November 2026 Newsletter
Is Your Head Spinning? How Physical Therapy Can Help Your Vertigo
Have you ever had a sudden sense that you’re spinning in place — even though you’re standing perfectly still? If so, then you’ve experienced vertigo, an unnerving sensation that often indicates an underlying issue with your vestibular system.
A single incident of vertigo probably isn’t anything to worry about, as the sensation isn’t typically harmful in and of itself. However, multiple vertigo attacks could indicate an underlying issue with your vestibular system, which helps manage your balance and spatial awareness. Frequent vertigo can also increase fall risk, leading to potential injury or hospitalization.
While vertigo can feel hallucinatory and strange, it is more often than not rooted in a physical issue — one that the physical therapists at Columbus Physical Therapy can help address. Our team’s understanding of your body’s vestibular and balance systems ensures you can find the relief you need to live a full, healthy life.
Don’t let vertigo sweep you off your feet. Call us today to schedule an initial consultation!
Understanding Vertigo: What It Is, What It Feels Like, and What Causes It
Many people use the terms “vertigo” and “dizziness” interchangeably, but vertigo is a specific type of dizziness. Dizziness can refer to a range of sensations: wooziness, lightheadedness, etc. Vertigo refers to a particular sensation in which you feel like you or the space you’re in is spinning.
Vertigo is closely associated with your vestibular system, which is located in your inner ear (the peripheral vestibular system) and in your cerebellum (the central vestibular system). Most people with vertigo have an impairment in the peripheral vestibular system: the structures and canals of the inner ear.
What sort of impairments? Here are a few of the most common:
- Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV): The most common source of vertigo, this occurs when tiny crystals build up in the inner ear canal.
- Meniere’s Disease: This results from fluid buildup in your inner ear. In addition to vertigo, you might experience hearing loss or muffled hearing, tinnitus, and a sense of fullness in the ear.
- Labyrinthitis: This is an inner ear inflammation resulting from an infection.
It’s important to remember that vertigo isn’t really a condition in and of itself — it’s a symptom. If you can’t find an obvious inner ear issue that could be causing your vertigo, you may have central vertigo, vertigo that’s rooted in your cerebellum. The following can cause central vertigo:
- Stroke
- Migraines
- Vascular disease
- Traumatic brain injury
Our physical therapists will work with you and other providers, if needed, to determine the exact root of your vertigo attacks.
Physical Therapy’s Role in Treating Vertigo
Many people are surprised that physical therapy is a standard treatment for vertigo, but it’s true, especially if you have peripheral vertigo. Our therapists will blend several different treatments to help manage your vertigo attacks while working to improve your overall balance and stability:
- Vestibular rehabilitation is a specialized form of physical therapy that consists of exercises specifically designed to address issues with the vestibular system, including relaxation techniques, gaze stabilization exercises, and more.
- Repositioning maneuvers help people with BPPV. We can dislodge the crystals causing your symptoms by positioning your head in certain ways.
- Balance training is an integral part of any vertigo treatment plan. We’ll walk you through exercises designed to challenge — and improve — your overall balance, which helps reduce your fall risk.
- Conditioning programs are another important piece in the vertigo puzzle. Muscular weakness, particularly in the core, can contribute to balance issues; a tailored exercise program will help you build the strength you need to stay on your feet.
- Finally, patient education ensures you understand the cause of your vertigo and have the tools you need to manage it. For example, we can help you identify and avoid vertigo triggers and provide strategies to make it through vertigo attacks.
Say Goodbye to Vertigo. Call Columbus Physical Therapy Today!
Although it’s not life-threatening, vertigo can profoundly impact your overall quality of life. Many people with frequent vertigo are less likely to go out or participate in their favorite recreational activities for fear of an ill-timed attack. But our physical therapists can help control — and sometimes even resolve — your vertigo, ensuring you live a rich, active life.
Ready to learn more? Call to schedule an appointment today.
Sources:
https://www.choosept.com/guide/physical-therapy-guide-vertigo
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK482356/
This Thanksgiving, we’re taking a moment to say thank you. Thank you for trusting us with your care, for showing up and putting in the work, and for allowing us to be part of your journey.
