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Physical Therapy for Dizziness and Vertigo

August 3, 2023August 3, 2023 by Robin

physical therapist assisting with balancing exercise

Saunders physical therapists perform a detailed evaluation that can help distinguish between the many potential causes of dizziness (vertigo), balance problems, and related symptoms like nausea and light-headedness. At its best, vertigo is extremely annoying. At its worst, it can lead to a serious fall.

Physical therapy can be an effective treatment for vertigo, especially when the condition is caused by certain types of vestibular disorders. Vestibular disorders affect the inner ear, which is responsible for balance and spatial orientation. Physical therapy aims to help patients improve balance, reduce dizziness, and manage vertigo symptoms. The type of physical therapy used for vertigo is called vestibular rehabilitation therapy (VRT). VRT involves specific exercises and techniques to promote adaptation and compensation for the dysfunction in the vestibular system. Here are some common components of VRT:

VRT Physical Therapy For Dizziness and Vertigo

Gaze stabilization exercises: These exercises involve focusing on a fixed object while moving the head. This helps train the brain to stabilize vision during head movements, reducing dizziness.

Balance exercises: Patients may practice standing on different surfaces or perform specific movements to improve their balance and reduce the risk of falls.

Habituation exercises: These exercises involve repeated movements that provoke dizziness to help the brain adapt and become less sensitive to the triggering movements over time.

Brandt-Daroff exercises: These are a set of exercises used to treat benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), a common type of vertigo caused by loose calcium crystals in the inner ear.

Canalith repositioning maneuvers: These maneuvers are used specifically for BPPV and involve guiding the loose calcium crystals out of the affected inner ear canal.

Vestibular ocular reflex (VOR) exercises: These exercises focus on improving the coordination between eye movements and head movements to enhance gaze stability during motion.

It’s important to remember that physical therapy for vertigo should be performed under the guidance of a trained physical therapist. The specific exercises and techniques used by your Saunders physical therapist will depend on the underlying cause of the vertigo and your unique condition. Additionally, not all cases of vertigo can be treated with physical therapy. Some cases may require medical intervention or other forms of treatment, but Saunders Therapy Centers is a great place to start in your journey toward an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment plan.

Whiplash Treatment

August 3, 2023 by Robin

The treatment of whiplash by physical therapists typically involves a combination of different techniques aimed at reducing pain, improving mobility, and promoting healing. Here are some common approaches Saunders physical therapists use to treat whiplash:

The Saunders Whiplash Treatment Approach

Evaluation and Assessment: Saunders physical therapists begin by assessing the severity of the whiplash injury and identifying any specific areas of concern or limitations.

Pain Management: We use various methods such as ice or heat therapy, gentle manual therapy or massage to help alleviate pain and inflammation in the affected area.

Manual Therapy: As you improve, we employ more hands-on techniques such as massage, joint mobilization, and manipulation to improve joint function and reduce muscle tension.

Stretching and Strengthening Exercises: Specific exercises are prescribed to improve flexibility, strength, and stability in the neck and surrounding muscles. These exercises help to restore normal function and prevent further injury.

Posture and Body Mechanics: Proper body mechanics and posture are emphasized to avoid additional strain on the neck and spine during daily activities.

Range of Motion Exercises: Gradual and controlled movements are prescribed to improve the range of motion in the neck and prevent stiffness.

Education and Lifestyle Modifications: Patients are educated about whiplash and given advice on how to modify their daily activities and movements to support the healing process.

Cervical Traction: In some cases, cervical traction may be used to gently stretch the neck and alleviate pressure on the affected areas.

Functional Rehabilitation: Saunders physical therapists help you gradually return to regular activities and work by addressing any functional limitations caused by the whiplash injury.

It’s crucial to note that the treatment plan for whiplash can vary based on the severity of the injury and individual patient needs. Early intervention and consistent compliance with the prescribed treatment plan are essential for a successful recovery. If you experience whiplash or any other injury, Saunders physical therapists can help guide you back to full recovery.

Tennis Elbow Treatment

August 3, 2023 by Robin

Tennis elbow, also known as lateral epicondylitis, is a painful condition that affects the tendons on the outside of the elbow. Despite its name, it can be caused by any repetitive arm and wrist movements, not just playing tennis. Activities such as typing, painting, plumbing, and using tools can also contribute to the development of tennis elbow.

