PodcastsHealth & WellnessGrounded | The Vestibular Podcast

Grounded | The Vestibular Podcast

Dr. Madison Oak, PT, DPT
Grounded | The Vestibular Podcast
Latest episode

143 episodes

  • Grounded | The Vestibular Podcast

    142. Vision Therapy and Prisms for Chronic Dizziness?

    02/06/2026
    Vision therapy and prism lenses are so misunderstood. For starters, vision therapy isn’t about how clearly you can see. 

    It’s about how your eyes work together to send information to your brain and how your brain is actually using that information.

    And for a lot of people dealing with vestibular conditions or TBI, this is a game-changer that often gets overlooked. This is one of those topics that doesn’t get nearly enough attention in the vestibular space, and it’s time to change that!

    In this episode, we’ll dig into:

    What vision therapy actually is and how it can help

    How your eyes, brain, and vestibular system work together

    The symptoms that could point to a vision therapy need

    Why you might be struggling now even if you were fine before your vestibular condition

    What to look for when finding a provider for vision therapy or prisms

    The difference between vision therapy and prism lenses

    A free screening tool to see if binocular vision dysfunction might be at play for you

    It can be tough to find the right treatments, but remember—if a treatment doesn’t work, you are not failing anything. It just wasn’t the right option for you.

    If you have questions about this or you want support as you explore vision therapy and prism lenses, join us in Vestibular Group Fit (use code GROUNDED)! (We have hours of interviews with specialists inside the membership.)

    Links Mentioned:

    Vestibular Group Fit (code GROUNDED at checkout for 15% off!): https://thevertigodoctor.com/vestibular-group-fit

    Citations:

    American Optometric Association. “Vision Therapy.” Aoa.org, 2023, www.aoa.org/practice/specialties/vision-therapy.

    russ. “What Is Vision Therapy?” Optometrists.org, www.optometrists.org/vision-therapy/guide-to-vision-therapy/what-is-vision-therapy/.

    “Binocular Vision Dysfunction Test | Vision Specialists.” NeuroVisual Medicine, 29 May 2025, vision-specialists.com/vision-health/testing-diagnostics/binocular-vision-dysfunction-test/. Accessed 25 Feb. 2026.

    Free Resources:

    ⁠The 4 Steps to Managing Vestibular Migraine: https://thevertigodoctor.myflodesk.com/cb5js0y78n

    ⁠The PPPD Management Masterclass⁠: https://thevertigodoctor.myflodesk.com/new-pppd

    ⁠What your Partner Should Know About Living with Dizziness⁠: https://thevertigodoctor.myflodesk.com/partnership

    ⁠The FREE Mini VGFit Workout⁠: https://thevertigodoctor.myflodesk.com/minifit

    ⁠The FREE POTS – safe Workouts⁠: https://thevertigodoctor.myflodesk.com/pots

    Connect with Dr. Madison (@TheVertigoDoctor): https://instagram.com/thevertigodoctor

    Work with Dr. Madison:

    For 1:1 Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy, email [email protected]

    Otherwise, I’ll see ya in Vestibular Group Fit!

    Connect with Dr. Jenna (@dizzy.rehab.therapist): https://www.instagram.com/dizzy.rehab.therapist/

    Learn about the Oak Method: http://thevertigodoctor.com/why-vestibular-group-fit

    Love what you heard?
    Consider leaving a review on your favorite podcast platform to help us reach more vestibular warriors like you!

    This podcast is for informational purposes only and may not be the best fit for you and your personal situation. It shall not be construed as medical advice. The information and education provided here is not intended or implied to supplement or replace professional medical treatment, advice, and/or diagnosis. Always check with your own physician or medical professional before trying or implementing any information read here.

    —————————————

    vision therapy, vision therapy and chronic dizziness, vision therapy and vertigo, vestibular group fit, living with vestibular migraine, optometrist, occupational therapist, prism lenses, chronic dizziness, Binocular Vision Dysfunction, therapy for vestibular disorders
  • Grounded | The Vestibular Podcast

    141. Addressing the Concept of Migraine Food Triggers

    26/05/2026
    Triggering. Controversial. Frustrating.

    Today, we’re talking about foods that trigger Vestibular Migraine.

    As a person who does not have a vestibular disorder, I’m confident I can give you an objective answer for this.

    For some, there are foods that always trigger a migraine attack. For others, there’s a bit of a gray zone—some foods that sometimes trigger a migraine attack. And still others may find that food isn’t a contributing factor to their threshold.

