Physical Therapy for Positional Vertigo

 

Have you been feeling dizzy with head movements?

Does the room spin when you turn over or get in/out of bed?

Does bending over or looking up make you dizzy?

You may be experiencing something called Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo, or BPPV. BPPV is a disorder of the vestibular system where crystals in the inner ear break free from their intended location, get into the semicircular canals, and cause an increase in sensitivity to head movement/position changes.

BPPV often occurs spontaneously, but it can also occur following a fall, car accident, or other head trauma. This type of dizziness can be very debilitating. However, BPPV is very treatable and we provide that treatment at Dynamic Physical Therapy! Symptoms can typically be diminished in 1-2 visits.

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms and would like a Physical Therapist to evaluate  and determine appropriate treatment for you, please call Dynamic Physical Therapy at (760) 501-6655 or request an appointment here:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScCo89SVHV0xNjXYPSO4R63AK_lsE3f77lgQHzmtYnxOLAnkQ/viewform

Dynamic Physical Therapy is an outpatient orthopedic PT facility in Palm Desert, CA serving the communities of Palm Desert, Rancho Mirage, Palm Springs, La Quinta, Indian Wells, Bermuda Dunes, Indio, Coachella, and Desert Hot Springs.

Core Stabilization: How Physical Therapy Can Help

 

Core Stabilization: How Physical Therapy Can Help
By Dr. Melissa Flores PT, DPT

Core stabilization is defined as the ability to maintain control of the spine and pelvis during movement without compensations. There are several muscle groups involved in core stabilization including the abdominals, glutes, and back muscles. Several studies have shown that during back injury or pain, changes in activation of the core muscles can occur. 

There are several benefits of learning core stabilization including:

-Minimizing risk of injury

-Reducing pain

-Improving function and strength

-Improving posture and mobility

In physical therapy the patient will be taught to properly activate these groups and instructed in how to use these groups together to stabilize the spine and pelvis during functional movements specific to their goals.

Melissa Flores is a physical therapist for Dynamic PT in Palm Desert, CA.  Please call 760-501-6655 or fill out an appointment request here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScCo89SVHV0xNjXYPSO4R63AK_lsE3f77lgQHzmtYnxOLAnkQ/viewform

Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome- What is it and how to treat it?

Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome- What is it and how to treat it?

By Dr. Zainab Kothari PT, DPT, MS

Patellofemoral pain (PFP) is a condition characterized by pain of unknown origin that is located anterior, behind, or around the patella (knee cap). Onset of symptoms can be slow or acute with worsening caused by following activities- ascending/descending stairs, squatting, jumping, running (especially hills), prolonged sitting. 

BMI, knee structure, and foot posture have been blamed in the past as risk factors for development of PFP, but no conclusive evidence supporting those claims is found in literature. PFP is more commonly noted in female adolescents, but adults can also develop this condition. Hip and knee muscle weakness and a decrease in force production by those muscle groups are commonly noted in this population. Occasionally, abnormal knee mechanics and gait pattern can also contribute to the symptoms. People who have high pain levels for longer duration and ones who are asked to rest and avoid aggravating activities completely tend to have poorer outcomes. Orthoses and braces do not help in resolution of the condition in the long run. If needed, they should not be worn for >6 weeks. 

So, what is a more appropriate course of action? Follow up with your local Physical Therapist (PT) who can evaluate and establish your baseline function and guide you with an individualized exercise program focusing on improving hip and knee strength, improving movement coordination, and improving gait if applicable to help you resume your previous function. Your PT can educate you on safe activities and still keep you moving in the short term with minimal to no pain. 

https://www.jospt.org/doi/10.2519/jospt.2019.0302

Call 760-501-6655 to get start with Dr. Zainab Kothari. Or request an appointment here:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScCo89SVHV0xNjXYPSO4R63AK_lsE3f77lgQHzmtYnxOLAnkQ/viewform

Dynamic Physical Therapy is an outpatient orthopedic PT clinic located in Palm Desert, CA serving the cities of Palm Desert, Indian Wells, Bermuda Dunes, La Quinta, Indio, Coachella, Rancho Mirage, and Palm Springs.