Big Fist Bump for Cervicogenic Dizziness Manual Therapy Evidence
It is well known now through high level evidence that seeing a physical therapist is the correct approach to managing Cervicogenic Dizziness. In fact, it can be said with confidence that Manual Therapy, such as joint mobilization/manipulation and soft tissue mobilization/manipulation to the cervical spine, is the best way to treat symptoms associated Cervicogenic Dizziness.
Yaseen et al 2018 (a systematic review) reiterated the results from Reid et al 2005 (a previous systematic review) and even bumped up the "level" of evidence to Level 2. Having consistent results over a decade and even "higher evidence" through greater methodological studies is very solid research approach in the musculoskeletal field.
One of the reasons the level of evidence was bumped up from the systematic reviews in 2005 to 2018 was due to Susan Reid's work on use of passive joint mobilization (Maitland) and SNAGs (Mulligan) for the management of Cervicogenic Dizziness. Her team has published quality, high-methodological studies with even long-term results on the results of Cervicogenic Dizziness management.
Basically this translates to a very solid fist bump researchers and clinicians! As a matter of fact, I can't seem to name any other diagnosis that responds as confidently to manual therapy in the field of physical therapy.
What do you think of the consistent improvement in research for manual therapy in this field? It seems to be improving while other diagnosis are expressing less manual therapy and more exercise. We would love to hear your thoughts!
You can learn more about the screening and treatment process of Cervicogenic Dizzinesss through Integrative Clinical Concepts, where the authors (husband–a manual therapist a wife—a vestibular specialist), teach a very unique course combining both the theory and practice of vestibular and manual principles in their 2-day course. Pertinent to this blog post, the 2nd day includes the “Physio Blend”, a multi-faceted physiotherapist approach to the management of Cervicogenic Dizziness, which includes treatments of the articular and non-articular system of manual therapy and the most updated sensorimotor exercise regimen.
If you would like to host a course for your staff (either a vestibular, neuro, sports or ortho clinic), please do not hesitate to contact me at harrisonvaughanpt@gmail.com for more information.
AUTHORS
Harrison N. Vaughan, PT, DPT, OCS, Dip. Osteopracic, FAAOMPT
Instructor: Cervicogenic Dizziness for Integrative Clinical Concepts
Danielle N. Vaughan, PT, DPT, Vestibular Specialist
Instructor: Cervicogenic Dizziness for Integrative Clinical Concepts