it control your life. At Schultz Physical Therapy, we specialize in helping individuals overcome spinning and regain their sense of balance and well-being. Our experienced PTs will work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan tailored to your specific needs.
Call us today to schedule an appointment and take the first step towards a life without dizziness.
