Dizziness and Balance
The human body utilizes three systems to maintain balance:
1. The visual system (our eyes)
2. The vestibular system (deep within our ears)
3. The somatosensory system (sensors embedded in our muscles and joints).
When all three of these systems are functioning the way they are supposed to, the brain and nervous system create an accurate internal “picture” or awareness of where and how our body is oriented relative to the world around us. The brain (particularly the thalamus) is our body’s “grand central station” where all of this complex information is processed so an output can be generated.
Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) is one of the most common reasons for dizziness and vertigo.
BPPV occurs when tiny crystals in the vestibular system (called otoconia) get displaced and send incorrect signals to the brain. This information causes a "mismatch" with your other systems and can make you feel extremely dizzy and sometimes sick.
For most, this condition can be fixed in one or two sessions if the problematic ear and vestibular canal is diagnosed.
The therapists at Alpenstrong have advanced training in screening each individual system (including neuro-muscular, vestibular, visual, and cardiovascular systems) to determine which systems are functioning correctly and which ones may need to be “up-trained” to return to full functioning.
If you’re having difficulty with balance, or feel like you just don’t have the “edge” you once did, give us a call or use the "Contact Us" form below to schedule a balance screen. We’ll help you determine which system needs a little extra attention, and we’ll design a customized, individual training plan to help you restore your systems to full functioning