Talk Dizzy To Me

In this episode of Talk Dizzy To Me, vestibular physical therapists Dr. Abbie Ross, PT, NCS and Dr. Danielle Tolman, PT sit down with Dr. Yonit Arthur, AuD (aka The Steady Coach) to break down her approach to chronic dizziness recovery.

If you’ve been told “it’s just anxiety,” feel stuck with PPPD (Persistent Postural-Perceptual Dizziness), vestibular migraine, or lingering dizziness... this episode may change how you think about healing.

We explore the role of the brain in chronic symptoms and how recovery is possible through neuroplasticity, not just medication or diagnosis labels.Whether you’re a patient or clinician, this episode offers hope, clarity, and actionable tools.

Episode Resources:
-thesteadycoach.com
-Free Healing Chronic Dizziness Course
-The Steady Coach's Youtube Channel

Hosted by:
🎤 Dr. Abbie Ross, PT, NCS
🎤 Dr. Danielle Tolman, PT

For episode recommendations or requests, email us at: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Join our online program and community, The Dizzy Reset™. ⁠⁠Use code TALKDIZZYTOME for 40% off your first month!⁠⁠

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→ ⁠⁠Avulux glasses, use code DIZZYRESET for $25 off⁠⁠

This episode is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment. The views expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the host(s).

Timestamps
02:32 – Why traditional approaches to dizziness fall short
03:56 – Personal story: Dr. Yo's mom’s dizziness
06:47 – Why chronic dizziness is deeply misunderstood
09:38 – The harm of “it’s just anxiety” or endless testing
11:04 – Software vs hardware issues1
2:29 – Why symptoms are real
13:56 – Conditions like PPPD, vestibular migraine, and MdDS
16:41 – What makes someone more prone to chronic dizziness
18:01 – Nervous system sensitization explained
19:28 – The cycle that keeps you stuck
21:14 – Does modern society contribute to dizziness?
24:09 – Personality traits: people-pleasers & Type A
26:05 – Lifestyle factors: stress, screens, and overstimulation
27:21 – What does recovery actually look like?
27:49 – You are NOT broken
29:13 – Reframing symptoms: not the enemy
30:09 – Breaking the fear–symptom cycle
32:29 – Practical calming exercise (live demo)
40:01 – Why sitting with symptoms works
40:31 – Pillar #1: Acceptance (reprogramming the brain)
41:29 – Pillar #2: The “Stress Bucket”
46:17 – Pillar #3: Exposure & reducing avoidance
48:14 – The importance of individualized recovery
52:53 – Somatic tracking explained
54:50 – Final message: Hope & healing are possible

In this episode of Talk Dizzy To Me, Dr. Abbie Ross, PT, NCS and Dr. Danielle Tolman PT are joined by Dr. Mickey Shah, PT, D.Sc. NCS, OCS, FAAOMPT, Dip. MDT; Certified Vestibular Rehabilitation Specialist - Emory, AVPT (Pittsburgh) to unpack the connection between pain and dizziness.

Together, they explore how the neck plays a critical role in balance, why dizziness isn’t always vestibular, and how clinicians can better assess and treat patients with overlapping symptoms.

From real clinical insights to practical strategies, this episode bridges the gap between vestibular therapy, pain science, and musculoskeletal care—making it a must-watch for clinicians and patients alike.

Episode Resources:
www.EvidenceCEU.com
www.Goodliferehab.com
Midwest Vestibular Rehab Symposium

Hosted by:
🎤 Dr. Abbie Ross, PT, NCS
🎤 Dr. Danielle Tolman, PT

For episode recommendations or requests, email us at: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Join our online program and community, The Dizzy Reset™. ⁠Use code TALKDIZZYTOME for 40% off your first month!⁠

Connect with Us:
→ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Book a free call with us⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
→ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Get free resources straight to your inbox⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
→ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join our online program and community, The Dizzy Reset™, for FREE⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
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→ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Enjoying the podcast? Leave us a review!⁠
→ ⁠Avulux glasses, use code DIZZYRESET for $25 off⁠

This episode is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment. The views expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the host(s).

