Understanding Vertigo and How Physical Therapy Can Treat it

As a physical therapist who specializes in vestibular rehabilitation, I see many people with vertigo. They typically come in with dizziness that's debilitating. The good news is that I can usually fix it in just one or two treatments. But before I get into that, let me explain what vertigo is.

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What is Vertigo?

Vertigo is a structural problem, not a systemic problem like a flu or infection. It is a condition involving your inner ear where a small piece of calcium dislodges (commonly called crystals) from where it should be and makes its way into the canals that help your body know where it is in space. There are 3 canals in each ear that work together to help your brain with equilibrium and balance. The crystals belong in the inner ear and we don’t need to get rid of them, just get them back to where they belong.

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How do we diagnose Vertigo?

Vertigo is diagnosed using the eyes. After a thorough examination to rule out other problems, we place your head in different positions to target each canal. If you have vertigo, your eyes may move back and forth very quickly (which accounts for the room-spinning sensation that you feel). We use infrared video goggles to record and analyze this motion. The direction, duration and intensity of the motion help the therapist determine which canal the crystals are in.

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How do we fix Vertigo?

Simply put, we need to move the crystals that have fallen out of place. We do this by directing your head and body in a series of angles to tip the crystals back to their original position. Think of a handheld game where you are trying to direct a ball through a maze. Essentially this is what we’re doing!

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There are 3 canals in each ear and a few variations of problems that can occur. Each variation and canal have their own specific maneuver. Using the infrared video, your physical therapist will select the maneuver appropriate for you.

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If you live near Denver and are experiencing any sort of dizziness, contact me at Activcore Littleton for a consultation.

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Disclaimer:  The views expressed in this post are based on the opinion of the author, unless otherwise noted, and should not be taken as personal medical advice. The information provided is intended to help readers make their own informed health and wellness decisions.