    Where do you fall and what’s your best course of action? Tune in!

    In this episode, we’ll dig into:

    The truth about “trigger foods” and why the topic is so controversial

    How the migraine threshold works & why food is often just the tipping point, not the cause

    Histamine, inflammation, and why leftovers can hit differently than fresh food

    What’s actually going on in the body when caffeine and alcohol are consumed

    What CGRP is and why it matters for migraine treatment

    Why trigger foods are wildly person-dependent

    The vestibular-migraine overlap when it comes to food

    If you have questions about this or you want to start working on building a bigger bucket so you can start adding foods back into your diet, join us in Vestibular Group Fit (use code GROUNDED)!

    Related Episodes:

    Why the “Heal Your Headache Diet” Should be Temporary: https://thevertigodoctor.com/podcast/135-heal-your-headache-diet-should-be-temporary/ 

    Guide to CGRP Medications For Treating Migraine Disorder: https://thevertigodoctor.com/podcast/95-cgrp-medications-for-migraine/ 

    Links Mentioned:

    Vestibular Group Fit (code GROUNDED at checkout for 15% off!): https://thevertigodoctor.com/vestibular-group-fit

    Study on diet and migraine

    Tu YH, Chang CM, Yang CC, Tsai IJ, Chou YC, Yang CP. Dietary Patterns and Migraine: Insights and Impact. Nutrients. 2025 Feb 13;17(4):669. doi: 10.3390/nu17040669. PMID: 40004997; PMCID: PMC11858445.

    Free Resources:

    ⁠The 4 Steps to Managing Vestibular Migraine: https://thevertigodoctor.myflodesk.com/cb5js0y78n

    ⁠The PPPD Management Masterclass⁠: https://thevertigodoctor.myflodesk.com/new-pppd

    ⁠What your Partner Should Know About Living with Dizziness⁠: https://thevertigodoctor.myflodesk.com/partnership

    ⁠The FREE Mini VGFit Workout⁠: https://thevertigodoctor.myflodesk.com/minifit

    ⁠The FREE POTS – safe Workouts⁠: https://thevertigodoctor.myflodesk.com/pots

    Connect with Dr. Madison (@TheVertigoDoctor): https://instagram.com/thevertigodoctor

    Work with Dr. Madison:

    For 1:1 Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy, email [email protected]

    Otherwise, I’ll see ya in Vestibular Group Fit!

    Connect with Dr. Jenna (@dizzy.rehab.therapist): https://www.instagram.com/dizzy.rehab.therapist/

    Learn about the Oak Method: http://thevertigodoctor.com/why-vestibular-group-fit

    Love what you heard?
    Consider leaving a review on your favorite podcast platform to help us reach more vestibular warriors like you!

    This podcast is for informational purposes only and may not be the best fit for you and your personal situation. It shall not be construed as medical advice. The information and education provided here is not intended or implied to supplement or replace professional medical treatment, advice, and/or diagnosis. Always check with your own physician or medical professional before trying or implementing any information read here.

    —————————————

    migraine trigger foods, common migraine trigger foods, migraine headache trigger foods, vestibular group fit, living with vestibular migraine, migraine theory threshold, prodrome food craving, caffeine and migraine, alcohol and migraine, histamine intolerance, reduce inflammation
  • Grounded | The Vestibular Podcast

    140. Bloodwork & Supplements to Help With Brain Fog

    19/05/2026
    If you’re struggling with brain fog, you’re probably wondering what you can do about it.

    Today, I’m sharing some things that can help support your body in this season.

    Of course, talk with your doctor first. And, as with anything, start slow and work your way up.

    In this episode, we’ll dig into:

    What causes brain fog and dizziness

    Why having a “bigger bucket” can help with brain fog

    Why it’s still important to address the underlying vestibular condition

    What lab work and optimal ranges you’ll want to be aware of

    How to manage attacks and flares

    I talked a lot about getting back to basics. If you’d like support to understand and implement the basics, join us in Vestibular Group Fit for guidance! (Use code GROUNDED at checkout)

    Related Episodes:

    Detox Your Home: https://thevertigodoctor.com/podcast/88-detox-your-home-how-fragrances-and-harsh-chemicals-could-be-fueling-your-dizziness/ 

    Links Mentioned:

    Vestibular Group Fit (code GROUNDED at checkout for 15% off!): https://thevertigodoctor.com/vestibular-group-fit

