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	<title>VR Archives - WWSPT.Com</title>
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		<title>Physical Therapy Technology and Research Combined Sections Meeting (CSM)</title>
		<link>https://wwspt.com/physical-therapy-technology-and-research-combined-sections-meeting-csm/</link>
					<comments>https://wwspt.com/physical-therapy-technology-and-research-combined-sections-meeting-csm/#respond</comments>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Amanda Nguyen PT, DPT]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Mon, 11 Mar 2024 18:02:32 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[acute care]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Blog]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[BPPV]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[BPPV treatment]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Combined Sections Metting (CMS)]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Dizziness]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[long COVID]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[neurology]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[orthopedic treatment]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Pelvic Floor]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Physical Therapist]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Physical Therapy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Vertigo]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[vestibular disorders]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Vestibular Rehabilitation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[VR]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[WWS Physical Therapy and Vestibular Rehabilitation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[WWSPT]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://wwspt.com/?p=4356</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>I was fortunate enough to be able to attend the Combined Sections Meeting (CSM) in Boston, Massachusetts, last month. CSM is a yearly conference held over multiple days where thousands of physical therapists worldwide meet and share the latest technology and research. Educational sessions last about two hours each, with endless daily poster presentations. Topics [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://wwspt.com/physical-therapy-technology-and-research-combined-sections-meeting-csm/">Physical Therapy Technology and Research Combined Sections Meeting (CSM)</a> appeared first on <a href="https://wwspt.com">WWSPT.Com</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>I was fortunate enough to be able to attend the Combined Sections Meeting (CSM) in Boston, Massachusetts, last month. CSM is a yearly conference held over multiple days where thousands of physical therapists worldwide meet and share the latest technology and research.</p>
<p><img fetchpriority="high" decoding="async" class="aligncenter" src="https://wwspt.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/CMS_Mtg_Classroom.jpg " alt="" width="640" height="800" /></p>
<p>Educational sessions last about two hours each, with endless daily poster presentations. Topics included orthopedics, pelvic floor, acute care, neurology, and vestibular. I attended various vestibular courses over the two days I was there. I sat in lectures held by some of the most innovative heads of the vestibular world, like Dr. Susan Whitney (University of Pittsburgh), Dr. Barry Semongal (Imperial College London), Dr. Janet Helmeinski (Rosalind Franklin University) and Dr. Janene Holmberg (Intermountain Healthcare out of Salt Lake, Utah).</p>
<p><img decoding="async" class="aligncenter" src="https://wwspt.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/CMS_Boston_2024.jpg" alt="" width="619" height="800" /></p>
<p>They spoke about various vestibular topics, such as the latest BPPV research, treatment of different types of BPPV, chronic dizziness, and even appropriate treatment for dizziness from long COVID.</p>
<p><img decoding="async" class="aligncenter" src="https://wwspt.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Hemanski_Ostroski.jpg" alt="" width="604" height="341" /></p>
<p>I learned so much from this esteemed group and was excited to take the knowledge back to WWSPT, where I can share it with my colleagues and use it to treat my patients.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Dr. Amanda Nguyen, PT, DPT,<br />
WWS Physical Therapy and Vestibular Rehabilitation<br />
Doylestown, PA.<br />
(215) 489-3234</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://wwspt.com/physical-therapy-technology-and-research-combined-sections-meeting-csm/">Physical Therapy Technology and Research Combined Sections Meeting (CSM)</a> appeared first on <a href="https://wwspt.com">WWSPT.Com</a>.</p>
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		<post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">4356</post-id>	</item>
		<item>
		<title>Vestibular Rehabilitation Answers Vertigo Issues</title>
		<link>https://wwspt.com/vestibular-rehabilitation-answers-vertigo-issues/</link>
					<comments>https://wwspt.com/vestibular-rehabilitation-answers-vertigo-issues/#respond</comments>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Wendy Webb Schoenewald, PT, OCS]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Tue, 21 Sep 2021 05:00:23 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Blog]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[BPPV]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[BPPV treatment]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Epley maneuver]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Physical Therapy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Vertigo]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Vestibular Rehabilitation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[VR]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[WWS Physical Therapy and Vestibular Rehabilitation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[WWSPT]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://wwspt.com/?p=2169</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>&#8220;Vestibular Rehabilitation: An answer for Vertigo&#8221; from a previous article in the Bucks County Herald By Wendy Webb Schoenewald PT OCS People who have Vertigo, and are suffering from symptoms of dizziness, nausea, loss of balance and vomiting, may not know that there is a simple treatment that can cure those symptoms and allow them [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://wwspt.com/vestibular-rehabilitation-answers-vertigo-issues/">Vestibular Rehabilitation Answers Vertigo Issues</a> appeared first on <a href="https://wwspt.com">WWSPT.Com</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>&#8220;Vestibular Rehabilitation: An answer for Vertigo&#8221;<br />
from a previous article in the Bucks County Herald By Wendy Webb Schoenewald PT OCS</p>
<p>People who have Vertigo, and are suffering from symptoms of dizziness, nausea, loss of balance and vomiting, may not know that there is a simple treatment that can cure those symptoms and allow them to return to life as normal.</p>
<p>Physical therapists expertly trained in vestibular therapy can perform a single maneuver on patients experiencing these symptoms that 80 percent of the time will eliminate vertigo.</p>
