Mission Statement

Rock Valley Physical Therapy is dedicated to making better lives by fostering a timely, optimal outcome in a customer focused environment. Our highly skilled and compassionate team provides individualized one-on-one care for each patient. Our patients typically work with one therapist from start to finish. Every team member goes through extensive training and mentorship to ensure that each patient receives the highest level of care. At Rock Valley everything we have and everything we learn is about making better lives, one patient at a time.



We look forward to working with you!



- Amy, Luke, and Rachael



Disclaimer: This blog is intended for informational purposes only and is not to be considered medical advice. It is not intended to replace consultation with a licensed medical profession or qualify as physical therapy treatment. We are under no circumstance liable for advice given on this website.



Friday, July 20, 2012

Vestibular Rehabilitation

Did you know that Rock Valley Physical Therapy now offers evaluation and treatment of vestibular disorders, which may cause symptoms of dizziness, imbalance, or instability?  Our staff is specially trained to assist you in identifying and treating vestibular dysfunction.  Below are some of the common complaints associated with these disorders.  If you or someone you know is experiencing any of these symptoms, we would love to help!

 
Vertigo (dizziness) can be caused by many different bodily structures being in a state of dysfunction.  The most common cause of this symptom is a condition called BPPV (Benign Positional Paroxysmal Vertigo), and involves abnormality of one or more “canals” in your inner ear that sense position change. 

Common aggravating factors involve position changes of the head, such as:
  • Rolling over or sitting up/lying down in bed
  • Looking up into a cupboard or down towards the floor
 
This condition can be very successfully treated in therapy with specific “repositioning” maneuvers.





Oscillopsia (a bouncing or shaking of your vision) can be a secondary complaint to BPPV or a standalone symptom of vestibular dysfunction.  It is directly caused by a weakening of your vestibular-ocular reflex which normally functions to stabilize your visual field as you do things like walk, jog, or ride in the car.

Physical therapy can help, by applying specific exercises to engage and re-train this reflex.
 

Disequilibrium (light-headedness) and imbalance (unsteadiness) are two related symptoms that can be caused by dysfunction of the vestibular system.   Common causes include: recent infection with resulting neuritis (nerve inflammation), labrynthitis (inflammation of the vestibular organs), impaired circulation, or cervical (neck) misalignment.

These symptoms may come on rapidly or gradually, but will likely come and go with:
  • Position changes of the head
  • Certain times of day
  • General sense of “good” days and “bad” days
  • Dark settings or busy environments
  • Fatigue
Vestibular rehabilitation, administered by a licensed physical therapist, helps your body compensate for losses within the system, restoring comfortable & confident movement.
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