Vestibular Rehab | IMPACT Physical Therapy Services & Treatments

Vestibular Rehab

Our team is highly trained in Vestibular Rehabilitation

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Vestibular Disorder Treatments

A vestibular disorder occurs when the vestibular system is damaged. The vestibular system entails parts of the inner ear and brain. These parts are responsible for processing sensory information that is involved with controlling balance as well as eye movements.

The vestibular system can become damaged by injuries, diseases, and the natural process of aging. Damage can occur to the vestibular system without any apparent cause as well.

Symptoms of Vestibular Disorder

  • Vertigo
  • Dizziness
  • Feeling lightheaded
  • Difficulty with coordination
  • Imbalance
  • Incessant need to grab a hold of something to steady oneself
  • Vision disturbances
  • Light sensitivity
  • Hearing disturbances
  • Confusion
  • Fatigue
  • Distractibility
  • Psychological issues such as anxiety and depression

Once a diagnosis of vestibular disorder is established by your doctor, a number of variables will be taken into consideration when formulating the best treatment plan for you. Factors that your doctor will use to decide are as follows:

  • Overall health
  • Medical history
  • Severity of symptoms

What is Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy?

Vestibular rehabilitation therapy is a very successful and popular treatment method for people suffering from vestibular disorders.

About Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy

Vestibular rehabilitation therapy, or VRT, is a form of specialized physical therapy. VRT utilizes exercises that are intended to reduce dizziness and improve gait. VRT is not “cookie-cutter” in that each person who benefits from VRT will have different exercises based on their particular issues associated with their vestibular disorder.

A clinical examination will take place and after your specific issues are identified, a skilled professional will tailor a plan that will include the specific set of exercises that will best serve your needs. VRT has three standard approaches of exercises that are prescribed. These methods are as follows:

  • Habituation
  • Gaze stabilization
  • Balance training

Habituation

Habituation exercises benefit those who suffer from dizziness caused primarily by mobility. Habituation exercises are also optimal for those patients who report dizziness through means of external stimulation such as: airports, stadiums, malls, and crowded grocery stores.

Gaze Stabilization

Gaze stabilization exercises are implemented to control eye movements. The goal of controlling eye movements is so that your vision can be clear during head movements. Gaze stabilization exercises are suitable for people who have issues seeing clearly, thereby causing their visual world to be skewed with inaccuracies.

Balance Training

Balance training is exactly what its name implies. Patients who have vestibular disorders that affect their balance and coordination often have trouble completing basic tasks. The goal of balance training exercises are to help the patient learn how to complete daily activities, successfully and confidently.

All of these simple exercises are highly beneficial and can be done virtually anywhere.

Vestibular disorders have a tendency to create additional problems in people’s lives. Depression and anxiety can result from living with a vestibular disorder. There is hope for anyone suffering from a vestibular disorder.

If you have a vestibular disorder and think that vestibular rehabilitation therapy may be right for you, then contact IMPACT Physical Therapy & Sports Recovery today. Our team is highly trained in Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy.

Preventing or recovering from an injury can be difficult. Let IMPACT Physical Therapy help you get back in the game with our expert Physical Therapists. Contact us today to schedule a consultation!

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