Issue link: https://viewer.e-digitaledition.com/i/716043
LOSING YOUR BALANCE AND NOT SURE WHY? IT MAY HAVE EVERYTHING TO DO WITH YOUR EARS. DIZZINESS DIZZINESS DIZZINESS DIZZINESS DIZZINESS DIZZINESS DIZZINESS DIZZINESS DIZZINESS DIZZINESS DIZZINESS DIZZINESS DIZZINESS DIZZINESS DIZZINESS DIZZINESS DIZZINESS DIZZINESS DIZZINESS DIZZINESS Needs to Go THE EAR DOES MORE than hear—the inner part of the ear, known as the vestibular system, controls balance and eye movements. When anything impedes this process, you may feel dizzy and spatially disoriented, and perhaps anxious about moving safely from points A to B. That is why Shannon Radle, DPT, physical therapist for HSHS Sacred Heart and St. Joseph's Centers for Rehabilitation Services is certified in treating vestibular disorders. VAMOOSE, VERTIGO The number one complaint made by the aging population is related to balance problems, and Radle says the vestibular system is a likely culprit. "Up to 50 percent of people over age 70 will experience the most common vestibular disorder, known as Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo—BPPV for short. This disorder happens when calcium crystals collect in your inner ear canals, resulting in mixed communication signals between your brain and ear," Radle says. "What people don't know is that BPPV can be treated in as few as three physical therapy sessions." VESTIBULAR REHAB PROGRAM "The program begins with an initial evaluation to determine the cause of vertigo. The NeuroCom ® equipment shows us how you perform daily tasks," Radle says. "This gives us insight into the physical therapy exercises that you need to do to improve your functional health." You are then given a researched exercise plan designed to improve your vestibular condition. FIND A NEW NORMAL "People think dizziness is a standard part of aging, but it isn't," Radle says. "We can accurately diagnose you and help you better manage your symptoms, in some cases making your symptoms completely disappear. And if we cannot get a good read on the situation, we refer you to an otolaryngologist." Life is about movement, but this condition limits activity. That's why we care so much about treating vestibular disorders. Call 715.717.4338 and ask more about our vestibular rehabilitation program and next steps you can take. Vestibular rehabilitation is available in Eau Claire and Chippewa Falls. Rethink Your Bathroom Setup "To prevent falls in the bathroom, discard throw rugs and place rubber bath mats in your tub or shower," says Barbara Haag, OTR, occupational therapist with HSHS Sacred Heart and St. Joseph's Centers for Rehabilitation Services in Eau Claire. "Install night-lights, a handheld showerhead, and grab bars in the shower and near the toilet." Take advantage of the free balance and fall risk screenings offered monthly by the Center for Rehabilitation Services. "Falls don't have to be commonplace, not when you have a Falls Prevention Program setup with physical therapists to assess strength and balance, pharmacists to assess your medications, and occupational therapists to assess your movements and home setup," Haag says. Join us this month for a free screening test. Call 715.717.4338 to find out more details about our Falls Prevention Program. 1 4 I N S P I R I N G H E A LT H