Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy
Vestibular rehabilitation is a specialized form of physical therapy aimed at helping individuals manage and overcome dizziness, vertigo, balance issues, and other symptoms related to the vestibular (inner ear) system.
If you are experiencing frequent dizziness, vertigo, or balance problems, we can work with you to restore your function and quality of life.
What is Vestibular Rehab?
Vestibular rehab is a series of targeted exercises designed to reduce dizziness and improve balance by retraining the brain and the body’s response to movement.
This therapy is typically used for conditions such as:
Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV):
A condition caused by displaced crystals in the inner ear, leading to brief but intense episodes of vertigo. Vestibular rehab can help reposition the crystals, relieving vertigo.
Meniere’s Disease:
A chronic inner ear disorder that can cause vertigo, hearing loss, and tinnitus. Physical therapy can help manage balance issues and dizziness associated with Meniere’s.
Vestibular Neuritis and Labyrinthitis:
These are viral infections that affect the inner ear and can cause dizziness or balance problems. Vestibular rehab can help improve balance and reduce lingering symptoms.
Vestibular Migraine:
A type of migraine that involves dizziness or vertigo. For those with vestibular migraine, physical therapy can help reduce the frequency and intensity of episodes.
Post-concussion Syndrome:
After a concussion, balance and dizziness issues are common. Vestibular rehab is often an essential part of recovery, helping people regain balance and reduce dizziness after a head injury.
Chronic Dizziness and Balance Disorders:
If dizziness or balance problems have been affecting your daily life for a long time, vestibular rehab can help reduce symptoms and improve your stability.
How Vestibular Rehabilitation Works
Every person’s experience with dizziness and balance issues is unique, so the treatment plan needs to be personalized. When you come to see us, we will start by thoroughly evaluating your symptoms and medical history. This helps us understand the root cause of your balance issues, whether it's a vestibular disorder, a past injury, or something else.
Based on this, we will create a program that’s tailored to your specific needs, which may include:
Targeted Exercises to Retrain the Brain:
One of the main goals of vestibular rehab is to help your brain "relearn" how to process balance signals. Your therapist might have you do exercises that involve head movements, gaze stabilization, and shifting your balance in different positions. Over time, these exercises can help reduce dizziness and improve your ability to stay steady on your feet.
Canalith Repositioning for BPPV:
If your dizziness is caused by BPPV, where tiny crystals in your inner ear become dislodged, your therapist may guide you through gentle maneuvers to reposition those crystals. This can bring quick relief from vertigo, sometimes in just a few sessions.
Balance and Strength Training:
Vestibular rehab doesn’t just focus on dizziness. Your therapist will also help you improve your strength and coordination, both of which are crucial for maintaining balance. With balance training, you’ll get exercises that strengthen muscles, improve posture, and make you feel more stable.
Habituation Exercises:
For some people, certain movements or environments can trigger dizziness. Through habituation exercises, your therapist will help you gradually and safely expose your brain to these triggers. The goal is to help you become less sensitive to movements or positions that cause dizziness, ultimately reducing your symptoms.
Posture Education:
Sometimes, just improving your posture or how you move can make a huge difference. Your therapist will provide tips on how to move more safely and comfortably in your daily life, whether that’s sitting, standing, or walking.
Multisensory Training:
Your body uses information from your eyes, ears, and muscles to maintain balance. Vestibular rehab includes exercises to help your brain integrate all these signals more effectively, especially when you’re in motion or navigating tricky environments.
