Hello everyone, this is Sierra from New Leaf Physiotherapy. I’m writing my first blog post to talk about dizziness/vertigo and how physiotherapy can help!
Dizziness is the catch-all term used to describe any feelings of unsteadiness, light-headedness, wooziness. Vertigo is a medical term used to describe the sensation that the room is spinning around you, or that you are spinning.
There are several causes for dizziness, including blood pressure, and general age related changes. Vestibular issues are more likely to be caused by inner ear issues (Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo or BPPV), neck hypomobility, concussion, visual issues, or Meniere’s disease. Some describe light-headedness, imbalance or vertigo symptoms as dizziness. It is common to also experience other symptoms when having an episode of vertigo: nausea, vomiting, headaches, ringing in the ears, ear pressure, and many more. It is important for you to note what your symptoms are as that can help guide our treatments and refer on to the appropriate provider if required.
Physiotherapists can help treat the inner ear issues or other imbalance issues. However if your symptoms are related to blood pressure or heart arrhythmias that’s a trip to the doctor! New Leaf Physiotherapy can help you discern the difference and if a trip to the doctor is required.
During the assessment, we will ask questions and help discern which type of dizziness it is. From there we will complete tests that may make you feel symptomatic. Unfortunately, the treatments may also bring on symptoms. In some cases treatment is a series of set positions (called the Epley Maneuver) that help with BPPV. Other treatments are isolated movements of the head, or incorporate eye movements. These are exercises and techniques that our therapists at New Leaf Physiotherapyhave done extra training for.
So if you are feeling dizzy, or have symptoms of vertigo, please know that there are options! We’re happy to get you back to feeling better and back to your life!