Have you ever felt like the room was spinning around as you tried to walk? This sensation is called vertigo, and it can make it hard to do many normal activities besides walking. Vertigo physical therapy, or vestibular rehab, can help treat this condition, and an initial evaluation is the first step of this therapy process. Here are three of the components typically included in a vertigo physical therapy evaluation:

1.   Getting a detailed history of your symptoms

One common part of vertigo physical therapy evaluations is getting a history of your symptoms. This usually involves talking to a therapist one-on-one. Patients are typically asked questions about which symptoms they have. You could also be asked to talk about what movements or activities cause vertigo symptoms to appear. Therapists also tend to ask how strong the symptoms are during this portion of the evaluation. You’ll also be asked to provide information about medications you’re taking, previous injuries and recent illnesses. 

2.   Finding out how symptoms are affecting you

Vertigo physical therapy evaluations also typically involve the therapist finding out how your symptoms are affecting you. For instance, vertigo symptoms can make it hard to walk. They can also make it more difficult to maintain your balance when standing or sitting still. The symptoms of this condition can also make focusing the eyes more difficult, and this can make activities like reading or typing harder. 

3.   Testing movement and stability

To find out if you’re dealing with any of these effects, your therapist will typically perform tests to see how vertigo is affecting you. The Dix-Hallpike test may be used, and it involves the therapist moving your head into different positions. Your reactions to the different positions are monitored to pinpoint the symptoms that the positions cause. Balance tests are also commonly done at this stage of the evaluation. 

Using these and other components, vertigo physical therapy evaluations can help your therapist determine what symptoms you have. In turn, this information allows them to build a personalized treatment plan for you. It also gives them a sense of which therapy techniques can benefit you the most. 

Get a comprehensive vertigo physical therapy screening at Continuum Wellness

Treating vertigo or any other injury or medical condition involves a one-on-one initial screening at Continuum Wellness. Our screening process is designed to give us the information necessary to build the most effective treatment plan for you, and your plan can include therapy techniques like: 

• Manual therapy
• Joint mobilization 
• Therapeutic exercise

Take the next step to get our help with your vertigo. Contact our team today for more information or to schedule an appointment.