Vertigo is a surprisingly common ailment that affects millions of Americans. Although not a life-threatening condition its effects can change the quality of life for sufferers. Those who live with vertigo deal with discomforts of unexpected spinning, rocking, and tilting sensation that can worsen with head movement. Despite how common vertigo is, many of those who experience vertigo are unaware that physical therapy can be a useful tool to combat vertigo attacks and help them regain their life again.
Techniques and frequency of visits to your physical therapist or doctor will depend on the cause of your vertigo. Vertigo can be caused by a number of reasons, including vascular/circulatory impairment, infections in the inner ear, imbalances in the ear, issues with the cervical spine, problems with the central nervous system, and most commonly, due to loose crystals in the ear that cause BPPV (Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo)
What is BPPV?
BPPV is one of the most common causes for vertigo, determining if your vertigo is caused by BPPV a relatively easy process involving a non-invasive called the Dix-Hallpike Test. This test can be conducted in just a short amount of time to test if your vertigo is coming from the crystals in your ear.
How Can Physical Therapy Help?
After undergoing consultation and/or a physical evaluation your doctor or physical therapist will customize a physical therapy plan for you. What treatments or how often you visit the office will be determined by how severe or the cause of your vertigo. Together you and your therapist will work together to get you moving again and regain control of your life. Treatments may include specialized head and neck maneuvers or other exercises to help you manage your symptoms. Your therapist will instruct you on at home exercises and modified techniques to assist you in chores or daily activities. If simple activities have become impossible for you to complete, your therapist needs to be made aware right away in order for them to help you regain control of your life. It is important to stay optimistic while receiving physical therapy, it may take a few sessions before you begin feeling yourself again.
How Long Until l I Feel Like Myself Again?
Just like any healing process the rate and speed of recovery will vary from person to person. Depending on the therapy or maneuvers your therapist or health professionals choose as treatment and implement will also factor into your recovery rate. Your therapist may have an estimate for your recovery window after a few visits and tracking progress. Make sure to keep in mind that your recovery will differ from others, your body may respond differently or at a speed depending on your age and sex. Communication with your therapist is key to track your progress and to pivot towards therapies that show better results. Keep track of what days were worse than others to track your progress and see if you are experiencing more good days than bad. Doing so will give you insight into your recovery.
What Can I Do To Manage My Vertigo While Doing Therapy?
Sitting down with your therapist to receive their list of recommended daily activities to aid in your recovery. Adjusting your diet to cut out salts, sugars, and alcohol are credited to cut down on vertigo attacks. You may be recommended to take vitamin supplements or increasing your intake of water or teas. Essential oil therapy may also help manage your vertigo symptoms daily, all-natural formulas like Di-vertigo have helped thousands of vertigo sufferers regain their balance and their lives from the debilitating interruptions of vertigo attacks. With just a few drops behind the ears, Di-Vertigo’s blend of essential oils can help you stay on your feet all day with no side effects or grogginess.
