Vertigo Rehabilitation

Vertigo is a condition that causes a false sense of spinning or dizziness, often resulting in a significant disruption to daily life. Whether it’s triggered by a vestibular disorder, inner ear issues, or other underlying causes, vertigo can affect your balance and make it difficult to perform even simple activities. At ARK Physical Therapy, serving Plano and Frisco, Texas, we specialize in vertigo rehabilitation to help you reduce symptoms, restore balance, and improve your overall quality of life.

What is Vertigo?

Vertigo is a sensation of dizziness where you feel as though you or your surroundings are spinning. It can be caused by a variety of issues within the inner ear or the brain, including:

  • Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV): The most common cause of vertigo, triggered by head movements that disturb tiny crystals within the inner ear.
  • Meniere’s Disease: A disorder of the inner ear that leads to episodes of vertigo, hearing loss, and tinnitus (ringing in the ears).
  • Vestibular Neuritis or Labyrinthitis: Inflammation of the vestibular nerve or the inner ear, which can cause sudden, severe vertigo.
  • Migraines: Some individuals experience vertigo as a symptom of migraines, known as vestibular migraines.
  • Other Causes: Including head injuries, neurological conditions, and certain medications.

How ARK Physical Therapy Treats Vertigo

At ARK Physical Therapy, we focus on restoring balance, reducing dizziness, and improving function for those suffering from vertigo. Our expert physical therapists use a combination of evidence-based treatments and individualized care to help you manage vertigo symptoms and regain control of your life.

1. Comprehensive Evaluation

We begin by thoroughly evaluating your condition to determine the underlying cause of your vertigo. This includes:

  • A detailed medical history review, including any past injuries or conditions that may contribute to vertigo
  • A physical examination to assess your balance, coordination, and range of motion
  • Vestibular assessments to pinpoint which specific part of the vestibular system is affected
  • Postural and gait evaluations to identify any contributing factors to dizziness

2. Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT)

One of the most effective treatments for vertigo is Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT), which is a specialized form of physical therapy designed to improve balance and reduce dizziness. Key components of VRT include:

  • Canalith Repositioning Maneuvers (CRMs): For conditions like BPPV, CRMs are used to move displaced crystals in the inner ear back into their proper position, alleviating vertigo symptoms.
  • Balance Training: Exercises that focus on improving postural control, walking stability, and coordination to reduce dizziness and prevent falls.
  • Gaze Stabilization Exercises: Techniques designed to help your eyes and inner ear work together to improve focus and prevent dizziness when moving your head.
  • Habituation Exercises: Gradual exposure to movements or situations that trigger dizziness to reduce sensitivity and improve tolerance over time.

3. Manual Therapy and Soft Tissue Mobilization

Manual therapy techniques can help improve the mobility of the neck and head, as tightness in these areas can exacerbate vertigo symptoms. Our therapists may use:

  • Cervical Spine Mobilization: To address neck stiffness that can contribute to dizziness and imbalance.
  • Soft Tissue Release: Targeting muscles in the neck, jaw, and shoulders to alleviate tension that may be affecting balance.

4. Strengthening and Coordination Exercises

Vertigo can cause weakness or instability in the muscles that support your balance. We offer exercises to:

  • Strengthen Core Muscles: Helping to improve overall stability and prevent falls.
  • Leg and Lower Body Strengthening: Focusing on improving strength and control to enhance walking stability and coordination.
  • Coordination and Agility Training: Exercises to improve the brain’s ability to process sensory information and maintain balance.

5. Postural Training

Poor posture can contribute to balance issues and dizziness. We help you develop better posture habits, particularly in relation to:

  • Sitting and Standing Posture: Teaching you how to maintain proper alignment to reduce strain on the vestibular system.
  • Body Awareness and Alignment: Exercises that help improve your awareness of how your body is positioned in space, which can prevent vertigo triggers.

6. Lifestyle and Home Modifications

We provide guidance on how to manage your symptoms at home and avoid triggers:

  • Environmental Adjustments: Making changes at home to minimize risks of falls, such as reducing clutter, using assistive devices, and adding better lighting.
  • Hydration and Nutrition: Advice on how staying hydrated and maintaining proper nutrition can support vestibular health.
  • Stress Management: Techniques to reduce anxiety or stress, which can sometimes worsen vertigo symptoms.

Why Choose ARK Physical Therapy for Vertigo Rehabilitation?

  • Experienced Physical Therapists: Our therapists are highly trained in vestibular rehabilitation and have extensive experience treating vertigo and balance disorders.
  • Personalized Treatment Plans: We customize each treatment plan based on your specific symptoms, diagnosis, and lifestyle to ensure optimal recovery.
  • Comprehensive Care: From vestibular rehabilitation to balance training, we offer a full range of services to address the various aspects of vertigo.
  • State-of-the-Art Facility: We provide access to the latest therapy tools and techniques to support your rehabilitation.
  • Convenient Locations: Proudly serving the Plano and Frisco, Texas communities.

Benefits of Vertigo Rehabilitation at ARK Physical Therapy

  • Reduced dizziness and vertigo episodes
  • Improved balance, coordination, and stability
  • Enhanced ability to perform daily activities without fear of falling
  • Decreased risk of future falls or injuries
  • A better understanding of your vertigo triggers and how to manage them

If you are struggling with vertigo or dizziness, don’t wait to get the help you need. At ARK Physical Therapy, we are dedicated to helping you regain your balance, reduce symptoms, and restore your confidence.

Contact us today to schedule your consultation and start your journey toward vertigo-free living. Proudly serving Plano and Frisco, Texas.