Understanding the Difference Between Dizziness and Vertigo and How In-Home Physical Therapy Can Help.

Joel J. Digris, MSPT, Owner Achieva Rehabilitation

3 min read

physical therapist working with an older adult who is suffering from vertigo or dizziness

Dizziness and vertigo are two terms often used interchangeably, but they describe different sensations and have distinct causes. At Achieva Rehabilitation, we offer specialized in-home physical therapy to address these conditions, providing effective, personalized care in the comfort of your own home.

What is Dizziness?

Dizziness is a general term used to describe a range of sensations, such as feeling faint, woozy, weak, or unsteady. It is often associated with:

Lightheadedness: A feeling that you might faint.
Imbalance: Difficulty maintaining your balance, leading to unsteadiness.
Disorientation: A feeling of confusion or inability to focus.

Common causes of dizziness include dehydration, sudden drops in blood pressure, certain medications, and various medical conditions like anemia or hypoglycemia.

What is Vertigo?

Vertigo is a specific type of dizziness characterized by the sensation that you or your surroundings are spinning or moving. Vertigo can be caused by problems in the inner ear (vestibular system), such as:

Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV): Small crystals in the inner ear become dislodged and move into the semicircular canals, causing the sensation of spinning.
Meniere’s Disease: A disorder of the inner ear that can lead to vertigo, tinnitus, and hearing loss.
Vestibular Neuritis: An inflammation of the vestibular nerve, often caused by an infection, which affects balance.

How In-Home Physical Therapy Can Help

At Achieva Rehabilitation, we offer comprehensive in-home physical therapy services to address dizziness and vertigo. Our approach is tailored to the specific needs of each patient, ensuring effective management and relief from symptoms. Here’s how we can help:

1. Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT)

Personalized Exercises: Our physical therapists design exercises to improve balance and reduce dizziness by retraining the brain to recognize and process signals from the vestibular system.
Gaze Stabilization: Exercises that help control eye movements, improving focus and reducing the sensation of spinning.
Canalith Repositioning Maneuvers: For conditions like BPPV, specific maneuvers, such as the Epley maneuver, are used to move dislodged crystals in the inner ear to a position where they no longer cause vertigo.

2. Balance Training

Strengthening Exercises: Strengthening the muscles in the legs and core to improve overall stability.
Coordination Exercises: Tasks designed to improve coordination and the ability to perform complex movements without losing balance.
Functional Training: Practicing daily activities in a controlled environment to build confidence and reduce the risk of falls.

3. Education and Lifestyle Modifications

Fall Prevention: Educating patients on how to prevent falls and manage dizziness in their daily lives.
Hydration and Diet: Advising on proper hydration and nutrition to prevent dizziness related to dehydration and blood sugar fluctuations.

4. Continuous Monitoring and Adjustment

Progress Tracking: Regular assessments to track improvement and adjust the treatment plan as needed.
Patient Education: Teaching patients and their families about the nature of dizziness and vertigo, and how to manage symptoms effectively.

Keywords to Highlight Our Services

In-home physical therapy
Mobile physical therapy
Physical therapy at home
In-home rehab services
Home-based physical therapy
Elderly physical therapy at home
Post-surgery physical therapy at home

At Achieva Rehabilitation, our goal is to provide high-quality, convenient care that fits into your lifestyle. By offering in-home physical therapy, we ensure that you receive the attention and personalized treatment you need without the hassle of traveling to a clinic. Whether you are dealing with dizziness, vertigo, or other balance issues, our team is here to help you regain your stability and improve your quality of life.

Visit our website to learn more about our services and how we can assist you in managing dizziness and vertigo from the comfort of your home.

More information on the difference between dizziness and vertigo...