    Davies et al 2024 meta analysis: https://aspenjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/jpen.2607 

    Function Health Bloodwork (save $25): https://my.functionhealth.com/signup?code=MOAK11&_saasquatch=MOAK11&d=FHREF25

    Optimal Lab Values Worksheet: https://thevertigodoctor.myflodesk.com/yt2ko79vaq 

    Free Resources:

    ⁠The 4 Steps to Managing Vestibular Migraine: https://thevertigodoctor.myflodesk.com/cb5js0y78n

    ⁠The PPPD Management Masterclass⁠: https://thevertigodoctor.myflodesk.com/new-pppd

    ⁠What your Partner Should Know About Living with Dizziness⁠: https://thevertigodoctor.myflodesk.com/partnership

    ⁠The FREE Mini VGFit Workout⁠: https://thevertigodoctor.myflodesk.com/minifit

    ⁠The FREE POTS – safe Workouts⁠: https://thevertigodoctor.myflodesk.com/pots

    Connect with Dr. Madison (@TheVertigoDoctor): https://instagram.com/thevertigodoctor

    Work with Dr. Madison:

    For 1:1 Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy, email [email protected]

    Otherwise, I’ll see ya in Vestibular Group Fit!

    Connect with Dr. Jenna (@dizzy.rehab.therapist): https://www.instagram.com/dizzy.rehab.therapist/

    Learn about the Oak Method: http://thevertigodoctor.com/why-vestibular-group-fit

    Love what you heard?
    Consider leaving a review on your favorite podcast platform to help us reach more vestibular warriors like you!

    This podcast is for informational purposes only and may not be the best fit for you and your personal situation. It shall not be construed as medical advice. The information and education provided here is not intended or implied to supplement or replace professional medical treatment, advice, and/or diagnosis. Always check with your own physician or medical professional before trying or implementing any information read here.

    —————————————

    dealing with brain fog, help for brain fog, things to help with brain fog, vestibular migraine brain fog, what causes brain fog and dizziness, vestibular disorders, vestibular group fit, living with vestibular migraine, bucket theory, migraine toolkit, balance blood sugar
  • Grounded | The Vestibular Podcast

    139. Vestibular Group Fit Book Club Book Review: The Way Out

    11/05/2026
    We do SO much inside Vestibular Group Fit! So much that I’m not even sure how to talk about it half the time.

    For example… we have a book club! We recently read The Way Out. 

    It’s a book by Alan Gordon about chronic pain, which parallels a lot of useful concepts to look at chronic dizziness. 

    So many members in VGF love this book and when they first read it go “WOW I feel seen!” So… let’s talk about it.

    In this episode, we’ll dig into:

    Why The Way Out is a book that’s relevant to dizziness

    How the body interprets pain

    What the pain reprocessing theory is

    How the pain-fear-pain cycle keeps you stuck

    How the concept of miswiring for chronic pain is similar to chronic dizziness

    The differences between chronic pain and chronic dizziness

    What to remember about mindset as new pathways develop

    This is a great book that explains a nuanced topic very well in easy-to-read language, and has many parallels to dizziness that makes this a great resource for anyone with a vestibular disorder!

    I get a ton of people wondering if they’ll be able to travel or drive or [insert your activity here] again.

    The answer is always and consistently: YES.

    The thing you have to note is that it will take time, consistency, and the right tools.

    VGF member, Diana, was able to take an 8-day trip out-of-the-country! 

    Grab the tools she and hundreds of other members have used to get back to the things they so desperately wanted to.

    → JOIN VESTIBULAR GROUP FIT!

    Now is the perfect time because we’re running a 30% off sale for my birthday (ends May 12th) 🎉 

    (just use the link—no code should be needed)

    Links Mentioned:

    Vestibular Group Fit (code GROUNDED at checkout for 15% off!): https://thevertigodoctor.com/vestibular-group-fit

    The Way Out book: https://www.amazon.com/Way-Out-Revolutionary-Scientifically-Approach/dp/0593086856

    Free Resources:

    ⁠The 4 Steps to Managing Vestibular Migraine: https://thevertigodoctor.myflodesk.com/cb5js0y78n

    ⁠The PPPD Management Masterclass⁠: https://thevertigodoctor.myflodesk.com/new-pppd

    ⁠What your Partner Should Know About Living with Dizziness⁠: https://thevertigodoctor.myflodesk.com/partnership

    ⁠The FREE Mini VGFit Workout⁠: https://thevertigodoctor.myflodesk.com/minifit

    ⁠The FREE POTS – safe Workouts⁠: https://thevertigodoctor.myflodesk.com/pots

    Connect with Dr. Madison (@TheVertigoDoctor): https://instagram.com/thevertigodoctor

    Work with Dr. Madison:

    For 1:1 Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy, email [email protected]

    Otherwise, I’ll see ya in Vestibular Group Fit!

