Are you one of the 40%?
One of the lesser known areas of physical therapy is that we are able to treat dizziness and balance disorders. Very often, I will have new patients tell me during their initial evaluation, they didn’t know PT treats their symptoms, they are so happy to finally have someone who knows what they’re talking about, and lastly how to treat it.
According to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD), approximately 40% of the United States population will experience some form of dizziness or balance difficulty over the course of their lifetime.
To review from last week’s blog, common symptoms of the vestibular system not working properly are (as described by my patients to me):
Feeling unsteady or staggering -Head swimming sensation or head in the clouds
Dizziness
Lightheadedness
Moving sensation like a rocking boat
Spinning known as vertigo
Swaying
Floating
Feeling like they’re going to pass out
Physical therapy which focuses on the treatment of dizziness and balance disorders is called vestibular rehab. The vestibular system is about the size of a dime located in the inner ear on each side. It works together with the eyes and balance sensors, called proprioceptors, with all three systems working together to make up our balance. When someone is experiencing dizziness or balance problems, usually one of these three systems aren’t working correctly resulting in the patient’s symptoms. Vestibular rehab will first identify the underlying problem and then through different types of exercises for the eyes, inner ear, and balance systems patients will generally see improvement and reduction of their symptoms.
I’m going to use each of the next few weeks’ blog posts to highlight different dizziness and balance disorders Pinnacle Therapy & Wellness can address and treat with vestibular rehab so make sure to check back each week.
If you are experiencing any of the above listed symptoms and are interested in treatment or want to learn more, don’t hesitate to call/text me at 701-318-4731 or email me at alison@pinnalcetherapywellness.com and don’t forget to follow on Facebook and Instagram to stay up to date on the happenings at Pinnacle Therapy & Wellness.