People are often referred for vestibular rehabilitation when they tell their doctor that they are suffering from dizziness or balance problems. The American Physical Therapy Association's Vestibular Special Interest Group answers all your questions about why and what role does physical therapy have in my treatment?? Worth 8 minutes of your time to listen - this could be the start of you or someone you love getting the treatment you need to live without these debilitating symptoms.
Here are the highlights:
The vestibular system is a complex sensory system that provides our brain with information about motion, head position, and spatial orientation.
Without the information from the vestibular system, it would be impossible to maintain our posture, keep our balance, stabilize our heads and bodies during movement - basically, it would be very difficult to do anything!
Vestibular Rehabilitation addresses the deficits found in this system to improve balance and decrease fall risk.
When someone has vertigo, treatment may include positional maneuvers to clear debris in the inner ear.
(Think: "crystals")
Otherwise, Vestibular Rehabilitation exercises may include movements of the eyes and head as well as specific balance activities.
(These exercises are lots of head turns and physical challenges done in a way that is manageable and builds confidence and truly improved balance!)
Activities that were simple for someone before a vestibular disorder may become difficult and cause fatigue and dizziness. When proper treatment is lacking, most people also tend to become anxious and/or depressed.
(Anxiety and Depression symptoms can be avoided by getting to a specialist asap and starting to manage symptoms and work toward recovery.)
Starting Vestibular Rehabilitation as soon as possible makes a big difference in recovery but this type of therapy can help no matter how long someone has had symptoms.
Like every system in our bodies, the vestibular system can and will heal with proper treatment, but also like every system in our bodies, recovery is not linear. We know that as we get better there will be small set backs. Having a Vestibular Trained PT that you trust is incredibly important in optimal recovery.
(Different than other systems in our bodies, the vestibular system is "invisible" and other people have no idea that someone with dizziness or terrible unsteadiness is suffering!)
So - What is Vestibular Rehab?
It's how the specialists at Balance & Concussion Therapy Center help hundreds of people recover from dizziness and unsteadiness and get back to their lives ... in balance!
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