Vestibular Therapy

By performing a through the evaluation the therapist can determine which portion of the inner ear is affected and the proper treatment method required to address the cause of your problem. Following the evaluation the therapist will provide detailed instructions and exercises to perform in your home to begin to manage your symptoms.

What is Vestibular Rehabilitation? 

Vestibular Rehabilitation therapy is an exercise based program which is designed to facilitate central nervous system compensation for inner ear dysfunction.  

What is the difference between vertigo and dizziness?

Vertigo is a feeling of spinning when you are not actually moving.  Dizziness can result from a variety of causes including: a feeling of unsteadiness called disequilibrium, cardiac problems such as low blood pressure, or from anxiety leading to hyperventilation.

Who is appropriate for Vestibular Rehabilitation?

Individuals who need treatment for benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) often associated with Meniere’s disease, labyrinthitis, or vestibular neuritis can improve their symptoms. People with symptoms of dizziness or those with poor balance may also benefit from treatment.

Treatment for Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV):

The most common form of treatment for BPPV involves moving your head and trunk in a sequence of proper positions to facilitate movement of small crystals in the inner ear called otoconia out of the semicircular canals and back into their proper position.  There is a specific 48 hour protocol for you to follow after this procedure. This type of treatment can result in a quick correction of your BPPV. 

Vestibular Habituation Exercises:

A method of treatment which includes specific movements and/or positions that provoke your dizziness or vertigo.  The theory behind this form of exercise is that repeated exposure to the specific stimulus causing the vertigo will allow the brain to habituate and ultimately decreased the response to vertigo.

Balance retraining exercises:

This form of exercise will help improve your balance through the use of compensatory strategies and involves training on unlevel and compliant/soft surfaces. Individualized exercises are designed to improve the coordination of muscle responses, as well as, the organization of sensory information from eyes, ears and tactile receptors for balance control.