<p>“It’s a pretty amazing process, that you lay someone down, maneuver their head and body and their symptoms are gone,” said Wendy Webb Schoenewald, physical therapist and owner of WWS Physical Therapy and Vestibular Rehabilitation in Doylestown. Many times when we treat orthopedic conditions, it’s six weeks before they’re better, this it is very quickly resolved with a couple of treatments with no drugs involved.”<br />
The physical therapists at WWSPT are trained certified vestibular therapists who treat patients with vertigo.</p>
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-532" src="https://wwspt.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/Treating-BPPV-with-Frenzel-Lens-753x358.jpg" alt="" width="753" height="358" srcset="https://wwspt.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/Treating-BPPV-with-Frenzel-Lens-753x358.jpg 753w, https://wwspt.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/Treating-BPPV-with-Frenzel-Lens-753x358-300x143.jpg 300w, https://wwspt.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/Treating-BPPV-with-Frenzel-Lens-753x358-250x119.jpg 250w, https://wwspt.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/Treating-BPPV-with-Frenzel-Lens-753x358-750x358.jpg 750w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 753px) 100vw, 753px" /></p>
<p>Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo, or BPPV, is a peripheral vestibular disorder involving the inner ear that causes spells of vertigo that typically last less than one minute when the head is in certain positions. It occurs when crystals call otoconia are displaced into the canals.<br />
Vertigo can make common, everyday tasks, like doing sit-ups, reaching for a kitchen cabinet, or bending over to pick something up difficult, inducing nausea and vomiting.</p>
<p>This can mean patients avoid doing things they love, like working out. For elderly patients, this can mean a loss of mobility and independence if left untreated because they may be afraid that moving around could cause them to fall. For this reason, it is very important for patients to be treated immediately.</p>
<p>A trained therapist can confirm the diagnosis of BPPV.<br />
The treatment for this type of vertigo involves manually moving the crystals out of the canals.</p>
<p>The most common treatment, the Epley Maneuver, will correct vertigo in one visit 80 percent of the time when performed by a physical therapist who has been specifically trained in vestibular therapy. A skilled therapist will take the patient and lay them down with their head tilted to get the crystals to move. When dizziness subsides, and the crystals have settled into a new position, the therapist will move the patient a second time, to move the crystals farther along out of the canal. When dizziness subsides, the patient will sit up, and the crystals will have moved back into the correct location. To check and make sure all the crystals were put back correctly, the Epley Maneuver is performed a second time to confirm the patient isn’t still getting dizzy.</p>
<p>Even though the treatment is simple and effective, patients may put off contacting a therapist because they don’t want to feel worse before they feel better.</p>
<p>“We’re effective at keeping symptoms as minimal as possible to successfully treat BPPV,” Schoenewald said.</p>
<p>If you or a family member is suffering from vertigo or dizzy symptoms it is important to see your primary care provider, who can directly refer to a vestibular physical therapist.</p>
<p>For more information or to schedule an appointment, Contact WWSPT Staff at 215.489.3234.</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://wwspt.com/vestibular-rehabilitation-answers-vertigo-issues/">Vestibular Rehabilitation Answers Vertigo Issues</a> appeared first on <a href="https://wwspt.com">WWSPT.Com</a>.</p>
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		<post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">2169</post-id>	</item>
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		<title>Can You Stand On One Leg?</title>
		<link>https://wwspt.com/can-you-stand-on-one-leg/</link>
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		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Gregory Synnestvedt PT, DPT]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Thu, 16 Sep 2021 15:39:38 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[balance]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Blog]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Health and Wellness]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Vestibular Rehabilitation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[VR]]></category>
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		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://wwspt.com/?p=2747</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>It’s almost BALANCE AWARENESS Week, so, tell me, Can You Stand on One Leg? If you’re in a safe place to try it, go ahead, try to stand on one leg. How did you do? If it was very easy, try doing that with your eyes closed (as long as this is safe!) Being able [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://wwspt.com/can-you-stand-on-one-leg/">Can You Stand On One Leg?</a> appeared first on <a href="https://wwspt.com">WWSPT.Com</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>It’s almost BALANCE AWARENESS Week, so, tell me, Can You Stand on One Leg?</p>
<p>If you’re in a safe place to try it, go ahead, try to stand on one leg. How did you do? If it was very easy, try doing that with your eyes closed (as long as this is safe!)</p>
<p><img decoding="async" class="aligncenter" src="https://wwspt.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/BALANCE-MAN.jpg" alt="" /></p>
<p>Being able to stand on and balance with one leg is an important skill that most of us develop as we grow up and use throughout our lives. Think of all the activities which require you to stand on a single leg: walking, running, going up and down stairs (especially without a railing), stepping into the car, stepping over an obstacle, kicking a ball, dancing, putting on your pants while standing up, for example.</p>
<p>The ability to stand on one leg is something that a physical therapist examines in everyone from athletes to elders, from those with leg injuries to those who have had a concussion or dizziness. A multitude of core, hip, thigh, calf, and foot muscles work to keep you balanced on one foot and a weakness in any combination of these could lead to difficulty with this task.</p>
<p>Similarly, your vestibular system in your inner ear tells you how your head is moving so that you can make small corrections and keep your balance. When on one leg, your base of support is very small so there is less margin for error.</p>
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter" src="https://wwspt.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/flamingo-in-water_flipped-cropped.jpg" alt="" width="930" height="340" /></p>
<p><a href="https://vestibular.org/">VEDA (the Vestibular Disorders Association)</a> chose Fiona the Flaming, who likes to balance on one leg, to be the vestibular disorders mascot because flamingos are thought to be good at balancing.</p>
<p>If you have difficulty performing “single leg” activities, a physical therapist will be able to tell you why this is difficult and what you can do to improve your balance.</p>
<p>Dr. Greg Synnestvedt PT, DPT,</p>
<p>WWS Physical Therapy and Vestibular Rehabilitation,<br />
Doylestown, PA.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://wwspt.com/can-you-stand-on-one-leg/">Can You Stand On One Leg?</a> appeared first on <a href="https://wwspt.com">WWSPT.Com</a>.</p>
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		<post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">2747</post-id>	</item>
