If you or a loved one experiences vertigo, you know how disruptive it can be to daily life. Vertigo is a type of dizziness that creates a sensation of spinning, and an overall imbalance that makes even simple tasks challenging.
Fortunately, there is a way to reduce these symptoms. Vestibular therapy offers a proven way to decrease vertigo, improve balance and your quality of life. But what exactly is vestibular therapy, and what can you expect during treatment?
What Is Vestibular Therapy
Vestibular therapy, also called vestibular rehabilitation therapy (VRT), is a specialized form of physical therapy. It focuses on improving symptoms caused by inner ear (vestibular) disorders.
Your inner ear plays a crucial role in maintaining balance, and problems in the vestibular system can lead to vertigo, dizziness, and difficulty walking.
This therapy involves targeted exercises designed to retrain your brain to process balance signals from your inner ear and other parts of your body. With consistent treatment, many patients notice significant relief from vertigo symptoms and an improvement in overall stability.
Benefits of Vestibular Therapy
Vestibular therapy is a tailored approach to managing vertigo that offers several benefits, including:
- Reduced Dizziness: By addressing the root cause of vertigo, therapy helps minimize feelings of lightheadedness or spinning.
- Improved Balance: Specific exercises strengthen your ability to stay steady, reducing your risk of falls.
- Enhanced Mobility: Regaining balance allows you to move with more confidence.
- Fall Prevention: Therapy supports strategies to prevent dangerous falls, especially for older adults.
- Improved Quality of Life: Patients often report feeling more in control and less restricted in daily activities.
According to reports, vestibular rehabilitation has been shown to be highly effective in treating vertigo and balance-related symptoms.
What to Expect During Vestibular Therapy
Here is what you can expect from vestibular rehab.
Initial Assessment
Your vestibular therapy begins with an evaluation by a trained physical therapist. This assessment helps identify the specific cause of your vertigo and any related balance issues.
The therapist may measure your range of motion, strength, coordination, and eye movement patterns to create a personalized therapy plan.
Types of Exercises
Vestibular therapy often includes the following techniques, tailored to address your condition and symptoms.
Habituation Exercises
These involve repetitive head and body movements designed to gradually reduce the brain’s sensitivity to dizziness triggers. Over time, these exercises train your brain to adapt to and ignore sensations that cause vertigo.
Gaze Stabilization
These exercises focus on improving eye control during head movements by training your visual and vestibular systems to work together. They are especially effective in enhancing focus, reducing dizziness, and minimizing nausea caused by rapid movements.
Balance Training
These exercises improve core strength, posture, and coordination to help you regain stability and reduce the risk of falls. Often tailored to your specific balance challenges, they can also enhance overall physical confidence.
Repositioning Maneuvers (e.g., Epley Maneuver)
Designed for conditions like Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV), these guided head and body movements help shift displaced calcium crystals in the inner ear back to their proper position. This realignment effectively alleviates vertigo and related symptoms.
Customized Programs for Long-Term Success
Your therapist will create an at-home exercise program tailored to your symptoms. Daily practice is essential to reinforce the improvements made during therapy sessions.
They may also recommend strategies for fall prevention, such as strengthening leg muscles or using assistive devices like handrails.
Monitoring and Adjustment
Vestibular therapy is not a one-size-fits-all solution. Your therapist will regularly assess your progress and adjust your treatment plan to ensure optimal results.
Vestibular Therapy Timeline
The duration of vestibular rehab varies between individuals. Some people see improvements in just a few weeks, while others may need ongoing sessions to restore balance and proper function fully.
Does Vestibular Therapy Hurt
Vestibular therapy can feel a little uncomfortable during the early sessions as your body adjusts to recalibrating signals. However, physical therapists monitor your response to avoid excessive discomfort and always work within your limits.
Over time, these exercises pave the way for long-term relief and better control over your balance.
Vestibular Therapy Near Me in Midlothian, VA
If vertigo has been interfering with your daily life, vestibular therapy could offer the relief you need. At Virginia Center for Spine and Sports Therapy, a H2 Health company, we specialize in personalized vestibular rehabilitation and balance training to help you regain control. Our physical therapists are committed to providing expert care and customized treatment plans that work for your specific needs.
Call us at one of our H2 Health clinics near you or fill out our appointment request form to schedule a consultation with one of our vestibular rehab experts. Together, we can give you back your balance.
