Advance Physical & Aquatic Therapy

How To Relieve Dizziness and Vertigo

Lisa (not her real name) was tired of dealing with dizziness. Specifically, she was tired of dealing with vertigo, a spinning sensation that would suddenly hit her at seemingly random times throughout the day. The attacks made her wary of driving, and she worried she might fall and injure herself at home.

But then Lisa learned something interesting: physical therapy can help with vertigo and dizziness. She had some experience with PT, having gone through rehabilitation after a shoulder injury, but it never occurred to her that PT might be the solution to her issues with vertigo.

Eager for relief, Lisa made an appointment at Advance Physical & Aquatic Therapy. We conducted a comprehensive assessment and found that she had BPPV (benign paroxysmal positional vertigo). It develops due to the buildup of tiny crystals in the inner ear, that interfere with the body’s vestibular system.

We helped Lisa understand that her vertigo attacks weren’t as random as she thought. Instead, they occurred due to specific head movements that jostled the crystals. We helped identify those movements and performed some hands-on maneuvers that dislodged the crystals so they could no longer cause symptoms.

Because vertigo (and sometimes even dizziness) has a vaguely hallucinatory quality, people are often surprised to discover that its origins are typically physical. Fortunately, because they’re physical, PT is an excellent choice for finding relief.

To learn more, call to schedule an appointment.

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Helena specializes in treating patients with neurologic, balance, and vestibular (inner ear balance system) conditions.

Call her today!
1-610-215-9603 x2

Why Do We Feel Dizziness and Vertigo, Anyway?

First, it’s important to understand that dizziness and vertigo are technically two different things.

Dizziness is an umbrella term that can refer to any feelings of lightheadedness or wooziness. Most of us have experienced dizziness: maybe you stood up too quickly or felt a headrush when you got off a roller coaster. It can have other causes, too, such as medication side effects or low blood sugar.

Vertigo is a type of dizziness. It refers to a particular sensation: that you or the room is spinning around even when you’re standing still. It typically stems from issues with your vestibular system, which controls your body’s sense of balance.

The vestibular system is primarily located in your inner ear, although parts are also in your cerebellum. Most people who experience vertigo have inner ear issues, whether BPPV (the most common cause of vertigo) or another underlying condition, such as Meniere’s disease.

In some cases, vertigo might stem from issues in your cerebellum, although those are rare.

The Key Factor: A Personalized Approach

Physical therapy offers different options to help people manage their dizziness and vertigo. We always begin treatment with a comprehensive assessment to help us understand the root cause of your symptoms.

As with Lisa, we’ll also try pinpointing any triggers for dizziness or vertigo. By identifying these triggers, you can work to avoid them. For example, we can show you how to modify activities to reduce the likelihood of vertigo attacks. We’ll also perform specific movements and positions to restore inner ear function, just as we did with Lisa.

Another way we help people with dizziness and vertigo is through dedicated balance training. Vertigo can be unnerving, but it’s not usually dangerous in and of itself. Instead, the danger comes from an increased fall risk. Balance training helps improve your overall balance and stability through progressive balance challenges and strengthening exercises, especially in the core.

A Specialized Approach: Vestibular Rehabilitation

If your vertigo stems from an impairment in your vestibular system, we may suggest you begin a vestibular rehabilitation program. Vestibular rehab is a specialized type of physical therapy that focuses specifically on inner ear dysfunction. While your exact program will be personalized, it generally includes the following:

Relaxation techniques to help you navigate a vertigo attack
Habituation exercises that help you become accustomed to the vertigo sensations so that they lessen over time
Vision exercises to improve your gaze stability, which often plays a role in vertigo symptoms

We’ll combine these specialized techniques with balance and conditioning exercises to ensure well-rounded treatment!

Can The World Stop Spinning?

Literally, no–but when you successfully manage dizziness and vertigo, it can certainly feel like it! Call Advance Physical & Aquatic Therapy today to find out if you might benefit from physical therapy.

Say Goodbye to Pain – Get Started with PT Now!

Ready to feel your best again? Come back to Advance Physical & Aquatic Therapy and let us help you achieve your wellness goals—book your appointment today!

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Enjoy This Healthy Recipe!

Quinoa Stuffed Peppers

Light, flavorful, and packed with protein, these Quinoa Stuffed Peppers are the perfect summer dish. Whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ or enjoying a quiet evening meal, they’re a delicious way to eat fresh and feel great.

6 Bell peppers, medium
1 15 ounce can Black beans
1 cup Corn, frozen
2 Garlic cloves
1 Onion, small
1 15 ounce can Tomatoes
2 cups Vegetable broth
1 cup Quinoa

1/2 tsp Salt
1/4 tsp Black pepper
1 tsp Paprika
1 tsp Cumin
1 tbsp Olive oil
1 cup Monterey jack cheese

Place the quinoa and vegetable broth in a medium saucepan. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Lower heat to a simmer, cover the saucepan with a lid and cook covered until all the liquid is absorbed, 15 minutes. Allow the quinoa to rest for about 5 minutes, without opening the lid, then fluff with a fork.

Preheat oven to 375°F, and prepare the peppers by cutting them in half lengthwise and removing the seeds and membrane. Place the peppers in a baking dish cut side up, and pour water around the peppers — just enough to cover the bottom of the pan.

Heat olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add onions and saute until they start to soften, about 2-3 minutes. Add the garlic and cook until fragrant, 1 more minute. Stir in the cooked quinoa, diced tomatoes, black beans and corn. Season with cumin, paprika, salt and pepper. Reduce heat to low and cook for additional 5 minutes, stirring frequently.