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		<title>Achieving Good Balance is Important at Any Age!</title>
		<link>https://wwspt.com/good-balance-for-young-old/</link>
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		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Wendy Webb Schoenewald, PT, OCS]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Wed, 15 Sep 2021 03:04:35 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[aging process]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[balance]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Blog]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Exercise]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Fitness]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Health and Wellness]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Healthy Aging]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[vestibular disorders]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Vestibular Rehabilitation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[VR]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[WWS Physical Therapy and Vestibular Rehabilitation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[WWSPT]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Yoga]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://wwspt.com/?p=2291</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>Achieving Good Balance is important at any age. I believe that Yoga contributes to a lifetime of good balance. I have been practicing yoga for more than 15 years. In yoga, we do many balancing tasks, while at the same time, we work our core and work on strength through the range motions of our [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://wwspt.com/good-balance-for-young-old/">Achieving Good Balance is Important at Any Age!</a> appeared first on <a href="https://wwspt.com">WWSPT.Com</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[
<p>Achieving Good Balance is important at any age. I believe that Yoga contributes to a lifetime of good balance. I have been practicing yoga for more than 15 years. In yoga, we do many balancing tasks, while at the same time, we work our core and work on strength through the range motions of our joints.</p>
<p> There are many different types of yoga &#8212; some that are more stretching oriented for “tight” people and some that are oriented for “loose” people who need to get stronger which is where my needs fall. After practicing the same patterns of movements over the years, one gradually improves, but sometimes one needs to change to help challenge oneself.</p>
<p><img decoding="async" class="aligncenter" src="https://wwspt.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Yoga-focus.jpg" alt="" /><br /><br />Some of the things that I do to subtly change my practice but demand more balance would be to practice standing on two mats instead of one. That subtle change in the thickness of the mat makes one must work harder in some of the balancing poses. Some people who really want to challenge themselves will roll up a mat and stand on the uneven, not very flat surface, to result in the recruitment of more muscle effort for the same pose.</p>
<p>In yoga, we talk about are “Drishti” which means developing concentrated intention or focus. What this means to me as a Vestibular Therapist is that we&#8217;re using our visual and vestibular systems to stabilize ourselves so our muscles and our proprioceptors (joint receptors) can effectively help us Balance. In yoga, the Drishti can change to focusing on your hand, focusing across the room, or even focusing on your navel. This always includes that your head is still. If I want to challenge myself, I will sometimes change my focal point or Drishti by moving my head which demands more motor control. Along the same lines, one could close one’s eyes which makes your vestibular system work harder and challenges you more.<br /><br />There are many benefits from the practice of yoga, which I think contribute to a lifetime of good balance and can help prevent falling or injury whether one is an athlete or a senior. These are subtle ways to make your yoga practice a little more challenging, but no one except for you will know you’re working harder!<br /><br />Wendy Webb Schoenewald, PT, OCS,</p>
<p>WWS Physical Therapy and Vestibular Rehabilitation <br />Doylestown, PA.<br /><br /></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://wwspt.com/good-balance-for-young-old/">Achieving Good Balance is Important at Any Age!</a> appeared first on <a href="https://wwspt.com">WWSPT.Com</a>.</p>
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		<post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">2291</post-id>	</item>
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		<title>“Brain Fog” is now being associated with post COVID-19 symptoms</title>
		<link>https://wwspt.com/brain-fog-is-now-being-associated-with-post-covid-19-symptoms/</link>
					<comments>https://wwspt.com/brain-fog-is-now-being-associated-with-post-covid-19-symptoms/#respond</comments>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Wendy Webb Schoenewald, PT, OCS]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Wed, 19 May 2021 14:31:41 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Blog]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[BPPV]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[BPPV treatment]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Brain Health]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Coronavirus]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[COVID-19]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Dizziness]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[falls]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[mental health]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[pandemic]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[VeDa]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[vestibular disorders]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Vestibular Rehabilitation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[VR]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[WWS Physical Therapy and Vestibular Rehabilitation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[WWSPT]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://wwspt.com/?p=3062</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>One year after we entered the Public Health Emergency of COVID-19 pandemic, researchers are gathering information about common symptoms associated with patients post covid episodes. Thirty percent of post-COVID patients have some form of neurological symptoms which include common vestibular symptoms of dizziness, vertigo, balance issues, and earaches. Sometimes these symptoms are short term but [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://wwspt.com/brain-fog-is-now-being-associated-with-post-covid-19-symptoms/">“Brain Fog” is now being associated with post COVID-19 symptoms</a> appeared first on <a href="https://wwspt.com">WWSPT.Com</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>One year after we entered the Public Health Emergency of COVID-19 pandemic, researchers are gathering information about common symptoms associated with patients post covid episodes. Thirty percent of post-COVID patients have some form of neurological symptoms which include common vestibular symptoms of dizziness, vertigo, balance issues, and earaches. Sometimes these symptoms are short term but they can also persist for 4-8 weeks afterward</p>
