Movement and exercise are two words that can be really triggering for people with chronic illnesses. You may have heard someone say to you “just exercise, you’ll feel better,” but when we take that advice from our doctors the opposite effect might happen. More often than not, picking up a new exercise routine can actually make you feel worse if your symptoms and current state of chronic illness is not considered first and foremost. Exercise CAN be used to your advantage, and you can absolutely reduce your sensitivity to movement, reduce the number of attacks you have, raise your threshold, and improve your quality of life through movement if you approach it with very specific intentions. Today we’ll talk about how and what kind of movement benefits people with vestibular dysfunction.

In this episode of the ICU ("I See You") podcast, hosts Cynthia Ryan (VeDA Executive Director) and Kimberly Warner (Unfixed Media Founder & Director) discuss the challenges around movement for vestibular patients. They invite Physical Therapist Dr. Madison Oak and vestibular patient Stephanie B. Looney to discuss this topic, bringing together the patient and healthcare provider perspectives.

This podcast is a co-production of the Vestibular Disorders Association (VeDA) and Unfixed Media.

About the Guests

Stephanie B. Looney is a 50 year old retired Physician Assistant (PA-C) who worked in the field of dermatology and is a mother of two teenagers. 10 years ago my husband and she visited NYC and while there she experienced a choking episode that changed the course of my life. Three days later, she was in the emergency room with head pain, nausea, and extreme dizziness. After being evaluated and misdiagnosed for over a year, she was eventually diagnosed with vestibular migraine and PPPD. Her vestibular journey has included countless procedures, numerous medications, and therapies to try to improve my symptoms.  She has wrestled with my chronic disorders both physically and psychologically, learning along the way that self-compassion and the support of others is a key part of the treatment plan.  In the last year and a half she has worked with Dr. Madison Oak, The Vertigo Doctor, who taught her the importance of movement, no matter how small, and its positive impact on the vestibular system.  Today she deals with chronic dizziness and weekly migraine attacks while trying to live a fulfilled and meaningful life.  Her life looks different now compared to before my diagnosis; however, she has learned to embrace helpful accommodations and know that she is more than just her vestibular disorder.

Dr. Madison Oak is a physical therapist who specializes in treatment of Vestibular Migraine, Persistent Postural Perceptual Dizziness, and other vestibular disorders. Madison is the founder of Vestibular Group Fit, @thevertigodoctor, and Oak Physical Therapy & Wellness. Madison strives to provide excellent, evidence based, vestibular resources that are thorough, helpful, and actually make sense to people who have vestibular disorders.

Migraine and dizziness disorders affect SO many people in the US and the world. Madison’s journey began when she was working in an NYC outpatient Physical Therapy clinic. The day she saw an incredibly nervous, acutely dizzy, Manhattan bus driver, followed by a chronically dizzy concierge home visit patient, she realized that many people who need vestibular care cannot always access the care they need. There is not enough information about dizziness, why we get dizzy, and how to treat dizziness. It’s simple, but it feels so scary and complex when you’re actually dizzy. So, she started @TheVertigoDoctor on Instagram, a telehealth clinic in 8 states addressing only vestibular disorders, and Vestibular Group Fit. Between these three, there are accessible resources for all of those who live with vestibular disorders no matter your specific situation!