At Ferrell-Whited Physical Therapy Services, treatment for dizziness, vertigo and imbalance can happen in just one day

By Laura Briedis

We all get dizzy from time-to-time, especially when twirling or moving our head too abruptly. But for many adults, dizziness is a constant issue.

“People don’t have to suffer from dizziness, as there are many things physical therapists can do to remedy the problem,” says Dana Graf, LPT, co-owner of Ferrell-Whited Physical Therapy Services. “We offer comprehensive vestibular rehabilitation therapy that is designed to assess and treat most forms of dizziness, vertigo and imbalance.”

One of the most common causes of dizziness is Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV), which usually comes on suddenly when the calcium crystals in the center of the inner ear, which help you balance, get dislodged and move into the semicircular canals.

If you suffer from dizziness, Ferrell-Whited physical therapists will assess the problem using a Dix-Hallpike Test, or Roll Test, to determine which canal the crystal is stuck in by putting you in different head positions to watch for reproduction of the dizziness, as well as looking for nystagmus of the eyes, which is a rapid, uncontrollable eye movement.

“There are several maneuvers we can do in the office to help alleviate the problem,” says Dana, who has both psychology and physical therapy degrees. “Depending on the findings, we use different exercises, such as the Epley Maneuver and the Barbecue Roll, to alleviate dizziness. Craniosacral therapy also can also help those with head and upper neck injuries.”

According to Dana, sometimes just one office visit will resolve the dizziness. Other times, more therapy is needed, such as desensitization with gaze stabilization so the body can learn what is normal again.

“We can get patients in for an appointment usually the same day or the next day if they are getting dizzy,” says Dana. “You need to be careful if you are dizzy as it can lead to falls.”

While traditional vestibular rehabilitation involves looking only at the function of the inner ear, Ferrell-Whited therapists address multiple systems that could cause dizziness and imbalance. These systems include the eyes in relation to balance, cervical proprioception in relation to balance and dizziness, central or neurological causes of dizziness, as well as peripheral joints that contribute to balance such as the ankle, knee or hip.

The Human Ear
Did you know your ears never stop working? Even while sleeping when the brain ignores most sounds, your ear still reacts to unexpected noises that will wake you up. The inner ear creates sound waves that are transmitted through different parts of the ear, which then are converted into electric impulses that are sent to the brain.

But it is also within our inner ears that problems with dizziness can arise, because the vestibular system is located here and is responsible for maintaining equilibrium.

One of the few therapist-owned clinics in the area, Ferrell-Whited provides a patient-centered, small-town perspective that focuses on one-on-one, hands-on care. This small private practice atmosphere built over 30 years has catapulted Ferrell-Whited to become a leading medical provider with six locations throughout Northeast Ohio.

“We can provide more personalized care at a more affordable price, compared to large hospital systems,” says Dana. “Our fee schedules usually are one-third of the cost of what hospitals charge because we have much less overhead.”

The physical therapists at all six Ferrell-Whited offices treat common ailments, from arthritis to headaches, back pain, knee pain, tendonitis, sprains, and fractures, as well as offer rehab therapy following surgery. They also offer adjunct services, including dry needling, cupping and kinesio taping.

Ferrell-Whited Physical Therapy’s Sharon Crossing/Montrose Clinic office is located at 784 Medina Road, Suite 103. There are five additional offices in Medina, Kent, Rootstown and Berea. For an appointment, call 234-248-4017. For more information, visit Ferrell-Whited.com.