Who can benefit from Vestibular Rehabilitation?
- Anyone who suffers from Vertigo, dizziness or a sense of imbalance
- Anyone who has had a stroke, head injury or concussion, a history of inner ear problems or diabetes
- Anyone who experiences dizziness or balance problems after a neck injury.
- Elderly individuals who are more likely to develop a balance problem due to decreased reaction time and movement speeds, medicines that damage the inner ear and other conditions that affect balance.
- Anyone suffering from neurologic disorders (stroke, brain injury, multiple sclerosis)
Should you choose Vestibular Rehabilitation, your treatment commences with an evaluation of the functional difficulties you are experiencing.
A discussion of your symptoms begins the session. An assessment is made of your musculoskeletal system by testing the strength, coordination, and range of movement of your arms and legs. Your balance and gait are evaluated by observing if you need to touch objects or fix your eyes on stationary objects, and by observing what hip and ankle strategy you use to maintain your balance.
After careful analysis, our vestibular rehabilitation therapist will design a specific therapy program suited to your particular needs.
What is Vestibular Disorder?
Two of the most common vestibular disorders are paroxysmal vertigo (BPPV) and vestibular neuritis.
BPPV causes brief episodes of vertigo brought on by position changes caused when tiny crystals in the ear get knocked loose from hair cells and collect in the wrong part of the inner ear.
Vestibular neuritis is caused by a virus and has longer episodes of vertigo. There are other causes of dizziness that may benefit from vestibular/balance rehabilitation.
Symptoms of Vestibular Disorder:
- Dizziness
- A sense that surroundings are spinning or moving (Vertigo)
- Unsteadiness, difficulty walking straight, lack of coordination
- Nausea or motion sickness
- Lightheaded, floating or rocking sensation
- Difficulty walking in the dark
You Don't Have to Live With it
Dizziness is the second most common complaint heard in the doctor's office, and the number one complaint of people older than 70. Over the years, people who experienced bouts of dizziness or balance problems had nowhere to turn. There was no treatment. They were often told, "You have to live with it."
Today, Advanced Motion Therapy can help you overcome the helpless feeling through an alternative form of therapy called Vestibular Rehabilitation.
Vestibular Rehabilitation is a type of Physical Therapy that can help relieve dizziness symptoms. A therapist will provide testing to help determine the cause of dizziness. Treatment may include repositioning for the crystals in the ear or assisting other systems in the body to help compensate for vestibular problems.