Vestibular Rehabilitation
Strengthening the Bond Between the Body, Eyes and Inner Ear
Resolve Dizziness
Improve Balance
Prevent Falls
What is Vestibular Rehabilitation?
The vestibular system is made up of parts of the inner ear and brain that work to control balance and eye movements. Problems with the this system can lead to significant dizziness and balance deficits. Vestibular rehabilitation is an exercise-based program, designed by a physical therapist, to improve balance and reduce problems related to dizziness.
-Dizziness and balance disorders pose a significant risk for falls in the elderly and falls are the leading cause of death due to injury in a person older than 65.
-Approximately 90 million Americans will complain of dizziness at least once in their lifetime.
What Causes Dizziness?
There are many causes of dizziness but a few common conditions include:
– Ear disease or infections
– Alcohol or food poisoning
– Postural hypotension
– Infectious diseases, such as sinus infections
– Neck conditions
– Eye problems
– Brain tumors
– Dehydration
– Anxiety
– Hyperglycemia
– After dental work
What is Vertigo?
Vertigo is a more severe form of dizziness that lasts longer and can lead to nausea and vomiting. Benign Paroxsymal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) is one of the most common causes of vertigo, it gives the sudden sensation that you’re spinning. BPPV causes brief episodes of mild to intense dizziness. It is usually triggered by specific changes in your head’s position.
BPPV can resolve on its own in an average of 6 moths to 1 year, but can be treated with a manual treatment called the Epley Maneuver within 1 to 3 visits.
How Can Physical Therapy Help?
A physical therapist will evaluate your condition, ask you questions and perform tests to determine the causes of your symptoms while assessing your risk of falling. These tests will also examine how your head and eyes move.
Based on the results of your evaluation and your goals for recovery, a treatment plan will be customize for you. The specific treatments will depend on the cause of your symptoms. Your physical therapist’s main focus is to help you manage your symptoms and to get you moving again.
Treatment may include specialized exercises to:
- Decrease or eliminate dizziness.
- Improve balance.
- Restore clear vision during head movements.
If you also have stiffness or pain in your neck, your physical therapist will prescribe exercises and treatments to help reduce the pain and improve your ability to move your neck.
Recovery takes patience and time. As you recover you should, avoid movements and activities that make you dizzy.
Schedule an appointment
Schedule an appointment or call us to speak with our physical therapists to see if you are a candidate for vestibular rehab.