Physical Therapy for Dizziness & Vertigo

For people who experience vertigo, it can be a disorienting experience. The feelings experienced can include dizziness, loss of balance, ringing in the ears, and more. While dizziness and vertigo can have different sources and different available modes of treatment, they often coincide.

Vertigo can affect people of any age. However, it is most common in adults and rare to observe in children. Vertigo and accompanying balance problems are most dangerous in older patients since they are the most susceptible to bone fractures from falls. 

A trained physical therapist can assist individuals deal with feelings of vertigo and dizziness so that they can get back to their regular daily routine. A physical therapist is an expert in dealing with patterns of movement and are experts in one-on-one care, education, and rehabilitation in an effort to achieve results. In Texas you also have the option to see direct care by contacting a physical therapist without the need for a referral. To request an evaluation, do not hesitate to contact our professional team for physical therapy in Port Isabel or Olmito.

Vertigo Explained

Vertigo is primarily defined by the sensation of spinning, even if one is sitting completely still. A person experiencing vertigo may feel like the room is spinning around them. It is not uncommon for the cause of vertigo to involve the vestibular system which is a part of the inner ear that is associated with balance. Notwithstanding, there can be a wide range of sources of vertigo, including:

• Stroke
• A perforation in the inner ear
• A head injury 
• Surgery
• Tumors
• Migraines
• Ear infections

A person with vertigo might also experience:

• Nausea
• Perspiration
• Vomiting
• Ear ringing
• Difficulty walking

Another way people might experience vertigo is visually. This can be triggered by certain places or activities that overwhelm the senses.

How Vertigo is Diagnosed

A physical therapist will first evaluate you by asking a series of questions to try to find the source of your vertigo and develop the best course of care.

Questions that may be asked are as follows:

• When you first experience the feeling of vertigo?
• What activities were you involved in when experiencing vertigo?
• What is the duration of your bout of vertigo?
• How often are you experiencing vertigo?
• What other symptoms accompany your vertigo?
• Does your vertigo affect your ability to breathe normally?

Your physical therapist will also likely perform a series of balance tests to determine the extent that the vertigo is affecting you. After the evaluation and subsequent tests are complete, care may begin or the physical therapist may recommend you to a doctor or alternative specialist depending on what may be best for your specific case.

How Port Isabel Physical Therapy Can Help Vertigo

The precise course of care that the physical therapist will recommend will depend on the source of your vertigo. The primary goal of your physical therapist is to relieve you of your symptoms. Your physical therapy in Port Isabel might include specific head and neck exercises that are gentle in nature. 

It is also possible that the physical therapist might recommend additional exercises to improve your flexibility, strength and overall well-being to ensure you vertigo ceases to impact your daily life.

If you are interested in being evaluated for vertigo, reach out to our team at Surge Mobile Physical Therapy and we can proceed with a stress-free consultation to see if you would be a good candidate for care.