Dealing with Chronic Dizziness
When Garry (not his real name) came to Maccio Physical Therapy, he was overwhelmed by a lingering sense of instability that had been interfering with his work, social life, and ability to drive. For months, he experienced lightheadedness and short bursts of spinning that made daily activities uncomfortable and unpredictable. Despite visiting multiple healthcare providers and undergoing tests that showed no clear abnormalities, his symptoms persisted. Garry was diagnosed with chronic dizziness, and it wasn’t until a vestibular-trained physical therapist identified benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) as the source that his recovery truly began.
Garry’s Initial Struggles: Uncertainty and Imbalance
Garry’s symptoms began after what seemed like a minor incident—he had bumped his head on an open cabinet door. A few days later, he started experiencing a sudden spinning sensation when turning over in bed, looking up, or bending down. Initially, he attributed it to stress or fatigue, but the episodes became more frequent.
His symptoms included:
- Sudden dizziness when moving his head in certain directions
- Unsteadiness when walking, especially in busy or crowded environments
- Occasional nausea after head movements
- Difficulty concentrating due to a general sense of fogginess
- A growing fear of triggering symptoms, leading to reduced activity
By the time he arrived at Maccio Physical Therapy, Garry had been dealing with chronic dizziness for several weeks without relief. He had started avoiding certain movements altogether, and the condition had begun to affect his confidence and quality of life.
How Physical Therapy Helped Garry Overcome Chronic Dizziness from BPPV
Garry’s physical therapist conducted a comprehensive vestibular assessment at Maccio Physical Therapy. The Dix-Hallpike manoeuvre—a standard test for identifying BPPV—revealed that small calcium particles (otoconia) in his right posterior semicircular canal were causing his dizziness.
With a confirmed BPPV diagnosis, treatment began immediately. His plan focused on the following steps:
1. Canalith Repositioning Techniques (Epley Maneuver)
Garry’s therapist performed the Epley maneuver, a series of guided head and body movements designed to reposition the dislodged crystals from the inner ear canal back to their correct location. This procedure is safe, non-invasive, and highly effective when performed properly.
Following his first treatment, Garry experienced a brief increase in dizziness—a normal part of the repositioning process—but noted that symptoms began to subside within a few days.
2. Post-Maneuver Precautions and Education
After each session, Garry received clear instructions on how to avoid triggering movements temporarily, such as:
- Sleeping with his head elevated
- Avoiding sudden head turns or bending over
- Refraining from lying on the affected side
He was also educated about what to expect during recovery and reassured that symptoms may fluctuate before full resolution.
3. Follow-Up Assessments and Adjustments
Over the following sessions, Garry’s therapist monitored his symptom response and repeated repositioning maneuvers as needed. In his case, three treatments were required before symptoms resolved entirely.
To ensure the issue didn’t recur, his therapist assessed both sides of his vestibular system, confirming no additional involvement. Garry appreciated the methodical, step-by-step approach that addressed the root of his chronic dizziness rather than masking the symptoms.
4. Balance and Gait Retraining
Although the vertigo episodes were improving, Garry still felt mildly unsteady when walking in open spaces. His therapist introduced simple balance exercises to improve coordination and restore confidence in his movement:
- Standing with feet together on a firm surface while turning his head slowly
- Practicing weight shifts side-to-side with eyes open, then eyes closed
- Walking in a straight line while turning his head gently left and right
These exercises helped recalibrate his body’s sense of balance, gradually reducing his hesitation during everyday activities.
Garry’s Outcome: From Disoriented to Confident
By the end of his treatment plan, Garry reported significant improvements:
- Complete resolution of spinning episodes
- No further dizziness when turning over in bed or bending down
- Improved balance and reduced reliance on visual cues for stability
- Restored ability to walk, drive, and engage socially without fear
- Renewed confidence in movement and body awareness
His experience with chronic dizziness had caused anxiety and withdrawal from normal routines, but with targeted physical therapy at Maccio Physical Therapy, he regained control over his symptoms and his life.
Don’t Let Dizziness Disrupt Your Routine
If you’ve been living with chronic dizziness, especially if specific head movements trigger symptoms, you may be dealing with BPPV.
At Maccio Physical Therapy, our physical therapists are trained in assessing and treating BPPV with precision and care. We guide you through safe, effective treatments that target the cause of your symptoms and support long-term stability.
Contact Maccio Physical Therapy today and take the first step toward regaining your balance and peace of mind.