Episode Timestamps

01:26 From neuro rehab to orthopedic & vestibular care
05:18 Why dizziness & pain are not owned by one specialty
06:18 Definition of cervicogenic dizziness (updated understanding)
06:48 Prevalence: How common is it really?
08:14 Cervical spine involvement in dizziness cases
10:12 Why movement loss matters more than pain
11:36 Real-world complexity: vestibular + cervical overlap
14:20 Neck’s role in balance reflexes
17:12 Why function matters more than symptoms
19:07 Testing beyond standard vestibular exams
21:04 Why symptoms alone can mislead treatment
22:02 Helping patients understand the neck-dizziness connection
24:02 Real-life clinical example explained
26:28 Pain science vs dizziness: overlapping principles
27:55 Drivers of symptoms: stress, lifestyle, comorbidities
29:17 Functional neurological disorders & validation
30:41 Nervous system regulation strategies
32:09 Practical tools: breathing, guided imagery, small wins
33:35 Therapist challenges with patient buy-in
35:00 Posture tips that actually work
36:54 Simple, effective home exercise strategies
38:17 Clinical pearls: what clinicians must remember
39:15 Words matter: how language affects recovery
40:13 Using reassurance to reduce fear
41:35 Why joy and meaningful activity matter in recovery
44:06 Empowerment: patients can change and improve

In this episode of Talk Dizzy To Me, Dr. Abbie Ross, PT, NCS is joined by vestibular and neuro experts Dr. Carly Lochala, PT, NCS and Dr. Sara MacDowell, PT to break down facial paralysis, including Bell’s palsy, Ramsay Hunt syndrome, and facial nerve recovery.

They dive into how facial paralysis affects not just movement, but also confidence, communication, and daily life... and what both clinicians and patients need to know about assessment, treatment, and recovery.

Key Takeaways:
- Facial paralysis is commonly caused by Bell’s palsy, but can also result from Ramsay Hunt syndrome, tumors, trauma, or infections
- The facial nerve (cranial nerve VII) controls facial expression, taste, tear production, and more
- Recovery depends on degree of nerve damage, not just diagnosis
- You cannot “exercise” your way out of paralysis early on... the nerve must heal first
- Improper exercises or overstimulation can worsen recovery
- Facial paralysis has a major psychosocial impact
- There are treatment options—even long-term—despite common myths

Episode Resources:
⁠https://facialtherapyspecialists.com/⁠
⁠https://www.facialpalsy.org.uk/⁠
⁠http://bellspalsy.ws/⁠
​​⁠https://facialparalysisfoundation.org/bells-palsy/⁠Webinar:
⁠Sara's Webinar

Where to Find Sara: @dizzydiagnostics
Where to Find Carly: @balancingactrehab

Hosted by:
🎤 Dr. Abbie Ross, PT, NCS
🎤 Dr. Danielle Tolman, PT

For episode recommendations or requests, email us at: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Join our online program and community, The Dizzy Reset™. Use code TALKDIZZYTOME for 40% off your first month!

Connect with Us:
→ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Book a free call with us⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
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→ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join our online program and community, The Dizzy Reset™, for FREE⁠⁠⁠⁠
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→ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Enjoying the podcast? Leave us a review!
→ Avulux glasses, use code DIZZYRESET for $25 off

This episode is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment. The views expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the host(s).

In this episode of Talk Dizzy To Me, vestibular physical therapists Dr. Abbie Ross, PT, NCS and Dr. Dani Tolman, PT are joined by vestibular PT and social media educator Dr. Amy Moore , PT to break down some of the biggest myths and misconceptions about dizziness, vertigo, and vestibular rehab.
If you've ever been told “your tests are normal so nothing is wrong,” “just take meclizine,” or “do the Epley maneuver and it will fix everything,” this episode is for you.
Together they discuss what’s myth vs fact in the world of dizziness, why vestibular conditions are often misunderstood, and what patients should actually know about vestibular rehab.
Whether you're a patient living with dizziness, a healthcare professional, or simply curious about how the vestibular system works, this episode is for you.

Key Takeaways:
-Normal tests don’t mean your dizziness is made up
-Meclizine should not be used long-term
-Good vestibular rehab is much more than physical exercises
-A little dizziness during therapy is necessary
-Not all dizziness or vertigo is due to BPPV
-There's no silver bullet when it comes to chronic dizziness
-Movement helps recovery

Where to find Amy: @thedizzypt_amy

Hosted by:
🎤 Dr. Abbie Ross, PT, NCS
🎤 Dr. Danielle Tolman, PT

For episode recommendations or requests, email us at: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Connect with Us:
→ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Book a free call with us⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
→ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Get free resources straight to your inbox⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
→ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join our online program and community, The Dizzy Reset™, for FREE⁠⁠⁠
→ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Watch podcast episodes (and more) on YouTube ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
→ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow us on Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
→ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow us on TikTok⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
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→ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Enjoying the podcast? Leave us a review!

