Patient Success
“Center of Medical Arts (CMA) is an incredible physical therapy and wellness office. Due to a chronic condition, I have been a patient in the office for more than a year. I truly don’t know if I would be able to walk at this point were it not for their excellent PT and patience with me.
I have come to know the staff not just as professionals, but as part of my healing community & family. Each one of them brings their unique talents and abilities to my treatment, and I am so grateful for them. I appreciate how they draw a balance between being my strength & motivation and being kind & supportive as I continue my physical therapy journey and healing.
In addition to my treatment, it has been heartwarming and affirming to see other (less chronic) patients in passing as they progress and heal. CMA offers not only exemplary practitioners but also knowledgeable staff that are genuinely kind and so very helpful. The office is lovely, clean, bright, and conveniently located for my life. I cannot recommend them highly enough.”
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Your feedback helps others feel confident choosing CMA for their recovery journey.
What It Is, What It Feels Like,
and What Causes It
Many people use the terms “vertigo” and “dizziness” interchangeably, but vertigo is a specific type of dizziness. Dizziness can refer to a range of sensations: wooziness, lightheadedness, etc. Vertigo refers to a particular sensation in which you feel like you or the space you’re in is spinning.
Vertigo and the Vestibular System
Vertigo is closely associated with your vestibular system, which is located in your inner ear (the peripheral vestibular system) and in your cerebellum (the central vestibular system). Most people with vertigo have an impairment in the peripheral vestibular system: the structures and canals of the inner ear.
Common Causes of Peripheral Vertigo
BPPVBenign Positional Paroxysmal Vertigo (BPPV) is the most common source of vertigo and occurs when tiny crystals build up in the inner ear canal. |
Meniere’s DiseaseResults from fluid buildup in the inner ear and may cause hearing loss, muffled hearing, tinnitus, and a feeling of fullness in the ear. |
LabyrinthitisAn inner ear inflammation that develops as a result of an infection. |
Central Vertigo
It’s important to remember that vertigo isn’t really a condition in and of itself — it’s a symptom. If you can’t find an obvious inner ear issue that could be causing your vertigo, you may have central vertigo, which is rooted in your cerebellum.
Conditions that may contribute to central vertigo include:
- Stroke
- Migraines
- Vascular disease
- Traumatic brain injury
Our physical therapists will work with you and other providers, if needed, to determine the exact root of your vertigo attacks.
Physical Therapy’s Role in Treating Vertigo
Many people are surprised that physical therapy is a standard treatment for vertigo, but it’s true, especially if you have peripheral vertigo.
Specialized exercises including relaxation techniques and gaze stabilization exercises.
Effective for BPPV by helping dislodge the crystals causing symptoms.
Exercises designed to challenge and improve balance while reducing fall risk.
Targeted strengthening to improve stability, particularly through the core muscles.
Learn to identify triggers, manage symptoms, and confidently navigate daily activities.
Use Your Benefits Before They Reset
If you’ve already met your deductible or are close to meeting it, now is the perfect time to take advantage of your remaining physical therapy benefits before they reset.
Many patients delay treatment until discomfort becomes impossible to ignore. By scheduling care now, you may be able to maximize the insurance benefits you’ve already paid for while addressing pain, mobility limitations, balance concerns, dizziness, and other musculoskeletal issues before the new year begins.
Why Schedule Before Year-End?
- Your deductible may already be satisfied
- Unused therapy benefits often do not roll over
- Address pain and mobility concerns sooner
- Continue progress without interruption
Schedule Early
Appointment availability often becomes limited toward the end of the year as patients rush to use their remaining benefits. Contact our team today to reserve your preferred appointment time and make the most of your coverage before it resets.
An In-Depth Look at
Vestibular Rehabilitation
If you’re suffering from vertigo, you may have heard you could benefit from vestibular rehabilitation. But what is that, exactly? Let’s break it down.
Vestibular rehab focuses on addressing impairments in your vestibular system, which controls your body’s sense of balance and proprioception (awareness of itself in space). It mainly focuses on issues in your peripheral vestibular system, the structures and labyrinths in your inner ear that help keep you steady.
