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Vertigo & Balance Disorder Treatment in La Crosse
Dizziness and vertigo are disorienting, disruptive, and often frightening — but they are highly treatable with the right specialist.
Vertigo and balance disorders are among the most underdiagnosed and undertreated conditions in physical therapy — and among the most rewarding to treat. The right evaluation and the right technique can resolve BPPV (the most common cause of vertigo) in a single session.
Dr. Marci Skemp has advanced training in vestibular rehabilitation and has helped hundreds of patients in the La Crosse and Onalaska region regain their stability, their confidence, and their ability to move through the world without fear.
What Is Vertigo & Balance Disorders?
The vestibular system — located in the inner ear — is responsible for detecting head movement and sending signals to the brain that help control balance and eye movement. When this system is disrupted, the result is dizziness, vertigo (the spinning sensation), unsteadiness, or a feeling that the world is moving when it isn't.
Vestibular dysfunction can be caused by a single event (like BPPV or labyrinthitis), progressive conditions (vestibular neuritis, Meniere's disease), or central nervous system issues. Accurate diagnosis determines which rehabilitation approach is appropriate.
Symptoms & Signs
Contributing Factors
The most common cause of vertigo is BPPV (Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo) — displaced calcium crystals in the inner ear that send false movement signals to the brain. It is entirely mechanical and responds very well to specific repositioning techniques.
Other causes include vestibular neuritis, labyrinthitis, Meniere's disease, acoustic neuroma, central vestibular dysfunction (brainstem or cerebellum), age-related balance decline, and concussion-related vestibular dysfunction.
How We Treat It at
Dynamic Performance and Therapy
Canalith Repositioning (Epley Maneuver & Variants)
The gold-standard treatment for BPPV — a specific sequence of head positions that moves displaced crystals out of the semicircular canals. Highly effective, often resolving BPPV in 1–3 sessions.
Vestibular Habituation Exercises
For persistent dizziness caused by vestibular hypofunction or central compensation deficits — specific exercises that progressively challenge and retrain the vestibular system to reduce symptoms over time.
Gaze Stabilization Training
Exercises that improve the vestibulo-ocular reflex — the connection between eye and head movement — reducing dizziness with visual motion and improving functional stability during everyday tasks.
Balance & Fall Prevention Training Fitting
Progressive, individualized balance training targeting the specific deficits identified at evaluation — building the strength, coordination, and confidence needed to move safely and without restriction.
Concussion-Related Vestibular Rehab
Following concussion, vestibular symptoms are among the most common and most persistently limiting. Dr. Marci Skemp provides individualized vestibular and concussion rehab to guide safe, progressive return to activity.
What to Expect at Your First Visit
A comprehensive vestibular evaluation including dix-hallpike testing, head impulse testing, gaze stabilization assessment, and balance evaluation. Dr. Skemp will identify the specific vestibular diagnosis and begin appropriate treatment — including canalith repositioning if BPPV is confirmed — in the same session.
Bring someone with you if possible — some patients experience temporary dizziness during and after the evaluation, and having a driver available is helpful.
Meet the Specialist
The specific care you need and deserve — all brought together under one practice, across three locations in La Crosse and Onalaska.
How quickly does BPPV respond to treatment?
BPPV is one of the most rapidly treatable conditions in physical therapy. The Epley maneuver and its variants resolve BPPV in 80–90% of cases within 1–3 treatment sessions. Some patients experience complete resolution at the first visit.
Is vertigo dangerous?
BPPV and most peripheral vestibular conditions are not medically dangerous — though they can significantly impact quality of life and increase fall risk. If vertigo is accompanied by severe headache, double vision, difficulty swallowing, or facial numbness, seek emergency evaluation immediately as these may indicate a central cause.
Can PT help with chronic dizziness?
Yes. Chronic dizziness — even when it's been present for months or years — often responds to vestibular rehabilitation. The key is accurate diagnosis. Different types of vestibular dysfunction require different treatment approaches, which is why specialist evaluation matters.
Will I need to do exercises at home?
Yes — a home vestibular exercise program is an essential component of vestibular rehabilitation. The exercises are specific to your diagnosis and will be clearly explained and progressed at each visit.
Can balance problems be treated in older adults?
Absolutely — and this is one of the most impactful things physical therapy can do for older adults. Falls are the leading cause of injury-related death in people over 65, and balance training with a vestibular PT is highly effective at reducing fall risk.
You don't have to live with dizziness and the fear of falling.
Dr. Marci Skemp is one of the most experienced vestibular rehab specialists in the region. Let's find out exactly what's going on and get it resolved.
Call us today Onalaska (608) 351-3049 for State Road (608) 668-6700
Front Desk Hours
Monday: 8:00am - 5:00pm
Tuesday: 8:00am - 5:00pm
Wednesday: 8:00am - 5:00pm
Thursday: 8:00am - 5:00pm
Friday: 800am - 4:30pm
Saturday & Sunday: Closed
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Our Locations
Onalaska Location
1430 Main St, Onalaska, WI 54650
State Road - La Crosse
3208 State Road, Suite A, La Crosse, WI 54601
Unity - La Crosse
2801 Losey Blvd, La Crosse, WI 54601
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