<p>Most of us are aware of the most common neurological symptoms of ageusia, lack of taste and anosmia, lack of smell, which are both cranial nerves with direct input to the brain. The vestibular nerve which is also a cranial nerve for the inner ear is also affected in a smaller population, approximately 0.6%. Patients with vestibular symptoms are frequently referred to WWSPT since we are experts in the field of Vestibular Rehabilitation. Most have complaints of lightheadedness, headaches, and dizziness but researchers have found up to 6% having acute vertigo attacks.</p>
<p><img decoding="async" class="aligncenter" src="https://wwspt.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/BRAIN-FOG.jpg" alt="" /></p>
<p>Headaches and dizziness can also be associated with Brain fog.  What is “<strong>Brain fog</strong>”? it is not a medical condition. It&#8217;s a <strong>term</strong> used for certain <strong>symptoms</strong> that can affect your ability to think. You may feel confused or disorganized or find it hard to focus or put your thoughts into words. Brain fog is a common vestibular symptom and now is also being associated with post covid symptoms, your vestibular therapist can help!!</p>
<p>The article below gives more information about post covid symptoms and brain fog.</p>
<div><span id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT146_com_zimbra_url" class="Object" role="link"><a href="https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2021/05/06/992401123/if-your-brain-feels-foggy-and-youre-tired-all-the-time-youre-not-alone" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2021/05/06/992401123/if-your-brain-feels-foggy-and-youre-tired-all-the-time-youre-not-alone</a></span></div>
<div></div>
<div>Wendy Webb Schoenewald, Pt, OCS,</div>
<div>WWS Physical Therapy and VestibularRehabilitation</div>
<div>Doylestown, PA.</div>
<p>The post <a href="https://wwspt.com/brain-fog-is-now-being-associated-with-post-covid-19-symptoms/">“Brain Fog” is now being associated with post COVID-19 symptoms</a> appeared first on <a href="https://wwspt.com">WWSPT.Com</a>.</p>
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		<post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">3062</post-id>	</item>
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		<title>Eyes Glued to the Screen, and It Hurts. What Can I Do?</title>
		<link>https://wwspt.com/eyes-glued-to-the-screen-and-it-hurts-what-can-i-do/</link>
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		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Amanda Nguyen PT, DPT]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Fri, 18 Dec 2020 18:33:27 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Blog]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Deskercise]]></category>
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		<category><![CDATA[Eye Strain]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Health and Wellness]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[neck pain]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[orthopedic treatment]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[screen time]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Vestibular Rehabilitation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[virtual learning]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[vision]]></category>
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					<description><![CDATA[<p>Since the #COVID19 pandemic infected the world, we have certainly been living in the digital age with many of us either working from home or attending classes online. With the increased screen time, you may be experiencing more eye strain, fatigue, or even headaches which can make it more difficult to focus and complete your [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://wwspt.com/eyes-glued-to-the-screen-and-it-hurts-what-can-i-do/">Eyes Glued to the Screen, and It Hurts. What Can I Do?</a> appeared first on <a href="https://wwspt.com">WWSPT.Com</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Since the #COVID19 pandemic infected the world, we have certainly been living in the digital age with many of us either working from home or attending classes online. With the increased screen time, you may be experiencing more eye strain, fatigue, or even headaches which can make it more difficult to focus and complete your work. So what can you do to look at a screen for over 8 hours a day easier and less taxing on you and your brain?</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>There are many settings you can change on your computer to make it easy on your eyes. One of the easiest things you can change is the brightness of the screen to make it dimmer. You can also increase the font size to decrease the strain on your eyes. A bigger screen can even help with the eye strain. Many devices nowadays can be connected to your bigger monitors or TVs, making everything on the screen much bigger.</p>
<p><img decoding="async" class="aligncenter" src="https://wwspt.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Eye-strain.jpg" alt="" /></p>
<p>If the settings on the computer are not doing the job, you could invest in some blue light glasses. The blue tint of the glasses makes the screen less bright. There is also a free app called <strong><u>flux</u> </strong>that you can download that will add blue and yellow tints on your screen and dim the background depending on the time of day. The softer colors can ease the eye strain.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>The environment you are sitting in is an important factor too. If you are in a distracting environment, it may be more difficult to focus and then your eyes and brain are working harder than they should be. Find a quiet place in your house to work in, or consider noise-canceling headphones. Avoid sitting by the window to avoid any potential glare on the screen as well.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Taking breaks during the day is also important. Generally speaking, you should not be sitting for more than 20-30 minutes at a time. Get up and move your body to avoid stiffness and potential pain. Neck and low back pain are common injuries in people who sit for the majority of their day. The breaks will also help relieve the stress on your eyes and work on your brain to avoid potential headaches. There is a “20-20-20 Rule”; after 20 minutes of looking at the screen, take a 20-second break looking 20 feet away in front of you. This should help relieve some stress on your eyes and brain.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>If you are suffering from a concussion or have migraines, working and focusing on the computer can be very difficult. Many of these settings and accommodations may help you tolerate the screen a little better. However, these accommodations are not the only thing you need. Likely you will need some exercises to further improve your tolerance. So talk to your physical therapist if you need a little extra help.</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://wwspt.com/eyes-glued-to-the-screen-and-it-hurts-what-can-i-do/">Eyes Glued to the Screen, and It Hurts. What Can I Do?</a> appeared first on <a href="https://wwspt.com">WWSPT.Com</a>.</p>
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		<post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">2991</post-id>	</item>
		<item>
		<title>Vitamin D and Recurrence of BPPV</title>
		<link>https://wwspt.com/vitamin-d-and-recurrence-of-bppv/</link>