This episode is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment. The views expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the host(s).

Episode Timestamps:
04:32 Myth or Fact: If imaging is normal, nothing is wrong
06:24 Myth or Fact: Meclizine is not a long-term solution for vertigo
08:14 Myth or Fact: Vestibular rehab is only eye and head exercises
10:21 Myth or Fact: If exercises make you dizzy, they’re harmful
11:49 Myth or Fact: There is no one-size-fits-all treatment for dizziness
13:38 Myth or Fact: Anxiety causes dizziness
15:29 Myth or Fact: BPPV isn’t always easy to diagnose or treat
21:27 Myth or Fact: Rest and avoidance are the best treatment
23:50 Myth or Fact: There is a quick fix for chronic dizziness
26:58 Myth or Fact: Everyone with dizziness should get a VNG
32:27 Myth or Fact: Waiting until dizziness fully resolves can slow recovery
33:36 Myth or Fact: If you’re not better by now, you never will be

In this episode of Talk Dizzy To Me, vestibular physical therapists Dr. Abbie Ross, PT, NCS and Dr. Danielle Tolman, PT sit down with Kayla McCain, who shares her lived experience with Vestibular Migraine and PPPD (Persistent Postural-Perceptual Dizziness).
Kayla opens up about what symptoms she experienced, the long road to getting correctly diagnosed, and the strategies that helped her get back to living life again and rebuilding her confidence.

Key Takeaways:
-Validation and education reduce fear
-Vestibular migraine vs. PPPD presentations
-Recovery is often multi-factorial
-The “dizzy–anxious-dizzy cycle” is real
-Small strategies matter in real life
-Advocate for yourself

Where to find Kayla: @true_kaylaisms

Hosted by:
🎤 Dr. Abbie Ross, PT, NCS
🎤 Dr. Danielle Tolman, PT

For episode recommendations or requests, email us at: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Connect with Us:
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→ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Get free resources straight to your inbox⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
→ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join The Dizzy Reset™ for FREE⁠⁠
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This episode is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment. The views expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the host(s).

Timestamps
02:10 Kayla’s background + work
03:03 The beginning: Halloween onset + “felt like a stroke” + terrifying dizziness
05:23 ER visit, fever, CT scan, ruled out cancer, sent home with meclizine
05:53 Misdiagnoses: anxiety dismissal + MS misdiagnosis (twice) + diagnosis finally at ~7 months
06:49 Early clues: menstrual migraine patterns + computer screen symptoms
08:43 Life impact: fear, avoiding leaving home, stopping running, weight gain, depression/anxiety
09:10 Panic + MRI + “Alice in Wonderland syndrome” episode during a trip
11:00 What is Alice in Wonderland syndrome?
11:58 How Kayla describes vestibular migraine
13:54 Triggers: hormones, stress, overstimulation, lights/sounds, grocery stores, concerts
15:22 Postpartum: aura/floaters, attacks while caring for an infant, fear of falling while holding baby
17:13 Trust + parenting: setting limits, positioning for safety, saying “no” when needed
19:33 Persistent vs episodic phases + supplements/therapy + later meds after kids
20:29 Feeling “seen”: why diagnosis and education changed everything
25:08 What helped most: counseling, vestibular therapy, exercise, pacing, rescue meds, acceptance
29:51 Practical tips: shopping at low-traffic times, migraine glasses, planned breaks, quiet resets
31:24 Resilience through chronic illness
32:51 Message for people with vestibular migraine + suspected 3PD: same principles can work again
36:13 VM vs 3PD: how symptoms felt different
39:03 3PD treatment journey: sensitive to meds, trying options, continued exercise, gradual dosing approach
42:26 Improvements
43:54 Advocacy + right provider: feeling heard is half the battle
45:19 Don’t give up: treatment options + therapy + counseling + meds (if needed)
46:16 Hope in action: Kayla races again
47:14 Where to follow Kayla: Instagram @true_true_kaylaisims
47:41 Closing thoughts: hope, mindset, and a path forward