How Can Vestibular Rehabilitation Help Balance Disorders

Even mild to moderate levels of dizziness can be hugely debilitating. Research has shown that many types of vestibular conditions benefit from vestibular rehabilitation.
There are many causes of balance problems, such as medications, ear infections, a head injury, or anything else that affects the inner ear or brain. Low blood pressure can lead to dizziness when you stand up too quickly. Problems that affect the skeletal or visual systems, such as arthritis or eye muscle imbalance, can also cause balance disorders. Your risk of having balance problems increases as you get older.

Unfortunately, many balance disorders start suddenly and with no obvious cause.

With this thorough assessment and clinical reasoning, some cases of vestibular dysfunction can be treated conservatively and effectively within a few sessions. Once the underlying problem has been treated, home exercises can be done to control symptoms and improve balance in a graded manner so you return to your usual way of life.

Conditions that we treat:

What are some symptom of vestibular dysfunction?

What patients can expect from VR in Vaughan PT clinic?

Patients are seen by a licensed physical or occupational therapist with advanced post-graduate training

The assessment also includes administering different tests to more objectively evaluate the patient’s problems. The therapist will screen the visual and vestibular systems to observe how well eye movements are being controlled. Testing assesses sensation (which includes gathering information about pain), muscle strength, extremity and spine range of motion, coordination, posture, balance, and walking ability.

What is vestibular rehab?

Vestibular rehab is a specialized form of therapy intended to alleviate problems caused by vestibular disorders, primarily vertigo and dizziness, gaze instability, and/or imbalance and falls. A customized exercise plan is developed from the findings of the clinical assessment, laboratory testing and imaging studies, and input from patients. Different factors can impact the potential for recovery including activity level, pain, other medical conditions, medications, and emotional concerns.