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Vestibular Physical Therapy

Are you worried about dizziness?
Do you roll over in bed and feel like the room is spinning?
Do you turn the corner and fall into the wall?
Do you feel like you are moving when you know you are standing/sitting still?
Is it hard to focus/read when you are walking or moving your head?

Physical therapy can help you!
Millions of Americans are troubled with dizziness or imbalance. These problems can be frightening and limit your ability to function independently. Often dizziness is caused by an imbalance in the vestibular system. A person with vestibular dysfunction can also experience problems with balance and be at risk for falls. Vestibular physical therapy can be helpful to decrease the symptoms of dizziness or vertigo and improve balance and safety.

What is Vestibular Physical Therapy?
The vestibular system is located in the inner ear. It tells your brain how your head is oriented in space and helps control balance while standing and walking. The vestibular system also controls some reflexive eye movements to be able to see clearly while moving.

When there is a problem with the vestibular system you can experience motion-related dizziness or vertigo, (spinning sensations). Vestibular physical therapy is a comprehensive exercise approach to lessen these symptoms, improve balance and help you return to your normal activities of life more fully and safely.

What are some symptoms that may benefit from Vestibular Physical Therapy?

• Sensation that you or the room is spinning
• Positional or persistent dizziness
• Frequent falls
• A sense of falling or being off balance
• Motion sickness while walking or moving
• Consistent problems with balance or walking
• Sensation of feeling unsteady

What will an evaluation consist of?

• An assessment of how intense the dizziness is
• Determination of motions or positions that trigger the symptoms
• Strength testing of leg and trunk muscles
• Flexibility testing
• Functional balance assessment
• Postural assessment

What types of treatment are available?

• Manual repositioning for BPPV (Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo)
• Exercises to improve coordination of the eyes and head during movement
• Balance retraining
• Overall conditioning
• Strengthening exercises for the trunk and legs
• Stretching to improve flexibility of the muscles
• Education about home environment safety
• Assistive device assessment

What are the goals of Balance and Vestibular Physical Therapy?

• Decrease symptoms of dizziness and imbalance
• Decrease the risk of falls
• Improve balance
• Increase independence in the home and in community activities
• Increase functional mobility and quality of life
• Help return to a more active lifestyle

Qualified physical therapists with specialized training in balance and vestibular physical therapy are available at Kreider Rehabilitation Services. A physician referral is required prior to evaluation and treatment. Our staff is available to help you in this process if needed.