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Neck and Shoulder Massage

VESTIBULAR REHAB
/ CONCUSSIONS

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Symptoms of “ dizziness” are the number three reason people over the age of sixty-five seek medical attention. It is the number one reason people see a physician over the age of seventy but it can occur in people of ANY age. Fifty percent of people over the age of sixty-five can develop a specific type of vertigo /dizziness that can be alleviated by a specially trained physical therapist in usually just one treatment session. In all of these circumstances medical or surgical treatment is often not appropriate but vestibular rehabilitation can be very helpful.

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Vestibular rehabilitation reduces dizziness-related problems and improves balance . It is an exercise-based program that is designed by a specially trained physical therapist and then individualized for each patient based on their needs.

COMMON DESCRIPTIONS OF DIZZINESS BY PEOPLE:

  • Lightheadedness

  • Feeling unsteady

  • Floating

  • Funny feeling in head

  • Feeling like going to pass out

  • Spinning

  • Swimming feeling in head

  • Swaying

  • Tilting

  • Whirling

  • Feeling like moving

  • Vertigo

Any of these symptoms or feelings can last seconds, minutes , hours , days, weeks , or be episodic. These feelings of dizziness can occur when laying down , sitting , standing, changing positions ,or moving , or just when being still.

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Most dizziness isn’t serious but could be due to an inner ear disorder , a mechanical problem , a neck issue , or from certain medications. In rare circumstances it could be a more serious problem like a brain or cardiac issue which your physical therapist is trained to screen for and refer to the appropriate cardiologist or neurologist.

COULD YOU BENEFIT FROM VESTIBULAR REHAB?

Acupressure Neck Massage

A trained physical therapist will review your medical history and perform a thorough physical examination. The physical therapy vestibular evaluation will include:

  • strength evaluation of your upper extremities and lower extremities

  • neck range of motion and arm and neck strength

  • visual assessment looking at eye and head movements

  • positional testing to see which positions cause dizziness

  • inner ear assessment

  • walking assessment

  • balance assessment

  • screen for BPPV (Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo)

Once the assessment is complete your physical therapist will come up with a treatment plan that is individualized for you and your unique deficits / issues.

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Participation in a vestibular rehabilitation program will improve your functional mobility and activities of daily living, reduce your risk of falling, and improve your quality of life!

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