The condition occurs when the tendons that connect the forearm muscles to the outer part of the elbow become inflamed or damaged due to overuse or repetitive strain. This can lead to pain and tenderness on the outer side of the elbow and sometimes down the forearm.

Treatment for tennis elbow usually involves a combination of self-care measures and expert physical therapy. Here is how Saunders physical therapists treat tennis elbow:

The Saunders Tennis Elbow Treatment Approach

Manual Therapy: This includes hands-on techniques performed by a physical therapist to gently mobilize and massage the elbow and surrounding tissues. Manual therapy can help improve joint mobility, reduce pain, and restore normal elbow function.

Therapeutic Exercises: Our physical therapists will prescribe specific exercises to strengthen the muscles around the elbow. These exercises may include range of motion exercises, gentle resistance training appropriate for your injury, and stretching.

Modalities: Therapeutic modalities can be used to reduce pain, inflammation, and muscle tension in the shoulder area.

Functional Training: This involves practicing movements and activities that are relevant to your daily life or sports activities. Functional training helps to integrate the improved strength and flexibility into real-life situations.

Activity Modification: Your physical therapist may advise you on modifying certain activities or movements that aggravate your elbow pain to prevent further injury.

Education and Home Exercises: A crucial part of physical therapy is learning about your condition and performing home exercises and self-management techniques to continue progress outside of therapy sessions.

Taping and Bracing: In some cases, taping or bracing techniques may be used to support the elbow and facilitate healing.

Remember, every individual’s condition is unique, and the best physical therapy treatment for tennis elbow will depend on the underlying cause of the pain. A personalized approach from an expert physical therapist is vital to achieve the best results. In most cases, tennis elbow can be effectively treated with conservative measures. However, if the pain persists or becomes severe, we will work with your physician or refer you to an appropriate specialist for additional care.

Shoulder Pain Treatment

August 3, 2023 by Robin

The best physical therapy treatment for shoulder pain can vary depending on the specific cause and severity of the pain. However, there are some common physical therapy techniques that are often effective in addressing shoulder pain, including such conditions as shoulder tendinitis, shoulder bursitis, rotator cuff injury, and frozen shoulder. A Saunders physical therapist can help determine the most suitable treatment plan for your individual condition. Our goal is to achieve pain relief as soon as possible, and then to restore normal motion, strength, and posture to prevent recurrence of your symptoms. Saunders physical therapists specialize in shoulder pain treatment – choosing Saunders means you will be treated by an experienced professional. Here are some common physical therapy treatments we might use for your condition:

The Saunders Shoulder Pain Treatment Approach

Manual Therapy: This includes hands-on techniques performed by a physical therapist to mobilize and manipulate the shoulder joint and surrounding tissues. Manual therapy can help improve joint mobility, reduce pain, and restore normal shoulder function.

Therapeutic Exercises: Our physical therapists will prescribe specific exercises to strengthen the muscles around the shoulder joint, improve flexibility, and enhance stability. These exercises may include range of motion exercises, resistance training, and stretching.

Modalities: Therapeutic modalities can be used to reduce pain, inflammation, and muscle tension in the shoulder area.

Posture Correction: Poor posture can contribute to shoulder pain. Our experts will assess and provide strategies to improve posture, reducing stress on the shoulder joint.

Activity Modification: Your physical therapist may advise you on modifying certain activities or movements that aggravate your shoulder pain to prevent further injury.

Taping and Bracing: In some cases, taping or bracing techniques may be used to support the shoulder joint and facilitate healing.

Remember, every individual’s condition is unique, and the best physical therapy treatment for shoulder pain will depend on the underlying cause of the pain. A personalized approach from an expert physical therapist is vital to achieve the best results. Additionally, it’s essential to follow the therapist’s advice and be consistent with the exercises and treatments to maximize the benefits of physical therapy.

Just Breathe!

April 11, 2023 by Robin

Life gets busy, and it can often be stressful. While we cannot always change the things happening around us, we can help control how our body responds to these stressors by adding some breath work to your daily routine. Don’t panic! You don’t have to lie on a yoga mat on the floor in a candle lit room (yep – I get that’s not everyone’s jam!) to reap the benefits.

