While physiotherapists (PTs) are generalists of all orthopedic (muscle and joint related) injuries, there is a small population of PT’s who specialize in physiotherapy of the inner ear. These PT’s are able to assess and treat a variety of inner ear / vestibular conditions with positive outcomes.
Vestibular physiotherapists rely on your subjective report of symptoms, an extensive understanding of the anatomy of the inner ear and the connections to the brain, and the outcome of a variety of positional and eye-related tests to formulate a diagnosis and effective treatment plan.
Dizziness is a general term used to describe a symptom; it is not a diagnosis. The most common form of dizziness is known as vertigo. Vertigo is when the world spins around you and you may feel nauseated or sick. Vertigo is usually caused by putting your head in a certain position – commonly when laying down flat, rolling over in bed, bending forward and looking upwards.
Other forms of dizziness include being light-headed when rising to a standing position (orthostatic hypotension), disorientated, swaying and unsteadiness. Dizziness can also be associated with recent head trauma, whiplash or concussion.
Vertigo, the illusion of movement of your surroundings, can be frustrating and very debilitating! The most common cause for vertigo is “benign paroxysmal positional vertigo”, or what we like to call BPPV. In older adults, 32% that report dizziness were diagnosed with BPPV. And it can be easily treated by vestibular physiotherapists!
Dizziness isn’t normal and while it can be frustrating to get a diagnosis and effective treatment, it is so important for your quality of life to seek out the appropriate help! Here at A Body in Motion Rehabilitation, we have physiotherapists that are trained to assess your dizziness and vertigo and treat you effectively!
Caitlinn Thompson
Registered Physiotherapist