What are the benefits of physical therapy for vertigo treatment?

Have you ever seen a movie where the view of the actor appears to be spinning when he or she isn’t moving? That’s exactly what it’s like to experience vertigo. 

Unfortunately, there are far too many people that experience vertigo in real life. In fact, studies of the U.S. general population reveal that up to 20% of American adults experience it every year. Physical therapy is one treatment option that can be beneficial for vertigo. 

Three benefits that physical therapy for vertigo can offer

Physical therapy for vertigo actually has a more formal name: vestibular rehab. The name comes from the fact that vertigo affects the vestibular system. This system includes the inner ear, parts of the brain and the eyes. 

Vestibular rehab can help reduce the effects of vertigo, and some of the benefits this type of therapy can offer include: 

1. Decreased symptoms — The feeling of the room spinning around you is just one vertigo symptom. You could feel nauseous or hear a ringing in your ears. Vertigo can also cause you to lose your balance. Vestibular rehab is an effective way to combat these and other vertigo symptoms. One study of this type of therapy reveals that 67% of the patients who had it reported significant improvements in their symptoms. 

2. Reduced risk of falling — Vertigo can often cause people to fall down. This is especially true for older people who develop vertigo. Such falls can be problematic because they can lead to serious injuries. Fortunately, vestibular rehab can help decrease the risk of falls in vertigo sufferers. A study on vestibular rehab reports that 90% of the patients who used it had a decreased fall risk. 

3. Decreased anxiety and depression — The instability that vertigo can cause can easily make people feel anxious or depressed. After all, you don’t know when your symptoms could cause you to fall or if they’ll lead to an injury. Also, vertigo can decrease your ability to live independently, which can be depressing. 

Vestibular rehab can help reduce vertigo-related anxiety and depression. Medical researchers from one study found that patients who had six weeks of vestibular therapy also had a more than two-point decrease in their anxiety and depression scores. 

Get these benefits from your physical therapy for vertigo at Back in Motion

Want to get these and other benefits from your physical therapy for vertigo? Our physical therapists at Back in Motion are ready to help you find the beneficial vestibular rehab you’re looking for. We offer free screenings that can pinpoint the root cause of your vertigo. Furthermore, our physical therapists excel at personalizing vestibular rehab plans so that you get the maximum possible benefit from your plan.

Concerned about leaving home with vertigo? You don’t have to worry! Our therapy team offers virtual therapy and at-home care sessions that allow you to get care right from home. 

Contact us today for more information about the vestibular rehab we offer or to schedule your initial appointment.