Give us a Call
480-272-7140
Send us a Message
info@tstaz.com
vertigo

How can Physical Therapy help with Vertigo?

vertigoDizziness is an experience that 20-30% of all adults will experience throughout their lifetime but not all “dizziness” is easy to explain.  Vertigo is defined as “sensation of whirling or movement that results in error message in the central process of position, space, and time” or in other words spinning.

90% of all disability caused by “dizziness” is Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV).  BPPV is caused by the dislodging of sensory crystals within inner ear that can “get lost” in the semi-circular canals causing miscommunication to the brain on your position in space.  Signs and symptoms of BPPV are usually triggered by specific changes in head positioning and include:

  • Sudden sensation of spinning
  • Dizziness
  • Loss of balance
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting

Treatment

When researching you may find “self-treatments” for vertigo but it is recommended to avoid such treatments as it is possible to make symptoms worse.  A certified physical therapist (PT) can perform canalith repositioning techniques (CRT) to resolve symptoms in as little as 1 visit.  These include a series of strategic movements that the PT will direct in order to guide the crystals out of the semi-circular canals and eliminating symptoms.  Your therapist will also provide you with post-care with modifications to make daily for up to one week, reducing chances of symptoms returning.  If your symptoms are not caused by BPPV the therapist will further assess the cause.  In most cases a referral to a physical therapist is not required (dependent on insurance) but a cash rate is always offered to provide same day treatment.

thanksgiving picture

Happy Thanksgiving: How to cut 1000 calories from your Thanksgiving Meal!

thanksgiving picture

Happy Thanksgiving from the staff of Total Sports Therapy!  Did you know the average Thanksgiving meal is over 2,000 calories and that is before you have a second serving!  Here is the average Thanksgiving meal:

  • Turkey, white & dark meat, with skin, 6 ounces
  • Gravy, 1/3 cup
  • Mashed potatoes, 1 cup
  • Cranberry sauce, 1/3 cup
  • Green bean casserole, 1 cup
  • Sweet potato casserole topped with marshmallows, 1 cup
  • Dinner roll, 1
  • Butter, 1 tablespoon
  • Apple pie, 1 slice
  • Vanilla ice cream, ½ cup

To burn 1,000 calories you would have to:

  • Run – 9 miles
  • Bike – 22 miles
  • Jump Rope – continuously for 90 minutes

For many, it may be easier to just cut 1,000 calories from the meal.  Here are some simple ways to do this.

  • Turkey – eat only 3 oz. of Turkey without the skin (Average calorie savings 200)
  • Sweet potato casserole – ½ cup, without marshmallows (Average calorie savings 270)
  • Green bean casserole – ½ cup, without the french onion topping (Average calorie savings 140)
  • Mashed potatoes – ½ cup instead of 1 cup (Average calorie savings 200)
  • Apple pie – ½ cup low-fat vanilla or low fat whipped cream (Average calore savings 160)

By eating slowly you will feel the sensation of being full quickly and will be less inclined to go back for seconds.  Have a Happy and Healthy Thanksgiving!