Vestibular Rehabilitation
Vestibular rehabilitation is a specialized therapy to help you overcome dizziness, balance problems and other vestibular related issues. At Physical Therapy Associates we use custom exercises to retrain your balance system and adapt to vestibular dysfunctions so you can feel more stable and live better. Whether you’re dealing with vertigo, unsteadiness or motion sensitivity we want to help you get back in control and confident in your daily activities.
What is Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy?
Vestibular rehabilitation therapy (VRT) is a form of physical therapy to improve balance and reduce symptoms of vertigo and dizziness. This is especially helpful for those with vestibular disorders such as benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), vestibular neuritis and unilateral peripheral vestibular dysfunction. VRT is a programmatic approach where a series of exercises are designed to meet the specific needs of each patient. The main goal is to enhance vestibular function, reduce dizziness and balance issues and improve overall physical function. By focusing on these areas VRT helps you get back to being stable and confident in your daily activities.
Principles of Vestibular Rehabilitation
The principles of vestibular rehabilitation are based on a deep understanding of the vestibular system and its role in balance and posture. Located in the inner ear the vestibular system is responsible for detecting head movements and helping us maintain our balance. Vestibular rehabilitation therapy aims to improve vestibular function by focusing on three main areas: gaze stability, postural stability and overall balance control.
Postural Stability
Postural stability is the foundation of vestibular rehabilitation. Exercises that challenge postural stability such as standing on a narrow base or a cushion with eyes closed are part of this process. These exercises improve balance and reduce the risk of falls. They can be modified to different levels of difficulty and can be done at home or in a clinic. By doing these exercises consistently patients can significantly improve their ability to balance in daily activities.
Vestibular Function
A main goal of vestibular rehabilitation therapy is to improve vestibular function. This is done through exercises that target specific areas of vestibular function such as head movements and gaze stability. These exercises improve balance and reduce dizziness symptoms. They can be done in different ways, often incorporating visual and somatosensory cues to enhance vestibular adaptation and substitution. By doing these exercises regularly patients can see a significant improvement in their ability to manage dizziness and balance.
What Happens During Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy?
During vestibular rehabilitation our therapists will do a thorough assessment of your symptoms, balance issues and overall vestibular function. Based on this evaluation we will create a customized treatment plan which may include:
- Gaze Stabilization Exercises: Controlling your eyes while moving your head.
- Balance Training: Improving stability and coordination. For patients with bilateral vestibular hypofunction assistive devices for postural rehabilitation is crucial especially for older patients. These patients may need to use canes to balance during the early stages of their condition.
- Motion Desensitization: Helping your body to adapt to specific movements that trigger symptoms.
Each session is customized to your specific challenges and goals.
How Do You Fix Vestibular Problems Like Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo?
Vestibular problems are treated through specific exercises that promote brain and body adaptation. These interventions help your body to compensate for vestibular dysfunction by improving balance, reducing dizziness and normalizing function. Techniques include:
- Gaze Stabilization: Training your eyes and head to move together smoothly.
- Habituation Exercises: Gradually exposing you to symptom triggering movements to reduce sensitivity.
- Balance and Posture Training: Strengthening your ability to balance in different situations.
Patients with a deficient vestibular system can compensate for lost function through alternative mechanisms such as smooth pursuit eye movements. This is why rehabilitation techniques need to address these deficits.
With regular therapy many patients see significant improvement in their symptoms and quality of life.
Factors to Consider
Recovery from vestibular rehabilitation therapy can be influenced by several factors. The type of vestibular disorder, the severity of symptoms and the overall health and well being of the patient all play a big role. Age, medication use and cognitive function can also impact the recovery process. Knowing these factors is important to develop an effective treatment plan and achieve the best possible outcome. By considering these variables therapists can customize their approach to each patient’s unique needs and provide a more personalized and effective rehabilitation.
What to Avoid with Vestibular Disorders?
If you have a vestibular disorder certain activities or triggers can make your symptoms worse. These include:
- Sudden head movements or rapid changes in position. Sudden head motion can affect vestibular adaptation and should be avoided to prevent symptoms from getting worse.
- Bright lights or environments with too much visual stimulation.
- Prolonged screen time which can increase dizziness or disorientation.
Lifestyle changes like taking breaks, using dim lighting and moving slowly can help manage symptoms. Our therapists can guide you on how to avoid triggers and navigate daily life better.
What Vestibular Rehabilitation Exercises are done in Vestibular Therapy?
Vestibular therapy involves exercises that target specific symptoms and overall function. These include:
- Gaze Stabilization: Focusing on a fixed point while moving your head to improve eye control and reduce dizziness.
- Balance Training: Standing on uneven surfaces or walking heel to toe to improve stability. These exercises are key to improving postural control which is essential in managing balance issues caused by vestibular dysfunction.
- Habituation Exercises: Gradually exposing you to symptom triggering movements.
All exercises are specific to your condition and recovery goals.
Why Choose Us for Vestibular Rehabilitation?
At Physical Therapy Associates our therapists are vestibular rehab specialists and are committed to helping you get your balance back and reduce dizziness. We take a personalized approach and develop a plan that fits your unique needs and supports your recovery. Whether you have vertigo, unsteadiness or other vestibular issues we can help you feel stable and confident again. Contact us today to book a consultation and start your journey to better balance.