Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy

Vestibular rehabilitation is a specific type of physical therapy designed to address the unique problems of patients who suffer from vertigo, dizziness or a sense of imbalance.

The physical therapists at Recovery Home Care and Florida Rehab Services have been specially trained to treat vestibular and balance disorders.

Vestibular rehabilitation helps those experiencing dizziness and balance problems originating from the vestibule of the inner ear. The vestibule, along with vision and sensation, are the three systems used to maintain balance. When problems occur in one of more of these systems, the result is dizziness or a balance disorder. Vestibular rehabilitation uses physical and occupational therapy techniques to treat vertigo and balance disorders with success rates as high as 90 percent.

Diagnosing a Vestibular Disorder

A physical therapist evaluates vestibular function, vision, sensation and the brain’s ability to utilize information from these systems to maintain balance. The therapist also tests balance, strength, motion sensitivity, coordination, eye function and functional activities.

Who Can Benefit From Vestibular Rehabilitation?

People who suffer from vertigo, dizziness or a sense of imbalance

People who have had a stroke, head injury or concussion, a history of inner    ear problems or diabetes

Elderly people who are more likely to develop a balance problem due to    decreased reaction times and movement speeds, medicines that damage the    inner ear and other conditions that affect balance

Available Treatments for Dizziness and Balance Disorders

Epley maneuver—a quick and effective treatment for positional vertigo

Oculomotor exercises—increases coordination between the eyes, brain and    vestibular system

Balance retraining—improves control of balance by teaching the brain to    utilize all the systems affecting balance

Motion tolerance exercises—retrains the brain to adapt to specific    movements without dizziness