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Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy

Address your dizziness, loss of balance, sense of feeling "off" with vestibular rehabilitation therapy.  All appointments are one-on-one with a vestibular and concussion certified Doctor of Physical Therapy.  A full assessment will be performed to determine how each sensory system is functioning and integrating with the balance system.  A personalized plan of care will be developed to help you heal.

Balancing

The balance system consists of the sensory organs of the inner ear, the visual system, and the proprioception system (joints and muscles).  The brain processes sensory input from these systems to keep us oriented and balanced.  A vestibular disorder occurs when the sensory input is altered (a peripheral disorder), the brain has difficulty processing the sensory input (a central disorder), or both.  Common vestibular disorders include BPPV, Meniere's, vestibular neuritis or labyrinthitis, unilateral or bilateral vestibular hypofunction, and cervicogenic dizziness.  Conditions like Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson's, stroke, and POTS can also produce vestibular symptoms.  Common symptoms include dizziness, spinning sensation (vertigo), lightheadedness, double vision, feeling off-balance, and nausea.  Whether you've had symptoms for a short, or long time, we can help address them!  Treatments may include canolith repositioning (for BPPV), compensation, adaptation, and/or habituation to re-train the vestibular system to help you feel better!

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The vestibular system is made up of the small sensory organs (semicircular canals, vestibule, otoliths, and bony labyrinth) located in the right and left inner ear.  When movement of the head and neck occurs, the vestibular system detects the linear acceleration and rotation of the movement.  This function plays an important role in keeping us balanced.

 

The balance system is made up of the complex interactions of the vestibular system, the visual system, the musculoskeletal system (joints & muscles), and the brain to maintain spatial orientation and a sense of balance.  Disruption of the balance system can originate centrally (the brain and spinal cord) or peripherally (inner ears, eyes, and/or neck).  Aging, autoimmune disorders, and allergies can also affect proper functioning of the vestibular system. 

 

Dysfunction of the vestibular system can make basic tasks difficult or even impossible.  The origin, duration, and quality of symptoms greatly affect treatment plan and prognosis.  Similar to concussion, there is no "one size fits all" treatment plan.  Addressing specific symptoms, triggers, and goals is essential to reduce impairment and improve quality of life. 

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Physical Therapy Evaluation

  • Determination of aggravating factors

  • Assessment for BPPV

  • Posture

  • Balance

  • Cranial nerve screen

  • Visual processing

  • Vestibular ocular reflex (VOR)

  • Coordination

  • Strength

  • Gait

 

 

Physical Therapy Treatment

  • Canolith repositioning (BPPV)

  • Habituation

  • Adaptation

  • Compensation

  • Yoga

  • Posture

  • Balance

  • Gait retraining

  • Strength training

  • Walking program

  • Nutrition guidance

  • Activity modification

  • Lifestyle changes

  • Sympathetic dampening (to calm the nervous symptom)

  • Coping strategies to help manage secondary symptoms such as anxiety or stress

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Health Coaching

  • Activity modification

  • Symptom management strategies

  • Healthy eating and nutrition

  • Exercise progression

  • Caregiver and family education

  • Support and accountability

  • Holistic approach to health and wellness

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