Reducing your fall risk with physical therapy for dizziness

People can experience dizzy spells for many reasons, from an inner ear imbalance that causes vertigo to infections to migraines. For any cause, one of the biggest risks is experiencing a fall. The CDC estimates that as many as 20% of all falls can result in a serious injury such as a broken bone or head trauma.

Many people are surprised to find that physical therapy for dizziness can be a highly effective method for reducing your risk of falling. A licensed and experienced therapist can work with you to develop a comprehensive plan to improve your sense of balance and your overall stability. Read on to learn about the typical steps involved in physical therapy dizziness, and feel free to get in touch with our team if you have any questions. 

What’s involved with physical therapy for dizziness? 

Physical therapists first need to perform tests to understand your individual condition and establish baselines for treatment. This will usually involve questions and answers about your symptoms and how they’re affecting your lifestyle, movement and balance assessments, and a review of your medical history. 

Also known as vestibular therapy, physical therapy for dizziness involves specially designed balance exercises and eye training to improve the body’s vestibular system that controls balance. Therapy sessions can involve: 

• Habituation exercises — These can help patients who report dizzy spells based on self-motion. The goal is to reduce dizziness and risk of fall through repetitive motions that make patients more accustomed to certain movements. 
• Eye movement exercises — By learning to stabilize their gaze at the onset of dizzy spells, patients can reduce length and stability of their gaze.
• Balance and stability training — Therapists can help patients learn body awareness and increase strength to gain a better sense of balance during everyday movements. 

Physical therapy for dizziness should also involve education to reduce fall risk at home and work. This includes taking safety measures, such as removing slippery rugs, and making ergonomic improvements. 

Physical therapy for dizziness at Back in Motion 

At Back in Motion, we’re committed to helping patients reduce their fall risk through vestibular therapy and balance training that is customized for each individual person. We’ll work with you one-on-one to understand your personal needs and treatment goals so you can focus on leading an active lifestyle. Contact us today to learn more and schedule your initial appointment.