Vestibular Rehabilitation: A Comprehensive Approach to Treating Balance Issues

Molly (not her real name) frequently experienced bouts of instability that made her fearful of falling. She was always unsure when the next dizzy spell would hit. But after just a few sessions of vestibular rehabilitation, Molly saw a noticeable improvement. She regained her balance, and her dizziness became much less frequent. Now, she moves with confidence again.

Vestibular rehab is a specialized form of physical therapy that focuses on improving symptoms related to the inner ear portion of your vestibular system, which controls balance. We offer comprehensive, personalized vestibular rehabilitation services at Go Physical Therapy Balance Mobility Aquatics & Cancer Center.

If you’ve been finding it hard to trust your own balance while walking or standing, this form of rehabilitation could be exactly what you need. The techniques involved are designed to restore balance and reduce dizziness and vertigo, helping you take control of your day-to-day activities.

If you’re curious to learn more about vestibular rehabilitation, keep reading! You can also schedule an appointment at our clinic for more personalized guidance.

Understanding Vestibular Rehabilitation

Vestibular rehab targets the peripheral vestibular system, a part of your inner ear that maintains balance. Symptoms like dizziness, vertigo, or unsteadiness often stem from issues related to the inner ear, such as benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) or Ménière’s disease. Vestibular rehabilitation seeks to address these issues from their source.

Our physical therapists will work closely with you to develop customized treatment plans addressing your symptoms. Through carefully selected exercises and techniques, you can retrain your brain to compensate for balance problems, reduce dizziness, and prevent falls. The goal is not just symptom relief but also preventing future episodes by building strength and stability.

Six Common Techniques Used in Vestibular Rehabilitation

Repositioning Maneuvers

• This technique can help relieve vertigo symptoms caused by BPPV (the most common cause). We’ll guide you through specific head movements that help move calcium particles trapped in the inner ear back to their proper location, alleviating your symptoms.

Habituation Exercises

• This technique involves repeatedly exposing you to motions or environments that trigger your symptoms. This exposure allows your body to “habituate” to the triggers, gradually reducing dizziness and vertigo.

Gaze Stabilization Exercises

• These exercises help improve vision stability when moving your head, reducing dizziness when turning or moving.

Balance Retraining

• We’ll guide you through customized exercises designed to improve stability and coordination, helping you regain control of your balance in everyday situations.

Strength Training

• A strong core and lower body can improve balance and stability and help to reduce your fall risk. We’ll show you personalized exercises to help improve your strength.

Postural Training

• We can help correct any postural issues that might lead to balance issues or increased fall risk.

Will You Benefit from Vestibular Rehabilitation?

Vestibular rehabilitation can be life-changing for people struggling with vertigo and other balance-related problems. If, like Molly, you struggle to stay balanced, schedule an appointment at Go Physical Therapy Balance Mobility Aquatics & Cancer Center. Our team will assess your symptoms, determine the root of your balance issues, and create a customized program to address them.