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Vertigo is a condition that makes individuals feel sensations of spinning, which causes nausea, vomiting and other unpleasant side effects. A physical therapist will be able to determine if BBPV may be the cause of your symptoms. (Vertigo may also be caused by a central nervous system disorder, and that type of spinning cannot be corrected with these maneuvers. Doing the maneuvers will help us to determine if the crystals are lose and if it’s treatable with therapy).
Within the inner ear, are semicircular canals. Calcium crystals, known as canaliths help signal movement and positions to the brain. As we age, these crystals slough off of their stem (utricle) and the loose crystals can become displaced within the semicircular ear canals, causing BPPV.
Dr. Epley created a technique to reposition the crystals and get them out of the semicircular canals. The technique is known as the Epley maneuver. Physical therapists (PT) are trained to use the Epley maneuver in their practices and they can also teach patients how to safely perform this technique in the comfort of their home when necessary.
The Epley Maneuver
The Epley maneuver is performed when the patient is lying down, and a small pillow is placed behind their head. The Physical Therapist will position the head at various angles for holds of 30 seconds. If the holds are inadequate or too long, the maneuver will fail. That is why it’s important to fully understand the technique before attempting it at home. Innovative Therapies Group PTs are highly trained in performing the Epley maneuver and instructing patients how to perform is safely at home.
Along with the Epely Maneuver, Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo can be effectively treated with three other manual maneuvers that also move the crystals through the ear, improving and in many cases alleviating vertigo and the sensations of dizziness. These other techniques are known as the Semont maneuver, Foster maneuver, and the Brandt-Daroff exercises. These therapies can be performed in the convenience of Innovative Therapies Group’s office.
If you are dizzy or off balance, don’t put off treatment.
It’s dangerous to leave vestibular disorders untreated. If you have balance issues, your likelihood of suffering a fall with possible complications like broken bones, or impingements, which cause limited range-of-motion is much higher. Not to mention that the unpleasant side effects of nausea and painful headaches can be alleviated through the proper treatment, which will help you to get back to living a good quality of life.
Physical and Occupational Therapy is critical to alleviate further injury and to promote the most efficacious healing. Coupled with family participation, self-help management to promote and maintain independent function, and mobility is critical.
In Florida, you do not need a referral to see a Physical Therapist
Physical therapy is used to help with numerous indications and conditions like retraining the body to improve gait and balance and also after hip, knee or shoulder replacement and so much more. There is no better way to alleviate pain, increase range-of-motion and live a more mobile higher quality of life than through physical & Occupational therapy.
Types of Treatment Available with Physical Therapy
• Assessment and Evaluation Programs
• Difficulty Walking
• Fall Prevention and Balance Retraining
• Fitness and Wellness Programs
• Functional Training
• Gait Training and Balance Programs
• Manual and Massage Therapy
• Neurological and Neurodegenerative Retraining
• Vestibular Rehabilitation
Along with PT, Innovative Therapies Group offers Occupational Therapy, Speech Therapy, and Massage.
To find out more or to schedule your appointment, please contact Innovative Therapies Group today at 352-433-0091.
Innovative Therapies Group, Inc.
352-433-0091
innovativetherapiesgroup.com
