When you have vertigo, life can seem a little off balance. With sudden bouts of dizzy spells, living in a seemingly spinning world becomes a common occurrence. About 35 percent of U.S. adults age 40 and older have experienced some form of vestibular dysfunction, including vertigo. With a trained physical therapist there are effective, noninvasive ways to treat vertigo, including using a special type of physical therapy treatment called canalith repositioning with the Epley maneuver.

VESTIBULAR REHABILITATION: WHAT IT IS, HOW IT WORKS AND WHY IT MATTERS

Vestibular rehabilitation therapy is a common type of physical therapy used to treat patients with vertigo. Performed by physical therapists, you may receive these interventions if you are experiencing frequent bouts of dizziness and other signs of vertigo. It’s also an effective non invasive way to treat vertigo. Physical therapy plays an integral role in the effectiveness of improving postural balance and quality of life for patients with vertigo.

WHAT TO EXPECT DURING PHYSICAL THERAPY TREATMENT FOR VERTIGO

Evaluation

Your first step in physical therapy treatment for vertigo is to get an evaluation from your physical therapist. He or she will use tests to identify what may be causing you to experience vertigo. You can also expect an assessment to determine your risk of falling. Because vertigo often interferes with your sense of balance, you have an increased chance of falling.

CUSTOMIZED TREATMENT PLAN

After determining the reason behind your vertigo and assessing your fall risk potential, you can expect to receive a personalized treatment plan that is customized to meet your specific needs. Treatment typically includes exercises and training to show you new ways to get your everyday tasks done.

EXERCISE

When you receive physical therapy to reduce the dizziness that comes along with vertigo, you can expect exercises customized to fit your circumstance. Some typical physical therapy exercises for dizziness include exercises focused on enhancing balance, vision and eye focus. Exercises that help you “correct” the inner ear are also common techniques for treating dizziness.

FOLLOW-UP

While physical therapy can provide great improvement when you practice it consistently, it’s important to be consistent at home as well. It’s crucial to follow your customized treatment plan so you can benefit from long-lasting results. Your physical therapist will also monitor your progress throughout the treatment to determine success and improvement in your condition. Typically, your ability to perform these exercises without symptoms of vertigo, such as dizziness, indicates that the treatment is working.

Vertigo doesn’t have to keep you from performing your daily tasks at home or at work. You can leverage the help of professionals who have the expertise and experience to treat your vertigo today.