Dizziness & Vertigo

Dizziness Can Make Life Difficult – Physical Therapy Can Help

Discover Effective Relief for Dizziness & Vertigo Symptoms

We’ve all felt dizzy before, as if we can’t concentrate, can’t see straight, and can’t stay upright without swaying or falling over. Many of us have even experienced “tunnel vision,” where your peripheral vision goes dark for a few seconds. This can be a Dizziness & Vertigo symptoms!

Most of the time this feeling happens when we get up too quickly. It might be disorienting, but it usually goes away shortly.

But does the dizziness you’re experiencing do more than disorient you for a few seconds? And is that having an effect on your everyday life?

If you’re saying “yes,” you may benefit from seeing a Muncy and Montoursville, PA physical therapist to find a long-term solution to your problem.

Dizziness is normal and can affect a lot of things. Vertigo, though, is a bit different. Although dizziness is typically synonymous with “lightheadedness,” which produces the illusion of being unsteady, vertigo is typically a physiological factor reaction that causes a literal imbalance in your body.

Those experiencing vertigo typically report feeling as if they are “rocking” or “spinning,” even when they are sitting.

If you’re living with dizziness or vertigo and looking for a Muncy & Montoursville, PA physical therapist, don’t hesitate to call Lycoming Physical Therapy at our Montoursville office at (570) 368-8389 or our Muncy office at (570) 935-0128 or click here to request an appointment.

How can physical therapy help relieve dizziness and vertigo?

Dizziness and vertigo can impact your everyday life, limiting your ability to perform even the simplest tasks-if you let them do so.

Fortunately, whatever the cause of the imbalance may be, vestibular physical therapy for dizziness and vertigo can help.

Lycoming Physical Therapy is very effective in diagnosing and treating both dizziness and vertigo. Vestibular therapy consists of targeted treatments such as Epley and Cawthorne head exercises.

The Epley Maneuver helps with canalith repositioning in order to transfer damaged calcium crystals. Cawthorne head exercises focus on decreasing nerve sensitivity and reducing vertiginous effects.

Your therapist will evaluate your condition and create a customized treatment plan that will address your concerns and make you feel steady on your feet.

Common causes of dizziness/vertigo

Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV)

This is the most common source of vertigo. It happens when tiny calcium crystals in your ears break apart and travel around to various areas of the ear where they are not supposed to be. This can cause sudden spinning (vertigo) and inner-ear discomfort.

Migraines

Migraines may have an effect on the vestibular system, resulting in vertigo episodes that may be associated with a reaction to light or sound. Vision can also be affected.

Vestibular neuritis

This is an inner-ear infection that can cause vertigo.

Meniere’s disease

This happens as the fluid builds up in your ear (s). This normally involves “ringing” in the ear and unexpected waves of extreme dizziness that can last for hours. You can also experience temporary hearing loss.

Stroke

A stroke influences the movement of the whole body. If you have recently had a stroke, you can feel vertigo waves that can last for prolonged periods of time.

Why did I develop vertigo?

Vertigo is most commonly caused by an imbalance in the inner ear, also known as the “vestibular system.”

Your vestibular system helps you maintain your balance and center of gravity by sending signals about your movement to your brain.

If this is compromised, the signals required to keep you balanced will be blocked from your brain, and your movement will be affected.

Many who experience vertigo can feel as though the world is spinning around them, that they can’t focus their vision for long periods of time, or that they can’t stand/move properly without feeling like they’re going to fall over.

This can be very frightening and stressful to deal with because it can interfere with your daily routine and lifestyle.

Why am I so dizzy?

Any of the many causes that may contribute to dizziness include lack of sleep, inadequate diet, over-exercise or physical illness, such as a head cold or flu.

Dizziness can also result from anything as basic as standing up too quickly after a prolonged period of rest. Some of the following signs of dizziness may include:

• Light-headedness or heavy-headedness
• Vision temporarily affected (i.e. tunnel vision)
• Feeling bleak or faint
• Balance Loss

The best way to know the source of your dizziness is to visit a doctor. There may be another underlying factor you don’t know about.

You may also look out for these other specific symptoms as well in regards to vertigo:

• Double vision
• Nausea and vomiting
• Unable to concentrate or stay alert
• Difficulty with vision and speaking
• Arm and leg weakness
• Abnormal eye movements
• Sweating

Are you ready to get back on your feet today?

Our innovative procedures and diagnostic techniques have earned us a reputation as one of the most effective Muncy and Montoursville, PA physical therapy practices in the treatment of dizziness and vertigo.

If you have any of these conditions, contact Lycoming Physical Therapy to make your appointment today. We will help you get back on your feet as soon as possible.