Vertigo Specialist

TLC Physical Therapy

Physical Therapy & Private Medical Practices located in North Shore, Staten Island, NY & South Shore, Staten Island, NY

If you develop balance problems or dizziness, it could be because of a condition called vertigo. At TLC Physical Therapy, Jason LaMendola, PT, and his skilled team offer conservative treatments that reduce the crippling symptoms of vertigo. Call a TLC Physical Therapy office in Staten Island or Midtown Manhattan in New York, or Englishtown in New Jersey to schedule an appointment today. Alternatively, online scheduling is also available to book.

Vertigo Q&A

What is vertigo?

Vertigo is an inner ear or brain disorder that makes you feel like the room around you is spinning. Vertigo is usually a symptom of an underlying medical problem. It can be debilitating when left untreated. The team at TLC Physical Therapy offer conservative solutions to treat this condition.

What kinds of vertigo are there?

The two main kinds of vertigo are peripheral vertigo, which occurs because of problems with your inner ear, and central vertigo. Central vertigo results from problems with your brain, like tumors, infection, stroke, or a traumatic brain injury.

What are the symptoms of vertigo?

Common symptoms of vertigo include:

  • Headaches
  • Balance problems
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Feelings of fullness in your ear
  • Motion sickness
  • Side-to-side eye movement

An unbalanced feeling brought on by vertigo can get worse if you stand up, walk, move your head, or change positions.

Vertigo attacks can last just a few seconds or several minutes, but sometimes longer. Vertigo lasts for hours, days or weeks, and in some cases, months.

What are the risk factors for vertigo?

Common vertigo risk factors include older age, being a woman, and pregnancy. Some ways to reduce the risk of developing vertigo include sleeping with your head elevated, sitting down when you feel dizzy, and not bending over to pick up things (squat instead).

How does my provider diagnose vertigo?

Your provider reviews your symptoms and medical history with you. Then, they check your vital signs, complete a physical exam, and could recommend balance testing and other procedures to assess the inner ear’s function. They may also request a CT scan, MRI, or other imaging procedure.

How does physical therapy treat vertigo?

Experienced physical therapists at TLC Physical Therapy offer several balance exercises that reduce vertigo and its underlying cause. They guide you through these exercises and show you which exercises to do at home between therapy sessions.

You might also move your head in a certain way and get into various positions to improve inner ear positioning. Your doctor could recommend medications or, in some cases, surgery as well. Over time, you may find less dizziness.

To learn more about the benefits of physical therapy to treat vertigo, call a TLC Physical Therapy office in Staten Island or Midtown Manhattan in New York, or Englishtown in New Jersey to schedule an appointment today. Online scheduling is also available to book.