We hope you and your loved ones enjoy a warm, healthy, and joyful Thanksgiving filled with good food, good company, and plenty of movement. From all of us at Columbus Physical Therapy, Happy Thanksgiving!
Thank You
A Season of Gratitude
As the holiday season approaches, we want to take a moment to express how thankful we are for our wonderful patients and the community we serve. It is truly a privilege to be part of your journey toward better health.
From all of us at Columbus Physical Therapy, we wish you and your family a happy, healthy holiday season!
Exercise of the Month
Heel Slides Long Sit
Knees, Hamstrings
Start by sitting on the floor with both legs extended out in front of you and your back flat. Loop a strap around your foot on your injured leg and place a towel under your heel. Slowly pull your heel toward your butt by tugging on the strap until you have reached your max comfortable range of motion. Slowly allow your heel to slide back out until your leg is straight.
3 Sets, 10 Reps. (Materials needed: towel, belt)
Team
Staff Spotlight: Beth Patocka!
We are excited to shine the spotlight on Beth Patocka, our Income Manager!
Beth has been a valued member of our Columbus Physical Therapy family since 2014! She started her journey with us as an aide and worked her way up to Income Manager. Her dedication and growth over the years are something we’re incredibly proud of!
When asked what she loves most about her job, Beth shared, “My coworkers are like family, and I love the challenges my job brings.”
Let’s get to know Beth a little better!
After more than a decade with us, Beth continues to be an important part of what makes our team special. We’re so thankful for her hard work, dedication, and the many ways she contributes to our clinics!
Follow Us on Social Media
Stay in the loop with clinic updates, patient stories, and wellness tips between newsletters.
Community
Upcoming Workshops
Humphrey
Shoulder Pain Workshop
with Cheyenne McBride, PTA
Tuesday, November 10th
12:15 pm
Patient Wins
The Power of Progress
Nothing makes us happier than seeing our patients get back to doing what they love. Here are a few stories that remind us why we do what we do!
From our Columbus clinic
“Before coming in for therapy, I awoke at night with pain and tingling down my right arm. After working with Terin on the knots in my shoulders and back, I have relief from both. The exercises and massage helped so much. I appreciate everyone’s knowledge and experience at Columbus Physical Therapy. Thank you!”
~Suanne B.
From our Humphrey clinic
“Came in with left shoulder pain and not being able to lift my arm above my shoulder. With excellent therapy and some dry needling, my movement and strength are back with no pain! Thanks to the crew at Humphrey Physical Therapy!”
~Ray
From our Norfolk clinic
“I have made great improvement with my knee after my second total knee replacement. This has been my best PT experience I’ve had. Annikka has done a great job helping me through not only my total knee rehab, but with my back as well. She pushed me hard to get my knee ROM back, which improved throughout therapy. The staff was great, and I would recommend NENPT to all my friends.”
~Ron U.Healthy Recipe
Maple-Roasted Sweet Potato & Kale Harvest Bowls
Ingredients
- 2 large sweet potatoes (about 1½ lb), peeled and cut into ½-inch cubes
- 5 tbsp olive oil, divided
- 2 tbsp pure maple syrup, divided
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
- 2 cups water
- 1 bunch curly kale (about 6 cups), stems removed and leaves chopped
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- ¼ cup pumpkin seeds
- ¼ cup dried cranberries
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Directions
- Preheat oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Toss the sweet potatoes with 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 tablespoon maple syrup, the cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Spread in a single layer and roast for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until tender and caramelized.
- While the sweet potatoes roast, combine the quinoa, water, and a pinch of salt in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then cover and simmer for 15 minutes. Remove from the heat and let stand for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork.
- Whisk together 3 tablespoons olive oil, the apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, the remaining 1 tablespoon maple syrup, and a pinch of salt and pepper to make the dressing.
- Massage the kale with the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil, the lemon juice, and a pinch of salt for about 2 minutes, until softened and bright green.
- Toast the pumpkin seeds in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3–4 minutes, until fragrant.
- Divide the quinoa and kale among four bowls. Top with the sweet potatoes, chickpeas, pumpkin seeds, and cranberries, then drizzle with the dressing and serve.
Just for Fun
November Word Scramble
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