Vestibular Rehabilitation: Treating Dizziness and Vertigo

October 21, 2024

Have you ever experienced the room spinning around you, or felt unsteady on your feet for no apparent reason? If so, you’re not alone. Dizziness and vertigo are among the most common reasons people seek medical attention, affecting millions of Americans each year. As a physical therapist specializing in vestibular rehabilitation, I’ve helped numerous patients regain their balance and confidence through specialized treatment techniques.

Understanding Vestibular Disorders

The vestibular system, located in your inner ear, plays a crucial role in maintaining balance and spatial orientation. This sophisticated system works in harmony with your vision and proprioception (body position sense) to keep you stable and oriented. When something disrupts this delicate system, the result can be debilitating symptoms of dizziness, vertigo, and imbalance.

Common Vestibular Conditions

Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) is the most frequently diagnosed vestibular disorder. This condition occurs when tiny calcium crystals in your inner ear become dislodged and move into the wrong area, causing intense but brief episodes of vertigo with certain head movements.

Other vestibular conditions include vestibular neuritis, labyrinthitis, Ménière’s disease, and persistent postural-perceptual dizziness (PPPD). These conditions can significantly impact your quality of life, affecting everything from your ability to work to your participation in social activities.

The Impact of Vestibular Disorders

Living with a vestibular disorder can be incredibly challenging. Simple tasks like getting out of bed, walking down a grocery store aisle, or using a computer can become daunting challenges. Many people with vestibular disorders experience:

• Difficulty maintaining balance
• Problems with vision during head movement
• Increased fall risk
• Anxiety about movement
• Decreased independence in daily activities
• Social isolation

How Vestibular Rehabilitation Can Help

Vestibular rehabilitation therapy (VRT) is a specialized form of physical therapy designed to address the symptoms of vestibular disorders. As a physical therapist, I use evidence-based techniques to help your brain compensate for vestibular system problems and restore your balance function.

The Evaluation Process

Your journey to recovery begins with a comprehensive evaluation. During this initial session, we’ll assess:

Your specific symptoms and how they affect your daily life Your balance and gait Your eye movements and visual stability Your neck mobility and strength Your overall functional mobility

This thorough assessment allows us to develop a personalized treatment plan that addresses your specific needs and goals.

Customized Treatment Approaches

Vestibular rehabilitation therapy includes various treatment techniques and exercises, carefully selected based on your specific condition and symptoms. These might include:

Canalith Repositioning Maneuvers

For patients with BPPV, we use specific positioning maneuvers to guide the displaced crystals back to their proper location. These treatments can often provide immediate relief from positional vertigo.

Gaze Stabilization Exercises

These exercises help improve your ability to focus on objects while your head is moving, a crucial skill for daily activities like walking and driving.

Balance Training

Progressive balance exercises help rebuild your confidence and reduce fall risk. We start with simple activities and gradually increase the challenge as you improve.

Habituation Exercises

For patients who experience dizziness with specific movements or in certain environments, habituation exercises help reduce sensitivity to these triggers through controlled exposure.

The Recovery Process

Recovery from vestibular disorders requires patience and dedication. While some patients experience improvement after just a few sessions, others may need several weeks or months of therapy to achieve their goals. Throughout your treatment, we’ll:

• Monitor your progress regularly
• Adjust your exercises as you improve
• Provide education about managing your symptoms
• Teach you strategies to prevent future problems

The Importance of Early Intervention

If you’re experiencing dizziness or vertigo, seeking treatment early can lead to better outcomes. Many people try to “wait it out” or avoid movements that trigger their symptoms, but this can actually prolong recovery and lead to secondary problems like neck tension and decreased activity levels.

When to Seek Vestibular Rehabilitation

Consider scheduling an evaluation if you experience:

• Recurring dizziness or vertigo
• Feeling off-balance or unsteady
• Motion sensitivity
• Difficulty focusing while moving
• History of falls or near-falls
• Persistent dizziness after a concussion or head injury

Your Path to Recovery

At Gordon Physical Therapy, our specialized vestibular rehabilitation program has helped countless patients regain their independence and return to their normal activities. Our experienced physical therapists understand the challenges of living with vestibular disorders and are committed to providing compassionate, effective care.

We offer:

• Comprehensive vestibular evaluations
• Individualized treatment plans
• Convenient appointment scheduling
• Collaboration with your healthcare team
• Patient education and home exercise programs

Take the First Step

Don’t let dizziness or vertigo control your life. Our specialized vestibular rehabilitation program at Gordon Physical Therapy can help you regain your balance and confidence. Our convenient location at Spokane Valley, WA makes it easy to access the care you need. Our team of experienced physical therapists is ready to help you start your journey to recovery.

Getting started is simple – just call us at 509.892.5442 to schedule your initial evaluation. We accept most major insurance plans and will work with you to verify your coverage and explain your benefits. Our friendly staff at Gordon Physical Therapy will guide you through the entire process, from your first appointment to your successful recovery.

Don’t wait to start feeling better – reach out today to learn how vestibular rehabilitation can help you overcome dizziness and vertigo.