Carefully spoon the mixture into the sliced peppers and sprinkle the cheese on top.

Bake uncovered until the peppers are tender and the cheese is melted, about 30-35 minutes. Add optional toppings and serve hot.

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Savor a Pain-Free Football Season

As Friday night lights illuminate the field and the spirit of football echoes throughout the community, ensure that back pain doesn’t get in the way while rooting for your team in the stands. Experience the thrill of the season without the discomfort of back pain. Our treatments are designed for your unique needs, ensuring you’re game-day-ready every time.

Your game plan to tackle back pain involves the following:

Effective treatments to alleviate pain and guard against future flare-ups.
Customized strategies to boost your mobility and strength so you can cheer on your favorite teams without hesitation.
Tips to enjoy those tailgate barbecues and halftime huddles without a second thought to your back.

Get ready to chant, cheer, and celebrate without restraint. Connect with Advance Physical & Aquatic Therapy today, and let’s ensure you’re in prime shape for every touchdown this season!

Join us for Gentle Yoga at Advance NOW!

Email jen@advanceaquaticpt.com for more info & to let us know you are interested!

Wednesdays at 3:30pm in the Broomall clinic (registration is required)

Thursdays at 7:15pm in Springfield clinic (registration is required)

Click Here to Email Jen About Yoga at APAT!

Exercise of the Month

ONE LEG BALANCE

With your hands on the back of a chair, counter top, or wall, slowly lift your uninjured leg upward behind you so that your weight lies on
the leg with the injured ankle. Hold this position for 20 to 30 seconds and gradually progress to more seconds as you get stronger.
2 Sets, 1 Rep. (Materials needed: chair)

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Staff Spotlight: Christopher Johnson PT, DPT Physical Therapist

Christopher Johnson obtained his Direct Access License.

A direct access license grants legal permission for a patient to receive physical therapy evaluation and treatment directly from a licensed physical therapist without needing a physician’s referral or prescription. This allows patients to access physical therapy services more quickly, independently, and with fewer barriers to care.

📞 Call our office today to get scheduled and start your recovery journey!

The second most commonly reported complaint within doctors’ offices is dizziness and loss of balance. In fact, 76 million Americans will experience some sort of dizzy spell or vertigo at some point in their lives. These are both extremely common conditions that can affect your equilibrium, making you feel off balance. Symptoms can vary from acute to chronic and in some severe cases, they can even be indicators of serious health risks.

Feelings of dizziness or vertigo can greatly limit your daily life, making it difficult for you to perform even the simplest tasks without feeling as if you might fall over. Fortunately, at Advance Physical & Aquatic Therapy, we offer some of the most effective vestibular rehab services in Broomall or Springfield aimed at retraining your vestibular system to regulate feelings of stability and balance.

What is Vestibular Therapy?

At Advance Physical & Aquatic Therapy, we provide vestibular therapy for our patients suffering from balance disorders in Broomall and Springfield. Balance disorders refer to a broad range of conditions, but they are all connected by the effect they have on the vestibular system, also known as the inner ear.

Some common balance disorders that we treat through vestibular therapy include:

Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV)
Meniere’s disease
Vestibular neuritis
Migraines
Stroke

Vestibular therapy, also referred to as vestibular rehabilitation, is conducted through a process of “adaptation and compensation.” This means that the vestibular system is actually being “reprogrammed” through both passive and active therapies to form connections with the brain on adjusting imbalances and regaining stability.

Request your appointment today!

Patient Success

“When I came to see Helena, my health issues had confused countless other doctors. I was constantly dizzy and struggled with the simplest tasks such as cleaning up my kids toys and even walking upstairs. Under Helena’s amazing care she diagnosed me and had several medication suggestions and doctors to see. I am feeling like a normal healthy person again. I can’t say enough about the thoughtful, personal, and genuine care I’ve received from this team of incredible people. Thank you so much for all you do.”
-J.K.

Relaxation Tips for Managing Vertigo

Physical therapy with Advance Physical & Aquatic Therapy can give you the tools to manage your vertigo at home. If you have BPPV, we’ll show you how to properly perform different maneuvers that can dislodge the crystals causing your symptoms. You can generally perform these maneuvers on your own once they’ve been taught to you, so schedule an appointment to get started!

However, we also wanted to share some simple relaxation techniques that can help keep you calm during a vertigo attack–helping to see you through to the other side.

Three Things to Do When You Suffer a Vertigo Attack

Lie down and close your eyes. If possible, lie down in a dark room and close your eyes. This can help lessen vertigo’s spinning sensation.
Try diaphragmatic breathing. Diaphragmatic breathing is a technique that can help calm down your body’s stress response.
- Sit or lie down in a comfortable position.
- Place one hand on your chest and the other on your belly.
- Take a slow, deep breath so you can feel your belly moving beneath your hand.
- Slowly exhale the breath through your mouth.
- Repeat as needed.
Perform some stabilization techniques. When you experience sudden spinning or dizziness due to vertigo, try not to panic. Typically, the spinning lasts only a few seconds. Keep your head steady and focus your eyes on something stationary.

Want more information about managing vertigo? Call us to schedule an appointment today!

Service Spotlight: Wellness Program

It is important that, after a full course of physical therapy is completed, patients continue their exercise program into the future in order to maintain the gains they have achieved. That is why Advance Physical & Aquatic Therapy offers a wellness program after patients have been seen through their insurance carrier and discharged from skilled, supervised physical therapy. Advance’s wellness program allows patients to continue to use our exercise facilities and heated pool for their continued adherence to their customized exercise program.

Gym Membership: $80

Includes:

10 Visit Commitment
Independent use of exercise facilities
Customized Wellness Exercise Program

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