Like any good physical therapy program, a good vestibular rehabilitation program is designed around your symptoms, condition, and overall goals. The Center of Medical Arts physical therapists will work closely with you to create your own customized plan.
What Will We Include in a Vestibular Rehabilitation Program?
The aims of vestibular rehab are three-fold. We want to help you:
|
⚖️
Improve Your Balance |
👁️
Improve Gaze Stability |
🌀
Reduce Vertigo Attacks |
What You Can Expect
To accomplish these goals, we’ll pull from a blend of targeted vestibular exercises. These activities may not look like traditional physical therapy, but they’re proven techniques that help manage vertigo and dizziness symptoms related to vestibular disorders.
Habituation ExercisesWe’ll help you identify movements that trigger a vertigo attack and then safely perform those movements in a monitored environment. Over time, your symptoms can decrease. |
Relaxation ExercisesWe’ll show you techniques that help calm your body and manage symptoms when a vertigo attack occurs. |
Vision ExercisesVision and vertigo often go hand in hand. By improving gaze stabilization and visual tracking, we can help reduce vertigo attacks. |
Postural ExercisesThese exercises challenge your visual, sensory, and vestibular systems to improve balance and reduce fall risk. |
Think You Might Benefit From Vestibular Rehabilitation?
Our team can determine whether vestibular rehabilitation is right for you and develop a customized treatment plan designed around your symptoms and goals.
Schedule Your ConsultationSay Goodbye to Vertigo. Call The Center of Medical Arts Today!
Although it’s not life-threatening, vertigo can profoundly impact your overall quality of life. Many people with frequent vertigo are less likely to go out or participate in their favorite recreational activities for fear of an ill-timed attack. But our physical therapists can help control — and sometimes even resolve — your vertigo, ensuring you live a rich, active life.
Ready to learn more? Call to schedule an appointment today.
Exercise Tip of the Month
One Leg Balance
Stand with your hands on the back of a chair, countertop, or wall for support. Slowly lift one foot so your weight is on the opposite leg. Keep your posture tall and steady. Hold for 20–30 seconds and gradually increase time as your balance improves.
Complete 2 Sets, 1 Rep (Each Side).
Materials needed: chair.
Exercise Tracker
Curtis Steen
Curtis Steen brings more than 14 years of experience in massage therapy and personal training to the CMA team. His diverse background allows him to combine movement, strength, recovery, and hands-on care to help patients achieve meaningful results.
As a Physical Therapy Assistant, Curtis works closely with our therapists while incorporating his extensive massage therapy expertise to support each patient’s unique goals and recovery journey. His patient-centered approach helps individuals improve mobility, reduce discomfort, and regain confidence in their everyday activities.
Curtis is passionate about helping people move and feel their best. Whether assisting with rehabilitation exercises, providing manual therapy techniques, or encouraging patients through their recovery process, he brings energy, knowledge, and compassion to every session.
Kayaking and Paddleboarding with a Healthy Twist
For a safe and body-friendly kayaking or paddleboarding experience, keep these practical strategies in mind:
🛶 Mindful Paddling
Prioritize good posture and technique. Engage your core, maintain a straight back, and use your legs to generate power. This distributes the effort evenly, reducing strain on your shoulders and back. Using proper form enhances your performance and safeguards against overuse injuries.
💪 Full-Body Effort
Think of kayaking and paddleboarding as whole-body workouts. Involve your legs, core, and back in every stroke, not just your arms. This balanced approach lessens the risk of muscle imbalances and discomfort.
High-Protein Chicken & Arugula Power Bowl
Packed with lean protein, healthy fats, and nutrient-dense greens, this Chicken & Arugula Power Bowl is a satisfying lunch that supports muscle recovery, sustained energy, and overall wellness.
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 8 oz each)
- 4 cups fresh arugula
- 1 avocado, sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cucumber, diced
- 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Season chicken with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Cook chicken in a skillet over medium-high heat for 5–6 minutes per side, or until fully cooked.
- Allow chicken to rest for 5 minutes, then slice.
- Divide arugula between two bowls.
- Top with tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, avocado, and feta cheese.
- Arrange sliced chicken over the vegetables.
- Whisk together olive oil and lemon juice, then drizzle over the bowls.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
