Vestibular Rehabilitation

Dizziness and disequilibrium are common complaints in frequency of occurrence among adults. Vestibular rehabilitation is a conventional, safe, and effective treatment of these symptoms. The Center for Physical Therapy is staffed with professional Physical Therapists trained in the rehabilitation of vestibular pathologies.

Diagnosis and Treatment

The sensation of vertigo or dizziness can be caused by many different factors; therefore, conducting a thorough evaluation is essential in identifying your impairments. Your Physical Therapist will develop a specific exercise and manual treatment program upon completion of the evaluation. Your specific program will be designed to decrease dizziness, increase balance function and improve general activity levels. Exercise may include instruction in compensatory strategies and re-training of the proprioceptive, visual, and inner ear structures in order to significantly decrease symptoms.

The Center for Physical Therapy can also provide tools and instruction for relief of secondary symptoms that can occur amongst individuals with balance disorders and movement-related dizziness. Secondary symptoms may include:

• Decreased Strength
• Loss Of Range Of Motion
• Increased Muscle Tension
• Headaches

FAQ Regarding Vestibular Rehabilitation

Who is appropriate for Vestibular Rehabilitation?
Individuals who report any or all of the following symptoms as a result of a vestibular disorder:

• Dizziness
• Unsteadiness
• Vertigo
• Balance Problems
• Motion Sensitivity (quick head movements provoke dizziness)
• Problems with Gaze Stability (blurring of vision with head movement)

What causes Vestibular disorders?

• Head Trauma (motor vehicle accident, falls, impact sports)
• Ear Infections (including vestibular neuronitis and labyrinthitis)
• Aging
• Illness or Disease
• Insidious Onset, such as Benign Paroxysmal Positioning Vertigo (BPPV)
• Stroke or Brain Injury

How does the inner ear affect balance?
The body's sense of balance relies on information transmitted by the vestibular apparatus, located deep within the inner ear. The membranous labrynth that makes up the vestibular apparatus is filled with endolymph fluid, which flows in response to movement of the head and body. The fluid stimulates tiny hair cells, triggering sensory neurons that relay information about position and motion to the brain.

What can be expected with Vestibular Rehabilitation?
Vestibular Rehabilitation is a specialized physical therapy treatment program that is specific for each client. Vestibular Rehabilitation is an exercise-based approach to relieve symptoms and discomfort of vestibular disorders. A thorough evaluation will focus in 3 areas:

1. Eye and Head Coordination
2. Balance and Gait
3. Motion Sensitivity

Following the evaluation, treatment may include:

• Balance Retraining Exercises
• Specific Vestibular Exercises
• Supervised Therapy Sessions to Monitor Progress and Continually Challenge the Vestibular, Visual and Balance Systems
• Repositioning Maneuver for BPPV