					<comments>https://wwspt.com/vitamin-d-and-recurrence-of-bppv/#respond</comments>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Jenna McLane PT, DPT]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Mon, 14 Dec 2020 17:46:16 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Blog]]></category>
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					<description><![CDATA[<p>Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) is a debilitating and frustrating condition that for those who suffer from it feels far from benign.  One of the most frequently asked questions we get is, “How can I prevent this from happening again?” &#160; Research suggests it may benefit our dizzy patients to start supplementing with calcium and [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://wwspt.com/vitamin-d-and-recurrence-of-bppv/">Vitamin D and Recurrence of BPPV</a> appeared first on <a href="https://wwspt.com">WWSPT.Com</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) is a debilitating and frustrating condition that for those who suffer from it feels far from benign.  One of the most frequently asked questions we get is, “How can I prevent this from happening again?”</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Research suggests it may benefit our dizzy patients to start supplementing with calcium and vitamin D.   In 2018, results from a randomized controlled trial found that those who were given supplements of calcium and #VitaminD experienced lower rates of recurrence of #BPPV than those who did not receive supplementation (Jeong and Kim, 2019).</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Literature suggests that impaired calcium metabolism is associated with BPPV. Patients with osteopenia and osteoporosis experience BPPV at greater rates than those with normal bone density.</p>
<p>BPPV is caused by displaced otoconia in the inner ear.  The otoconia themselves are made mostly of calcite crystals that require calcium to maintain their shape, health, and volume.  When they degrade due to decreased calcium uptake, they can crack, fracture, and become dislodged.</p>
<p><img decoding="async" class="aligncenter" src=" https://wwspt.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/ear_medium.jpg" alt="" /></p>
<p>Vitamin D assists in calcium uptake and is essential for maintaining blood calcium concentrations.  Individuals with reduced serum vitamin D levels experienced higher rates of BPPV than controls with normal serum vitamin D levels.  Researchers have also found a negative association between serum vitamin D levels and the biomarker for otolithic breakdown, meaning the higher serum vitamin D someone had less evidence for otoconia degeneration present.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>If you are experiencing BPPV you may want to discuss your own vitamin D levels and bone density with your primary care provider.  Before beginning any supplement, it is a good idea to discuss what dose is most appropriate for you given your health picture.  Data suggests 42% of Americans are Vitamin D deficient, with individuals with darker skin and people living in colder climates (hello PA!) at greater risk.</p>
<p><img decoding="async" class="aligncenter" src="https://wwspt.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Do-you-suffer-from-dizziness.jpg" alt="" /></p>
<p>The post <a href="https://wwspt.com/vitamin-d-and-recurrence-of-bppv/">Vitamin D and Recurrence of BPPV</a> appeared first on <a href="https://wwspt.com">WWSPT.Com</a>.</p>
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		<post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">2987</post-id>	</item>
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		<title>How Do You Know If You Have Vertigo?</title>
		<link>https://wwspt.com/how-do-you-know-if-you-have-vertigo/</link>
					<comments>https://wwspt.com/how-do-you-know-if-you-have-vertigo/#respond</comments>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Wendy Webb Schoenewald, PT, OCS]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Wed, 07 Oct 2020 15:38:05 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[balance]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Blog]]></category>
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		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://wwspt.com/?p=2882</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>People are often referred to my office for treatment with a medical diagnostic code of “dizziness and giddiness.” This is an old term used when we didn’t understand the vestibular system, but it has remained in the medical coding system. I find this diagnosis interesting because giddiness makes me think of someone laughing and happy, [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://wwspt.com/how-do-you-know-if-you-have-vertigo/">How Do You Know If You Have Vertigo?</a> appeared first on <a href="https://wwspt.com">WWSPT.Com</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>People are often referred to my office for treatment with a medical diagnostic code of “dizziness and giddiness.” This is an old term used when we didn’t understand the vestibular system, but it has remained in the medical coding system. I find this diagnosis interesting because giddiness makes me think of someone laughing and happy, but most of my patients with vertigo are not either of those things! They are struggling with dizziness throughout their day and are often frustrated and fearful.</p>
<p>People with vertigo describe many symptoms including dizziness, spinning, nausea, vomiting, migraines, loss of balance, difficulty walking, and mental fogginess. The balance center located in our inner ear, called the vestibular system, is essential to our body’s ability to function every day. Although it is small—the size of a peanut M&amp;M’s®—when it doesn’t work properly, it becomes a big problem. It can keep you from walking safely and thinking properly and can cause you to feel disoriented and sick.</p>
<p><img decoding="async" class="aligncenter" src="https://wwspt.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/BPPVanDizziness.jpg" alt="" /></p>
<p>The vestibular system’s job is to coordinate our brain and vision with our postural system. This sounds simple, but anyone who’s had a vestibular event knows that, when this system is disrupted, it makes it very difficult to see clearly or move your head quickly. It can cause disorientation so intense that it can knock you over when trying to get out of bed. Fortunately, the specialty of physical therapy known as vestibular rehabilitation can be effective in restoring balance to this tiny but powerful system. Most people referred to my office say they’ve never heard of vestibular rehabilitation, but two out of three people have had some kind of vestibular dysfunction and are aware that therapies can be helpful. According to the National Institutes of Health, about  15% of American adults, or 33 million people, had balance or dizziness problems in the past year. Often patients aren’t clearly diagnosed, so it is part of my role to look for the signs and symptoms of a vestibular problem. Due to the widespread effect that the vestibular system has on proper functioning and coordination, determining a proper diagnosis can be challenging.</p>
