Movement for Life - Vertigo

by Lauren Walker

Would you believe I had my very first experience with vertigo when I was thirty and again five years ago. No, this isn’t just an age related problem but it can be scary, if you’ve never experienced it before. I worked with a client today and, she is currently having to manage symptoms for the first time. At 75, it was obvious she was feeling uneasy. Exercise is an important help to manage symptoms but where do you start?

Take a Moment

There are varying levels of vertigo and some people experience dizziness, nausea and lightheadedness. I had a hard time driving and couldn’t even look down to do my dishes. Its very disorienting, and can induce a panic response. It’s important to remain calm and sitting is the safest position to be in. I had my client seated and encouraged her to do some deep breathing. It allowed her to calm down.

Take it Slow

At the very worst of my experience, I couldn’t get up out of a chair. I used to sit on the stationary bike at work, and keep my head still, peddling slowly. It was all I could do at the time. Today, I had my client seated in a chair and took her through a seated exercise routine. I wanted her to take a rest in between, in order to assess the response to movement.

I discourage abrupt head movement and avoid movements which require you being in a laying position. These particular movements always made me feel worse, during exercise. It took me almost a year to feel back to normal, and exercise was an integral part.

I encourage those who experience vertigo to see a physiotherapist, to conduct specific maneuvers to aid in handling its symptoms.

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