At Centennial Sports & Physical Therapy, we provide evidence-based care for adults experiencing vertigo in the Spokane, WA area. Our specialized programs focus on Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT). VRT is a clinically supported treatment for dizziness and balance disorders stemming from conditions such as sports concussions, inner ear dysfunction, or auto accident trauma.
What Is Vertigo?
Vertigo is a type of dizziness marked by the false sensation of spinning, tilting, or swaying even when the body is still. It originates from dysfunction in the vestibular system, a network in the inner ear (including the semicircular canals and otolith organs) that sends balance-related signals to the brain.
- Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) – Triggered by dislodged calcium crystals (otoconia) in the inner ear canals that interfere with balance perception.
- Vestibular Neuritis – Inflammation of the vestibular nerve, typically viral, leading to sudden, intense dizziness without hearing loss.
- Labyrinthitis – Infection affecting both balance and hearing components of the inner ear.
- Meniere’s Disease – A chronic inner ear condition causing episodes of vertigo, fluctuating hearing loss, and tinnitus (ringing in the ears).
- Post-concussive vertigo – Balance issues and dizziness after a head injury that disrupts the brain’s integration of vestibular signals.
Vertigo Symptoms Can Include:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Imbalance and unsteadiness
- Tinnitus or hearing changes
- Visual disturbances (e.g., blurred vision or nystagmus—rapid, uncontrolled eye movement)
Note: Sudden vertigo accompanied by slurred speech, facial drooping, or limb weakness may indicate a neurological emergency such as stroke. In such cases, immediate medical evaluation is critical.
Targeted Therapies For Recovery
Each treatment plan is tailored to the root cause of the patient’s symptoms. Our certified vestibular therapist, Sean Freeman, utilizes protocols supported by the American Institute of Balance to deliver safe, customized care that addresses:
- Peripheral (e.g., BPPV, vestibular neuritis)
- Concussion-Related
- Post-Injury Dizziness from Motor Vehicle Accidents
- Age-Related Vestibular Decline
Post-Injury Treatment
Sports injuries and car accidents can trigger vertigo. Dealing with such discomfort can have a significant impact on a person’s daily life and overall health. Understanding this, our physical therapy clinic has developed and fine-tuned specialized post-injury treatment protocols aimed at relieving you of these distressing vertigo symptoms.
Our professionally trained therapists will conduct appropriate evaluations to identify the root cause of your vertigo and design a personalized, step-by-step care plan tailor-made to your specific needs. Our main objective is to alleviate your vertigo symptoms and help you regain control of your life.
Skilled Management Of Concussion-Related Vertigo
We provide comprehensive therapies for concussion-related vertigo, focusing on restoring balance and mitigating dizziness for optimal recovery. The cornerstone of our approach centers on vestibular rehabilitation therapy (VRT), a treatment strategy that works to improve balance and reduce issues related to dizziness. With a team of highly experienced physical therapists, we devise personalized treatment programs designed to help patients regain their balance and coordination while significantly reducing the incidence and severity of dizziness and vertigo.
Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy
VRT, an exercise-based therapy, is instrumental in managing vertigo symptoms. Depending on the underlying cause, treatments may involve Home Epley Maneuvers, Brandt-Daroff exercises, and therapeutic repositioning maneuvers.
How Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy Works
VRT is an exercise-based, non-invasive approach designed to retrain the brain to compensate for vestibular deficits. This process, called neuroplasticity, involves the brain creating new connections to restore balance and spatial orientation.
Treatment Components May Include:
- Canalith repositioning maneuvers (e.g., Epley or Semont) to treat BPPV
- Gaze stabilization exercises to improve eye control and reduce blurred vision
- Habituation exercises to decrease motion sensitivity
- Balance and gait training to restore coordination and reduce fall risk
A study published in the Journal of Neurologic Physical Therapy found that patients undergoing VRT reported significant reductions in dizziness, improved postural control, and greater confidence in mobility.
What To Expect From Your Evaluation
Patients begin with a comprehensive clinical assessment that includes:
- Detailed medical and symptom history
- Dix-Hallpike Test to confirm BPPV
- Vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR) testing
- Balance assessments (e.g., Romberg test, gait analysis)
- Evaluation for nystagmus, a hallmark of vestibular dysfunction
These findings help determine whether the problem is peripheral (inner ear related) or central (neurological in origin). In cases where symptoms may suggest a central cause, referral to a neurologist or ENT may be recommended for advanced imaging or further diagnostics.
Frequently Asked Questions About Vertigo Treatment
1. What causes vertigo?
Vertigo is most commonly caused by dysfunction in the inner ear, particularly within the vestibular system, which controls balance. Conditions such as Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV), vestibular neuritis, labyrinthitis, or Meniere’s disease can disrupt how the brain interprets balance signals. Head injuries, such as concussions, can also trigger vertigo by affecting how the inner ear and brain interact.
2. What medical treatments are used to manage vertigo symptoms?
At Centennial Sports & Physical Therapy, vertigo is treated through Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT), which uses evidence-based exercises to retrain the brain’s balance system. Treatments may include Epley maneuvers, Brandt-Daroff exercises, gaze stabilization exercises, and balance training. These are prescribed after a detailed evaluation to target the root cause of the vertigo.
3. How is vertigo diagnosed at your clinic?
Our physical therapists begin with a comprehensive medical and symptom history followed by vestibular function testing. This may include positional tests like the Dix-Hallpike maneuver, balance assessments, and visual tracking tests to identify nystagmus. These evaluations help determine whether the vertigo is peripheral or central and guide appropriate treatment strategies.
4. Is Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT) safe for people with chronic vertigo?
Yes, VRT is a non-invasive, clinically supported treatment option that is safe and effective for patients with chronic or recurring vertigo. Each program is tailored to the patient’s condition and tolerance, and exercises are modified based on progress. The therapy is designed to minimize symptoms over time while improving balance, coordination, and quality of life.
5. How long does it take to see results from vertigo treatment?
The timeline for symptom relief varies by individual and the underlying cause of vertigo. Some patients with BPPV may experience significant improvement after just one or two sessions. Others with more complex vestibular disorders or post-concussion vertigo may require several weeks of therapy. Regular follow-up ensures the treatment plan adapts to your recovery progress.
Don’t Ignore The Signs Of Vertigo
If you’re experiencing frequent dizziness, falls, or disorientation, it may be more than simple fatigue or dehydration. Our therapists can help determine whether vestibular dysfunction is affecting your daily life and design a medical treatment plan to address the issue at its source.
Seek Vertigo Assistance Today
Don’t let vertigo rob you of your comfort and daily routine. Our protocols incorporate evidence-based techniques such as balance exercises and gaze stability training, which aid in retraining your brain to coordinate balance and manage symptoms effectively. Contact Centennial Sports & Physical Therapy in Spokane today to schedule your assessment.
