Rec Center Physical Therapy

Aches or Pains limiting your daily activities in life?

Physical Therapists have the most specialized education to improve quality of life without surgery or prescription drugs.

Consider our expert care at Rec Center Physical Therapy as your first line of defense to address any limitations you may be experiencing.

Your First Visit

• Allow at least 1 hour for the first visit
• Child care available
• Arrive 10-15 minutes early
• Bring insurance card and doctor's referral/order if applicable
• All patients under 18 years must be accompanied by an adult
• Front row parking is available for our patients (next to handicapped parking)
• Bring or wear comfortable clothing to allow accessible treatment for your evaluation. (clinic may also provide you with clothing)

Vestibular Rehabilitation: BPPV

Definition

BPPV, or benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, is a big name for a common problem. It means a problem that is not life threatening (benign), that comes and goes (paroxysmal), that is triggered by certain positions of the head or body (positional) that causes dizziness (vertigo.) Physical therapists are trained to evaluate and treat this problem, as well as other causes of dizziness and loss of balance. Some physical therapists have received advanced training in diagnosis and treatment of vestibular (inner ear) disorders.

Mechanism of Injury

BPPV can occur after a trauma to the head (falling and bumping the head, or after a whiplash.) Sometimes it will develop after an infection in the ear…and sometimes it just comes on for no particular reason. As we age, we are more likely to develop this problem. The spinning dizziness is caused by tiny crystals that belong in one part of the inner ear moving out of the vestibule where they belong, and landing in another part of the inner ear, the semi-circular canals. These canals are organs that sense acceleration and movement of the head. When the crystals, known as otoliths (translated literally as ear rocks), move to the wrong part of the inner ear, one feels as though he is spinning, even though he is not.

Symptoms

• Spinning sensation when the head is moved into certain positions. Looking up, down or rolling over in bed are common causes of the dizziness.
• The dizziness is generally of short duration, lasting less than a minute, but can be felt very violently.
• The dizziness may cause one to lose his balance.
• Sufferers frequently have episode of nausea or vomiting associated with the dizziness.

Physical Therapy Intervention

The Rec Center physical therapist trained in vestibular rehabilitation will evaluate the patient and, when appropriate, treat to decrease the problem and its associated symptoms. In true BPPV, canalith repositioning maneuvers or Epley Maneuvers to place the otoconia back in the vestibule are highly successful. Physical therapists are trained to perform this treatment. Sometimes other exercises, done in the clinic or at home, are more helpful in decreasing the symptoms. Physical therapy for vestibular rehabilitation will help improve balance, decrease symptoms of dizziness, and get you back to doing the things you want to do!