Vestibular System
The vestibular system includes the inner ear and the part of the brain that controls and processes maintaining balance and eye movements. This system is responsible for our sense of balance and spatial awareness. It also helps us to maintain posture, stabilize eyes, and stabilize our heads. All of this helps to coordinate our body movements, balance, and eye movements.
Why do I need to start vestibular rehab?
The symptoms of chronic dizziness or imbalance can severely affect a person’s life, especially basic daily living routines. This can affect the patient’s social, economic and emotional health. Rehab can help a patient by decreasing their symptoms and giving them tools they need to live with their vestibular disorder.
Vestibular Disorders
Vestibular disorders can occur at any age and to any person. Some common vestibular disorders are Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), Labyrinthitis or vestibular neuritis, age-related dizziness or imbalance. Vestibular disorders are caused by a variety of reasons including genetics and environmental conditions. However, it is unknown why these disorders occur.
Vestibular Rehab at Pick PT
Vestibular Rehab at our clinic focuses on four specific goals which are to enhance gaze stability, enhance postural stability, improve vertigo, and improve activities of daily living. Our program will be specially designed by a trained therapist to your specific needs; because of this, no two treatment programs are the same. Rehab will last varying amounts of time depending on the patient. Some patients will recover quicker than others. The exercises will focus on the patient’s needs such as gaze stabilization, balance, and other symptoms that may be causing problems. The therapist will also test the patient from time to time. This will help the therapist know if the patient is making progress and if the treatment plan is working. Having a vestibular condition can be stressful and cause anxiety, but at Pick PT we’re here to help reduce your symptoms and help with mental health. Pick PT’s Doctors of Physical Therapy are specialists in vestibular rehab and trained to help you get back to your normal life. We also provide a falls prevention program.