    Connect with Dr. Jenna (@dizzy.rehab.therapist): https://www.instagram.com/dizzy.rehab.therapist/

    Learn about the Oak Method: http://thevertigodoctor.com/why-vestibular-group-fit

    Love what you heard?
    Consider leaving a review on your favorite podcast platform to help us reach more vestibular warriors like you!

    This podcast is for informational purposes only and may not be the best fit for you and your personal situation. It shall not be construed as medical advice. The information and education provided here is not intended or implied to supplement or replace professional medical treatment, advice, and/or diagnosis. Always check with your own physician or medical professional before trying or implementing any information read here.

    —————————————

    book club, book review, the way out book, vestibular group fit, vestibular disorders, get back to travel, living with a vestibular disorder, mindset shifts, migraine toolkit, chronic pain, chronic dizziness, pain reprocessing theory, PPPD, manage vestibular disorder
  • Grounded | The Vestibular Podcast

    138. Gentle Movement Ideas for Vestibular Disorders

    05/05/2026
    Gentle movement—and movement in general—should be a part of everyone’s toolkit.

    Whether it be for rest and recovery, a tool to help with something specific like travel, or a way to channel out excess energy or anxiety… gentle movement is incredibly beneficial for everyone.

    I’m sharing several different gentle movement and exercise ideas you can pull from and test out for yourself.

    In this episode, we’ll dig into:

    Who can benefit from gentle movement

    Different types of gentle movement exercises

    Ideal times or circumstances to try gentle movements

    What to do if a gentle movement you like “isn’t working”

    Find one or two that you like and keep on your list to try. If there’s an area that interests you, start there! If the ones you typically like don’t work for a certain situation, come back to the list to see what other options you can try.

    For more guidance on how to scale movement, as well as walking audios and a walking schedule—join us in Vestibular Group Fit! (use code GROUNDED)

    Links Mentioned:

    Vestibular Group Fit (code GROUNDED at checkout for 15% off!): https://thevertigodoctor.com/vestibular-group-fit

    Free Resources:

    ⁠The 4 Steps to Managing Vestibular Migraine: https://thevertigodoctor.myflodesk.com/cb5js0y78n

    ⁠The PPPD Management Masterclass⁠: https://thevertigodoctor.myflodesk.com/new-pppd

    ⁠What your Partner Should Know About Living with Dizziness⁠: https://thevertigodoctor.myflodesk.com/partnership

    ⁠The FREE Mini VGFit Workout⁠: https://thevertigodoctor.myflodesk.com/minifit

    ⁠The FREE POTS – safe Workouts⁠: https://thevertigodoctor.myflodesk.com/pots

    Connect with Dr. Madison (@TheVertigoDoctor): https://instagram.com/thevertigodoctor

    Work with Dr. Madison:

    For 1:1 Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy, email [email protected]

    Otherwise, I’ll see ya in Vestibular Group Fit!

    Connect with Dr. Jenna (@dizzy.rehab.therapist): https://www.instagram.com/dizzy.rehab.therapist/

    Learn about the Oak Method: http://thevertigodoctor.com/why-vestibular-group-fit

    Love what you heard?
    Consider leaving a review on your favorite podcast platform to help us reach more vestibular warriors like you!

    This podcast is for informational purposes only and may not be the best fit for you and your personal situation. It shall not be construed as medical advice. The information and education provided here is not intended or implied to supplement or replace professional medical treatment, advice, and/or diagnosis. Always check with your own physician or medical professional before trying or implementing any information read here.

    —————————————

    gentle movement, gentle movement exercises, vestibular group fit, VGF, vestibular disorder flare, vestibular migraine, vestibular exercises, tai chi, yoga, seated stretches, gentle walk, labyrinth walk, isometric exercises, nervous system regulation, breathwork
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About Grounded | The Vestibular Podcast
Vestibular Physical Therapist, and the founder of The Vertigo Doctor
Podcast website

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Grounded | The Vestibular Podcast: Podcasts in Family