Here’s a fun fact: the pattern we use with our breathing can impact our nervous system, and in turn impact how we feel! When we perform slow, deep breathing we activate our parasympathetic nervous system (PNS), sometimes referred to as our “rest and digest” system. This system helps relax our body after periods of stress and danger. Sometimes, if we’re experiencing ongoing pain or life stresses, we have difficulty turning our PNS on, and we may spend too much time the “fight or flight”/sympathetic nervous system (SNS). This “fight or flight” (SNS) is necessary for safety and survival, but if we spend too much time in this system, it can be quite straining on our bodies.

Breathe… To Calm Your Body’s “Fight or Flight” Response to Pain or Stress

To start, find a comfortable position (standing, sitting, lying down) and just take note of how you are breathing. Are you expanding your belly/lower ribs, or does most of the movement happen in your upper chest and shoulders? When you inhale does your abdomen expand or are you sucking it in? What we are looking for is minimal movement in the upper chest/shoulders, and expansion of the ribs/abdomen when we take a breath in. If you are breathing quickly, see if you can slow it down a little. Be sure to use a rate that feels comfortable to you.

If you want, you can even close your eyes and visualize areas on your body relaxing, perhaps letting go of any extra tension with each exhalation. You may even say something like “I am” when you are inhaling/expanding your ribs/abdomen, and then say “calm” (or really whatever you WANT to be!) when you exhale (allowing your abdomen to return to its normal shape). If you have the time, spend 5-10 minutes practicing this. Try not to let your mind wander off to what you might need to do after this practice and try to be in the moment.

Once you have the patterning down, try to add this activity frequently throughout your day. Breathing like this for just a minute, regularly during your day can really make a big difference – so go ahead and give it a try. If you want to practice this technique with a skilled Saunders physical therapist, and learn a few more helpful tips, please give us a call so we can help you feel your best!

By Shannon Burrows, PT MSc

TMJ Treatment

January 16, 2023 by Robin

TMJ palpation intraoral performed by physical therapist

Treatment of your TMJ Disorder involves a multifactorial approach. We work with your dentist or surgeon, as applicable. Our goal is to achieve pain relief as soon as possible, and then to restore normal motion, relaxation, and posture to prevent recurrence of your symptoms. Saunders physical therapists specialize in TMJ disorder treatment – choosing Saunders means you will be treated by an experienced professional.

The Saunders TMJ Treatment Philosophy

Musculoskeletal Evaluation: We look at your posture and its potential contribution to TMJ dysfunction. We often discover muscle imbalances of the jaw and neck. We perform a biomechanical evaluation of the temporomandibular joint, cervical spine and craniofacial region. We inquire about habits that can contribute to symptoms, including jaw clenching or grinding the teeth.

Treatment: Treatment may include manual therapy such as joint mobilization, craniosacral therapy, and myofascial release techniques. Neuromuscular re-education also plays a large role to improve muscle imbalances and decrease strain on the TMJ and cervical spine.

We may use therapeutic modalities such as iontophoresis or ultrasound. Instruction in diet and habit modification is important to decrease irritation to the tissues. Finally, we help you independently manage symptoms through a home exercise program.

It is common for people with TMJ disorders to also have neck problems. Spinal dysfunction affects the mechanics of the TMJ and correction of posture and spinal joint and muscle imbalances is often key to TMJ pain or headache relief. At Saunders Therapy Centers, we can evaluate your head, neck, and jaw to determine the root cause of your symptoms, and develop a treatment plan to get you feeling better in no time

Work Ready for Brain Injury Program

December 11, 2024December 27, 2022 by Robin

Photo of Saint Paul Industrial Rehab Team

After extensive rehabilitation, are you at a plateau, struggling to perform work activities or figure out next steps for return to work?

At Saunders, we provide a supportive, structured environment where we gradually expose you to the common stressors people with brain injury encounter in the work environment. These can include difficulty with light or sound, visual disturbances, difficulty concentrating, and physical challenges.

Regain Function and Return to Work with Saunders!

Saunders Therapy Centers’ Work Ready Program is just like our Work Hardening program – but adapted for you. In a nutshell, Saunders’ Work Ready program is simply Work Hardening that goes at your own pace, and also addresses the specific challenges you might be facing with sensory or task sequencing problems.

What Can I Expect?

At Saunders, your program will be CUSTOMIZED. We perform a 2-hour, comprehensive evaluation to determine your strength, function, and readiness for work. We then work WITH YOU to determine the ideal program.

We gradually increase exposure to those frustrating combination of circumstances that are getting in the way of returning to work. The activities you’ll do, the length and duration of each session, and the overall length of the program will be unique for your circumstances.