Vertigo & Dizziness
Personalized physical therapy care to help you feel steadier and get back to everyday life.
Vertigo can make it difficult to maintain your balance and do everyday tasks. San Tan Physical Therapy offers vestibular rehabilitation and balance-focused care in Queen Creek.
What does vertigo feel like?
Vertigo is the sensation of spinning or turning even when you are not. The feeling can range from barely noticeable to severe enough to interfere with balance and everyday activities.
It may also be accompanied by nausea, dizziness, or lightheadedness. If these symptoms are affecting your confidence with movement, a thorough one-on-one evaluation can help identify the issues that may be contributing to your symptoms.
Central nervous system causes
Doctors often categorize vertigo by whether the problem is in the central nervous system or the vestibular system. Causes involving areas of the brain may include:
- Cerebrovascular disease
- Migraine
- Multiple sclerosis (MS)
- Acoustic neuroma
Vestibular system causes
Vertigo can also arise from the vestibular labyrinth, semicircular canals, or vestibular nerve of the inner ear. Common examples include:
- Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), when certain head movements trigger vertigo
- Inner ear infection (labyrinthitis)
- Inflammation of the vestibular nerve (vestibular neuronitis)
BPPV and the Epley Maneuver
Vertigo can occur when tiny particles, called otoconia, in the utricle of the inner ear break loose and fall into the semicircular canals. For BPPV of the posterior or anterior canals, the Epley Maneuver is a common treatment.
The maneuver uses gravity to relocate free-floating otolith crystals from the affected semicircular canal back into the utricle. For many people with BPPV, this provides relief because the particles are no longer stimulating the cupula, the part of the vestibular system that helps provide a sense of spatial orientation. Some people may need subsequent treatments.
If symptoms do not improve, talk with your physical therapist.
Care for balance and vestibular concerns
Our physical therapists evaluate movement and balance dysfunctions and care for a variety of muscle, joint, and nervous system disorders that can affect balance.
Vestibular Rehabilitation
Learn more about vestibular rehabilitation as part of your personalized plan of care.
Balance Programs
Your physical therapist can assess fall risk, strength, balance, and medical history when balance is a concern.
Take the next step toward steadier days
San Tan Physical Therapy has served the Queen Creek and San Tan areas since 2006. No doctor referral is necessary.
Call (480) 677-2771 to get started.