<p>The most common vestibular disorder—which accounts for a third of vertigo presentations to dizzy clinics and emergency rooms—is BPPV or Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo.  It is more common in adults but also presents in the younger population due to its relationship to migraine and concussion. BPPV affects the inner ear, causing spinning spells that typically last one minute or less and are provoked by a change in body or head positions like looking up to a top shelf or getting out of bed. In the inner ear, there are three structures called Semicircular Canals that sense rotational head movements. Calcium carbonate crystals sometimes get loose, and, when they find their way into these canals, they trigger a spinning sensation associated with nausea, vomiting, imbalance, and discomfort. This condition can be treated with maneuvers designed to put the crystals back into their proper location, such as the Epley maneuver. For more detailed information on BPPV, visit Http:// bit.ly/WWSPTFeb2016.</p>
<p><img decoding="async" class="aligncenter" src="https://wwspt.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Do-you-suffer-from-dizziness.jpg" alt="" /></p>
<p>Vestibular migraine is the second most common cause of dizziness. Patients with migraine can have associated vertigo occurring with a migraine headache, afterward, or even without a headache at all. About 12% of the population suffers from migraines, with a higher prevalence in women than men. About 10% of children experience migraines, but it is most common between the ages of 25 and 55. Vestibular migraine is often preceded by visual symptoms of aura, or warning, including neurological symptoms like sensitivity to light and sound, as well as nausea and imbalance.  Management of vestibular migraine includes being aware of what may trigger your migraine, drinking lots of fluids, and exercising regularly. BPPV can trigger a vestibular migraine but is also a common sequela of a migraine attack. Learn more about vestibular migraine at <a href="http://bit.ly/WWSPTOct2018">http://bit.ly/WWSPTOct2018.</a></p>
<p>Ménière’s disease is a well-known disorder that can cause spells of disabling vertigo and is commonly associated with hearing loss. It is thought to be a fluid imbalance problem in the inner ear, causing vertigo symptoms lasting a full day that become more disabling with each attack. The mechanism of Ménière’s is not clear, but the attack can occur frequently without a specific trigger, making it more difficult to manage.</p>
<p>Vestibular neuronitis, also called labyrinthitis, is an acute disorder of the inner ear caused by a  virus attacking the inner ear and reducing input to your brain, which causes severe and sudden onset of dizziness and imbalance. Some patients also have associated hearing loss. Often these patients cannot get out of bed for 1 to 2 days and have symptoms of nausea, vomiting, and imbalance. In this disorder, there is damage to the vestibular nerve, so recovery can take between 3 and 12 weeks depending on the severity. The research shows that starting vestibular rehabilitation as early as possible facilitates a faster recovery.</p>
<p>The impact of vestibular disorders on a person’s lifestyle is considerable. They cause a significant interruption of daily activities and an increased need for medical leave from work. Most vestibular patients see 3 to 4 physicians before being properly diagnosed, affecting patients fiscally as well. Vestibular disorders are shown to impact mood, causing increased depression and anxiety. They affect cognitive status because patients are working harder to function which leads to difficulties in spatial memory and attention or “brain fog.”</p>
<p>The team of professionals at  WWSPT is committed to the proper evaluation and diagnosis of patients with vestibular dysfunction. This helps us utilize the appropriate strategies and treatment to return you to a more active, healthy lifestyle. If you’re dizzy, please give us a call today so we can help you on the road to recovery.</p>
<p><em>Wendy Webb Schoenewald, PT, OCS<br />
WWS Physical Therapy &amp; Vestibular Rehabilitation<br />
1456 Ferry Road, Suite 601<br />
</em><em>Doylestown, Pennsylvania</em></p>
<p><em> </em>215.489.3234</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://wwspt.com/how-do-you-know-if-you-have-vertigo/">How Do You Know If You Have Vertigo?</a> appeared first on <a href="https://wwspt.com">WWSPT.Com</a>.</p>
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		<post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">2882</post-id>	</item>
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		<title>Balance and Aging</title>
		<link>https://wwspt.com/balance-and-aging/</link>
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		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Wendy Webb Schoenewald, PT, OCS]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Sat, 19 Sep 2020 16:40:03 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[balance]]></category>
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		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://wwspt.com/?p=2859</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>WHY ARE SENIORS AT HIGHER RISK FOR FALLS? Dizziness can happen at any age, but if it results in falling it can be a serious health concern, particularly in older adults. Studies show that you can take action to reduce dizziness and your risk of falling. Begin by talking with your health care providers to [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://wwspt.com/balance-and-aging/">Balance and Aging</a> appeared first on <a href="https://wwspt.com">WWSPT.Com</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<h2>WHY ARE SENIORS AT HIGHER RISK FOR FALLS?</h2>
<p>Dizziness can happen at any age, but if it results in falling it can be a serious health concern, particularly in older adults.</p>
<p>Studies show that you can take action to reduce dizziness and your risk of falling. Begin by talking with your health care providers to explore medical issues that may be contributing to your symptoms, and exercise to improve your balance and strength.</p>
<h3>How Do We Maintain Balance?</h3>
<p>Normal balance is dependent on many factors, including multiple systems of the body, as well as external and environmental factors.</p>
<p>The body has three primary sensory systems that work together to create postural stability. With normal brain function, the vestibular system of the inner ear coordinates with the visual system and proprioceptors that sense the position and movement of your body in space. These three systems work together while we perform simple tasks, such as standing and walking, or more complex and dynamic activities, such as yoga or hitting a golf ball accurately.</p>
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-2262" src="https://wwspt.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/Balance-senior.jpg" alt="" width="900" height="572" srcset="https://wwspt.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/Balance-senior.jpg 900w, https://wwspt.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/Balance-senior-300x191.jpg 300w, https://wwspt.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/Balance-senior-768x488.jpg 768w, https://wwspt.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/Balance-senior-250x159.jpg 250w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px" /></p>
<h3>What Causes Dizziness &amp; Imbalance As We Age?</h3>
<ul>
<li>Impaired Inner Ear Function</li>
<li>Cardiovascular Health</li>
<li>Neurological Disease</li>
<li>Arthritis</li>
<li>Mental Status</li>
<li>Nutrition</li>
<li>Impaired Vision</li>
<li>Lifestyle and Environmental Factors</li>
</ul>
<h3>How Does the Inner Ear Create Symptoms?</h3>
<p>The inner ear is a complex structure of fluid-filled tubes and chambers. Specialized nerve endings inside these structures sense the position and movement of the head and detect the direction of gravity. Signals sent from the nerves of the vestibular system are critically important to the brain’s ability to control balance in standing and walking. They also control movements of the eyes that make it possible to see clearly while moving.</p>
