By Aleisha Theisen, PTA and NBC-HWC
Since October is National Physical Therapy Month, we thought it would be fun to highlight six things you might not know our PTs at FYZICAL-Forest Grove can treat:
- Vestibular rehabilitation for vertigo, dizziness and balance disorders. This includes treating conditions like BPPV (Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo), vestibular migraines, or damage to the vestibular system. Later in this post, we’ll discuss the unique technology and specialty training our PTs have for treating BPPV.
- Pelvic floor dysfunction. Our pelvic health PT specialists can help you improve incontinence, pelvic pain, and postpartum recovery.
- Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders. This involves treating jaw pain and improving jaw mobility so you can chew, talk and sing more easily.
- Headache management. Our PTs treat the root causes of tension headaches and neck-related headaches.
- Post-concussion syndrome. Our PTs are trained to assist with recovery and symptom management after concussions, so you can get back to work, school, sports and other activities safely and comfortably.
- Fall prevention, balance training and gait-improvement program. The treatment plan may include comprehensive assessments and interventions to reduce fall risk.
These lesser-known areas of physical therapy demonstrate the broad scope of conditions our PTs can address, including and extending beyond traditional musculoskeletal rehabilitation.
Did you know you have crystals in your ears?
In the first item of this post, BPPV, may have caught your eye. It’s a common cause of vertigo. If you’ve heard of someone saying their “ear rocks” or “ear crystals” are loose and making them dizzy, they are probably referring to BPPV.
BPPV occurs when tiny particles called otoconia break free from their home in the inner ear balance system and end up somewhere they don’t belong – one of the three semicircular canals:
- Posterior canal
- Horizontal canal
- Anterior canal
Due to inner ear anatomy, the posterior canal is the most common one to end up serving as an unwanted hangout for runaway crystals. However, the particles can end up in the other canals as well. When the crystals are in a canal, they trick our inner ear system into thinking we are moving in ways we are not. This results in a room-spinning sensation called vertigo. It can also cause imbalance.
The good news is that in the majority of cases, BPPV can be effectively treated with canalith repositioning maneuvers. The maneuvers sweep the particles out of the canal and back where they belong.
If you have BPPV, it’s important that you are tested and treated by someone who specializes in it, like our physical therapists. The crystals can be in any one or more of your canals, and there are specific things to watch for to properly determine the affected canal or canals. A key thing our PTs look at is nystagmus, or rapid eye movement associated with an activation or disruption of the inner ear. Our eyes are connected to our vestibular system, and they move in certain patterns when triggered by BPPV.
Our PTs use a critical tool to accurately test for BPPV: Binocular infrared goggles. These special goggles have cameras in them so the PT can spot the nystagmus when you are placed in the testing positions. Our eyes are good at compensating if there’s light so the goggles also block that out, which provides a more accurate diagnosis.
Benefits of precise diagnosis and treatment of BPPV include:
- Appropriate use of canalith repositioning maneuvers
- Improved treatment outcomes
- Reduced fall risk in vertigo patients
If you are suffering from vertigo or any of the other issues listed above, you can schedule a physical therapy evaluation with our team to start feeling better. Call FYZICAL-Forest Grove at 503-357-1706.
Aleisha Theisen is a physical therapist assistant and a board-certified health and wellness coach.
Disclaimer: This blog is provided for informational purposes only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
Sources:
Kim JS, Zee DS. Clinical practice. Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo. N Engl J Med. 2014 Mar 20;370(12):1138-47. Doi: 10.1056/NEJMcp1309481. PMID: 24645946. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24645946/