Is Your Head Spinning? How Physical Therapy Can Help Your Vertigo
Have you ever had a sudden sense that you’re spinning in place — even though you’re standing perfectly still? If so, then you’ve experienced vertigo, an unnerving sensation that often indicates an underlying issue with your vestibular system.
A single incident of vertigo probably isn’t anything to worry about, as the sensation isn’t typically harmful in and of itself. However, multiple vertigo attacks could indicate an underlying issue with your vestibular system, which helps manage your balance and spatial awareness. Frequent vertigo can also increase fall risk, leading to potential injury or hospitalization.
While vertigo can feel hallucinatory and strange, it is more often than not rooted in a physical issue — one that the Doctors of Physical Therapy at Atlanta Human Performance Group can help address. Our team’s understanding of your body’s vestibular and balance systems ensures you can find the relief you need to live a full, healthy life.
Don’t let vertigo sweep you off your feet. Call us today to schedule an initial consultation!
Understanding Vertigo: What It Is, What It Feels Like, and What Causes It
Many people use the terms “vertigo” and “dizziness” interchangeably, but vertigo is a specific type of dizziness. Dizziness can refer to a range of sensations: wooziness, lightheadedness, etc. Vertigo refers to a particular sensation in which you feel like you or the space you’re in is spinning.
Vertigo is closely associated with your vestibular system, which is located in your inner ear (the peripheral vestibular system) and in your cerebellum (the central vestibular system). Most people with vertigo have an impairment in the peripheral vestibular system: the structures and canals of the inner ear.
What sort of impairments? Here are a few of the most common:
- Benign Positional Paroxysmal Vertigo (BPPV): The most common source of vertigo, this occurs when tiny crystals build up in the inner ear canal.
- Meniere’s Disease: This results from fluid buildup in your inner ear. In addition to vertigo, you might experience hearing loss or muffled hearing, tinnitus, and a sense of fullness in the ear.
- Labyrinthitis: This is an inner ear inflammation resulting from an infection.
It’s important to remember that vertigo isn’t really a condition in and of itself — it’s a symptom. If you can’t find an obvious inner ear issue that could be causing your vertigo, you may have central vertigo, vertigo that’s rooted in your cerebellum. The following can cause central vertigo:
- Stroke
- Migraines
- Vascular disease
- Traumatic brain injury
Our Doctors of Physical Therapy will work with you and other providers, if needed, to determine the exact root of your vertigo attacks.
Physical Therapy’s Role in Treating Vertigo
Many people are surprised that physical therapy is a standard treatment for vertigo, but it’s true, especially if you have peripheral vertigo. Our Doctors of Physical Therapy will blend several different treatments to help manage your vertigo attacks while working to improve your overall balance and stability:
- Vestibular rehabilitation is a specialized form of physical therapy that consists of exercises specifically designed to address issues with the vestibular system, including relaxation techniques, gaze stabilization exercises, and more.
- Repositioning maneuvers help people with BPPV. We can dislodge the crystals causing your symptoms by positioning your head in certain ways.
- Balance training is an integral part of any vertigo treatment plan. We’ll walk you through exercises designed to challenge — and improve — your overall balance, which helps reduce your fall risk.
- Conditioning programs are another important piece in the vertigo puzzle. Muscular weakness, particularly in the core, can contribute to balance issues; a tailored exercise program will help you build the strength you need to stay on your feet.
- Finally, patient education ensures you understand the cause of your vertigo and have the tools you need to manage it. For example, we can help you identify and avoid vertigo triggers and provide strategies to make it through vertigo attacks.
Say Goodbye to Vertigo. Call Atlanta Human Performance Group Today!
Although it’s not life-threatening, vertigo can profoundly impact your overall quality of life. Many people with frequent vertigo are less likely to go out or participate in their favorite recreational activities for fear of an ill-timed attack. But our Doctors of Physical Therapy can help control–and sometimes even resolve — your vertigo, ensuring you live a rich, active life.
Ready to learn more? Call to schedule an appointment today.
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Return to Atlanta Human Performance Center and Let’s Continue Your Journey to Wellness Together. Schedule Your Appointment Now!
Vegetarian Black Bean Tacos
Ingredients:
For the beans:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ½ small yellow onion, diced
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 15-oz can black beans
- ½ tsp cumin
- ¼ tsp smoked paprika
- 1/8 tsp cayenne pepper
- ½ tsp kosher salt
- Ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tbsp water
For the tacos:
- 8 hard corn taco shells
- 4 oz Hass avocado
- Juice from 1/2 small lime
- Pinch kosher salt
- Ground black pepper, to taste
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 plum tomato, diced
- 1 cup shredded romaine lettuce
Directions:
Preheat oven according to taco shell package directions. Lay taco shells on a sheet pan in an even layer. Bake shells for 6-7 minutes. Meanwhile, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the canola oil, add the onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes. Add the garlic and sauté for 30 seconds. Add the beans, spices, tomato paste and water and mix until combined. Cook about 3 minutes to allow flavors to meld and beans to heat through. In a small bowl, mash avocado with a fork until smooth. Add lime juice, salt and pepper. Place taco shells on a flat surface. Layer each shell with 1/8 of the bean mixture, then the cheese, mashed avocado, tomatoes and lettuce.
Spring Time Word Scramble
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adlofdfi
ratees
oslmbos
brnwaoi
Answer Key
butterfly
sunshine
daffodil
easter
blossom
rainbow
Exercise of the Month
Single Leg Balance (Ankle)
Start by standing up straight with your feet close together. Slowly raise one foot off the ground slightly. Make sure to brace your abdominals. Hold for 30 seconds and repeat twice on both legs.
Our Patients Get Great Results
“Wonderful atmosphere, helpful & caring staff.”
– Michael N.
Have you been putting off spring cleaning? If so, you certainly aren’t alone. With your hectic schedule, it can be easy to overlook this essential activity.
However, there are many reasons why you should include spring cleaning into your routine. Here are 5 good reasons to make time for spring cleaning this season.
1. A clean home is better for your immune system
Mold, dust, and pet dander can accumulate in your home during the colder months when there is less opportunity for air circulation. A deep dive into spring cleaning helps to air out your home, preventing respiratory issues.
2. It’s an easy way to get active
Cleaning can be a real workout! From sweeping the floors to scrubbing tile to moving around furniture, spring cleaning can help you get active. Exercise has numerous benefits, including stress reduction and better heart health.
3. It lessens the possibility of injury
A cluttered home puts you, your children, or an elderly family member at risk of injury. Clearing out high-traffic areas and walkways can help to prevent falls, which can be especially dangerous for older individuals.
4. It improves concentration and mood
Studies show that a clean home positively affects your daily mood and ability to focus/complete tasks. Now that so many of us work from home, this has never been more important!
5. You can donate unused items to others
Part of cleaning is going through old and unused items to see what can find a new home. Not only is donating to charity emotionally rewarding, it helps free up space in your home and can encourage you to become more organized.
With so many benefits to spring cleaning, what are you waiting for? Get started today!