<p>Anatomical studies have shown that the number of nerve cells in the vestibular system decreases after about age 55. Blood flow to the inner ear also decreases with age. When the vestibular system is damaged, an individual may experience dizziness and balance problems. However, the gradual, age-related loss of vestibular nerve endings can result in balance problems without any associated dizziness. This type of slow loss of vestibular function may be first noticed as difficulty walking or standing, especially in the dark while on soft or uneven surfaces (such as thick carpet or a forest path).</p>
<p>A decline in inner ear function may be caused by a number of conditions, including normal aging, benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), infection, Meniere’s disease, or diminished blood flow to specialized nerve cells. Additionally, certain medications such as some antibiotics for severe infections and chemotherapy may damage the inner ear, resulting in temporary or permanent hearing loss, impaired balance, and trouble seeing clearly while in motion. Feelings of dizziness, vertigo, imbalance, and disequilibrium may indicate that the inner ear is not functioning correctly.</p>
<p>Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) is the most common vestibular disorder in older adults and causes a sense of true spinning vertigo triggered by a change of position of the head or body. With this condition the spinning can be triggered by things like tipping your head up or down, quickly rotating your head, bending over, rolling over in bed, or getting in and out of bed. BPPV is a mechanical disorder that occurs when debris, called otoconia, loosen and tumble into the semicircular canals of the inner ear. This event causes false signals to the brain triggering a brief sense of vertigo. The spinning lasts less than a minute and can provoke nausea, vomiting, and imbalance. BPPV can be effectively treated by a Vestibular Physical Therapist with specialized training by using proven techniques, such as the Epley maneuver or canal repositioning techniques, which help return the otoconia to their correct position in the inner ear.</p>
<p>Labyrinthitis is an infection or inflammation of the inner ear that causes severe vertigo lasting 1-2 days, hearing loss, and severe imbalance that can affect walking. Neuronitis is a similar disorder causing vertigo, but it does not affect hearing. Both can be triggered by an upper respiratory infection, virus or flu, or can occur with no obvious cause.</p>
<p>Meniere’s disease causes similar symptoms, including periodic episodes of vertigo, dizziness, and hearing loss. It is thought to be a result of an excess amount of fluid, called endolymph, collecting in the inner ear.</p>
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-2741" src="https://wwspt.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Vestibular-System-small.jpg" alt="" width="900" height="706" srcset="https://wwspt.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Vestibular-System-small.jpg 900w, https://wwspt.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Vestibular-System-small-300x235.jpg 300w, https://wwspt.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Vestibular-System-small-768x602.jpg 768w, https://wwspt.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Vestibular-System-small-250x196.jpg 250w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px" /></p>
<h3>Neurological Diseases – Healthy Brain</h3>
<p>Normal orientation also relies on healthy brain function to process, adapt, and interpret changing sensory information from the vestibular system, vision, and body input. The brain must process this information to select appropriate balancing strategies and learn new strategies necessary for changing environments. There are many disorders, such as stroke, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s Disease, concussion, and dementia, that interfere with brain function resulting in slower and inaccurate balance reactions. Cognitive deficits are often associated with balance problems, demonstrating the complex nature of performing dynamic balance tasks.</p>
<p>As you can see, balance is very complex and there are a variety of conditions that can put a person at risk of falling. See VeDA’s article Balance and Falls in Older Adults for more information.</p>
<p>Some people may believe feeling off-balance or having dizziness is an unavoidable consequence of aging. Here’s the good news: with proper diagnosis, many of the causes that result in imbalance, dizziness, or falls can be treated or diminished with lifestyle changes.</p>
<p>Start by having a thorough assessment by your primary physician at least once a year. Tell them if you are experiencing dizziness, lightheadedness, vertigo, imbalance, or have suffered a fall. There may be multiple health issues and medication interactions contributing to symptoms of dizziness and imbalance. Making an accurate diagnosis to determine the source of the symptoms may be a complicated task for your physician, and they may refer you to a specialist.</p>
<p>The physician should include checking for specific muscle weakness in the legs and feet or a decline in sensation, which can indicate a need for strengthening or specific footwear.<br />
If you are experiencing dizziness with specific head movements or sitting up in bed you should be screened for BPPV. If your physician concludes that your vestibular, visual, or sensory systems are creating a risk of falling, s/he will refer you to a certified vestibular therapist who specializes in Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT). Studies have shown that VRT can help improve balance, decrease dizziness, and decrease fall risk. A vestibular therapist is a physical therapist with specific training in the assessment of balance deficits and inner ear disorders. Exercises provided by a vestibular therapist will be based on the functional impairments that are measured in the therapist’s evaluation of the vestibular and balance systems. The exercises are designed to reduce dizziness associated with movement and improve visual clarity, balance reactions, joint mobility, and strength to decrease fall risk. (See VeDA’s article about Vestibular Rehabilitation.)</p>
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-1865" src="https://wwspt.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/BPPVanDizziness.jpg" alt="" width="752" height="503" srcset="https://wwspt.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/BPPVanDizziness.jpg 550w, https://wwspt.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/BPPVanDizziness-300x201.jpg 300w, https://wwspt.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/BPPVanDizziness-250x167.jpg 250w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 752px) 100vw, 752px" /></p>
<p>It&#8217;s essential that you see your eye doctor and make sure your glasses are the correct prescription. If you have bifocal or progressive lenses, you may want to get a pair of glasses with only your distance prescription for outdoor activities, such as walking. Sometimes progressive lenses can make things seem closer or farther away than they really are, which is especially risky when walking down steps or slopes.</p>
<p>It is also important to be screened for diabetes, cataracts, macular degeneration, or neuropathy.</p>
