Vestibular Therapy

Your eyes, muscles, and inner ear all send signals to your brain, which in turn interpret these signals and tell the body how to move to keep you steady and balanced while moving and performing everyday tasks. This is what is called the vestibular system. Vestibular disorders occur if this small, yet incredibly important system is damaged in any way, and can manifest in a variety of symptoms, which is often slightly different for every patient. If you have problems with your vestibular system, it can cause symptoms that limit your ability to safely move around.

Symptoms of vestibular problems may include:

• Dizziness
• Whooshing sensations
• Difficulty maintaining upright balance
• Difficulty stabilizing your eyes on objects
• Fogginess in your head
• Headache
• Nausea

Vestibular rehab consists of many exercises that vary based on patient needs, including some of the following treatments:

• Otolith repositioning maneuvers: This procedure uses head maneuvers that shift particles in the inner ear(i.e. canalith particles). If canalith particles are in a place in your ear causing dizziness, shifting them may improve symptoms.
• Postural exercises: These exercises can help improve posture and align the neck and spine.
• Neck range of motion: Stretching the neck can help reduce pain and muscle tension, helping to keep your muscles moving freely.
• Gaze stabilization exercises: These are exercises that help improve vision while the head is moving, ultimately reducing dizziness and improving balance.
• Balance exercises: Practicing balance exercises can help improve fall risk while standing or walking in the event vertigo occurs.

These treatments have been shown to be effective for a range of patient types, including athletes and the elderly. Not every person with a vestibular condition will need every procedure or treatment. Be sure to discuss all your symptoms with your physical therapist so that they may understand your condition and find the best treatment options for you.