<p>You can also make lifestyle choices that have been shown to improve balance and facilitate good health as we age.</p>
<p>First, it is important to have adequate nutrition, which includes a balanced diet of fruits, vegetables, protein, and low sugar foods. You should also include supplements of Vitamin D 880 IU with calcium to strengthen the bone and reduce the risk of fractures (CDC, Shahar 2009).</p>
<p>Second, it has been shown that staying active and exercising can reduce fall risk in the elderly (Shubert 2011). In community-dwelling adults, a progressive exercise program with a moderate to a high level of balance exercises and cardiovascular conditioning has been shown to be an effective way to reduce falls. Exercise programs may include standing squats, single-leg standing, toe, and heel raises, tandem stance or walking, hip and knee strengthening, walking tasks, and high-level balance tasks such as reaching, turning, and stair-stepping. Tai chi is a form of exercise involving low impact dynamic movements of the arms and legs with reaching and turning, and movement of the torso in repetitive patterns. It not only benefits the body but also is cognitively challenging.</p>
<p>Walking is a beneficial form of exercise, especially when the additional emphasis is placed on increasing stride and speed of steps, which studies have shown to reduce falls in older adults.</p>
<p>Another easy step in reducing falls is to make changes to your home creating a safer environment.</p>
<p>Authors: By Wendy Webb Schoenewald PT, OCS and Viviann C. Bailey MSPT</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://wwspt.com/balance-and-aging/">Balance and Aging</a> appeared first on <a href="https://wwspt.com">WWSPT.Com</a>.</p>
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		<title>Step-2-Balance: Use Your Head!</title>
		<link>https://wwspt.com/step-2-balance-use-your-head/</link>
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		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Kelsey Krebs Hanlon, PT, DPT]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Fri, 22 May 2020 15:48:38 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[balance]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Blog]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[COVID-19]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Exercise]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[falls]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[VeDa]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[vestibular disorders]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Vestibular Rehabilitation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[VR]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[WWS Physical Therapy and Vestibular Rehabilitation]]></category>
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					<description><![CDATA[<p>National Balance Week Continues! As many of us have become less active, or even sedentary during this quarantine time, our balance may suffer. This can occur from a number of different factors, including decreased muscle strength, poor endurance, and a lack of input to the vestibular system. The vestibular system is a major balance center [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://wwspt.com/step-2-balance-use-your-head/">Step-2-Balance: Use Your Head!</a> appeared first on <a href="https://wwspt.com">WWSPT.Com</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><strong>National Balance Week</strong> Continues! As many of us have become less active, or even sedentary during this quarantine time, our balance may suffer. This can occur from a number of different factors, including decreased muscle strength, poor endurance, and a lack of input to the vestibular system.</p>
<p>The vestibular system is a major balance center located in our inner ear, and it helps us maintain balance when our head is moving. For people with previous problems with their vestibular system (for example, a person with a previous diagnosis of labyrinthitis or vestibular neuronitis), a period of inactivity can lead to a potential relapse in their dizziness and imbalance symptoms. This is referred to as a decompensation event, whereas no additional damage to the vestibular system has occurred, but the person has lost some of the functional compensation they have developed to control their symptoms. Decompensation can occur after illness, bed rest, surgery, or any other period of inactivity (including quarantine!).</p>
<p><img decoding="async" src="https://wwspt.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Vestibular-System-small.jpg" alt="" /></p>
<p>Even for those of us who do not have a history of the vestibular deficit, if we have not been moving our heads frequently for a period of weeks to months, our vestibular system can become &#8220;lazy.&#8221; When this happens, head movements that were previously non-provoking can cause imbalance, and in some cases, dizziness.</p>
<p>A simple way to stimulate your vestibular system and work on your balance is to move your head. Start by sitting, and move your head side to side as far as you can 5-10 times at a pace of ½ rotation (L to R or R to L) per second. Then stop and see how you feel. You should not be dizzy or your dizziness should settle to baseline in &lt; 5 seconds. Repeat looking up and down.</p>
<p>If you find that this is easy, you can progress to standing near a counter or solid surface that you would feel comfortable grabbing should you lose your balance. Start with your feet shoulder-width apart, and slowly move them closer together as able until they are touching. From there you can progress to a semi-tandem stance, and eventually a tandem stance. An even bigger challenge would be to perform with your eyes closed.</p>
<p><img decoding="async" src="https://wwspt.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Walk-and-Turn-Vestibular.jpg" alt="" /></p>
<p>One of the most functional vestibular tasks that you can perform is to walk while moving your head. Imbalance during this skill leads to difficulty with daily tasks such as turning your head when something distracts you while you are walking (such as when you see something out of the corner of your eye, or when someone calls your name unexpectedly), or difficulty navigating the supermarket and other stores.</p>
<p>To stimulate your vestibular system and practice this skill, begin in a hallway so that you could grab onto either wall if you lose your balance. Make sure that there are no tripping hazards (throw rugs, pets, obstacles, etc) in the hallway as you will not be looking at your feet. Begin walking at a slow to a normal pace and turn your head fully to the right. Walk for 3 steps, keeping your head turned to the right, and then rotate your head to the left, walk for 3 steps and return to the right. Repeat until you get down the hallway. You will want to try left and right for approximately 1 minute, before switching to up and down. It is important to maintain your head turn during walking and to make sure you wait for 3 full steps to turn your head. Turning your head too quickly is not functional and can result in dizziness.</p>
<p>If you are noticing that you are having increased balance deficits, feel free to reach out to <a href="https://wwspt.com/contact">WWS Physical Therapy</a> for a consultation. It is never too early or too late to improve balance!</p>
<p>Kelsey Hanlon. PT, DPT</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://wwspt.com/step-2-balance-use-your-head/">Step-2-Balance: Use Your Head!</a> appeared first on <a href="https://wwspt.com">WWSPT.Com</a>.</p>
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