VESTIBULAR THERAPY

What is vestibular rehabilitation?

Vestibular rehabilitation is a specialized form of physical therapy designed to treat vestibular (inner ear) disorders that affect balance and cause dizziness or vertigo. The vestibular system plays a key role in maintaining balance, spatial orientation, and coordinating movement. When there's a problem in this system, it can lead to symptoms like dizziness, vertigo, unsteadiness, and problems with coordination. 

Conditions Treated with Vestibular Rehabilitation

• Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) 

• Vestibular Neuritis or Labyrinthitis (inflammation of the vestibular nerve) 

• Meniere's Disease 

• Dizziness and balance disorders following head trauma or concussion 

• Chronic dizziness or imbalance without a clear cause 

• Cervicogenic Dizziness 

• Tension Headaches and Migraines

Key Components of Vestibular Rehabilitation

Canalith Repositioning Maneuvers 

These maneuvers are used to treat benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), a common condition caused by displaced calcium crystals in the inner ear. The Epley maneuver involves a series of head movements to help reposition these crystals and alleviate vertigo. 

Patient Education

Part of vestibular rehabilitation is educating patients about their condition and providing advice on how to manage symptoms. This might include avoiding certain triggers, modifying daily activities, or strategies for dealing with dizziness. 

Exercise-Based Treatment 

Specific exercises aimed at improving the brain's ability to adapt to and compensate for the vestibular system's dysfunction. 

These exercises are tailored to help with: 

• Gaze Stabilization: Exercises that improve the ability to focus on a target while moving the head. 

• Balance and Posture Training: Helping individuals regain balance and reduce the risk of falls. 

• Habituation Exercises: Designed to reduce dizziness by gradually exposing the person to movements or situations that trigger their symptoms. 

Adaptation and Compensation

Certain exercises help the brain and the body adapt to the changes in the vestibular system. For example, if the inner ear is no longer providing accurate signals, the brain may need to rely more on visual or proprioceptive (sense of body position) information. Over time, the brain learns to compensate for the imbalance. 

Vestibular Ocular Motor Screening (VOMS)

Exercises that test how well the eyes and inner ear communicate and work together. It’s typically used to screen for symptoms and guide the development of a tailored rehabilitation plan 

Soft Tissue Release 

Soft tissue work on the neck in vestibular rehabilitation can help reduce muscle tension and improve cervical mobility, which is crucial for accurate head and neck proprioception. This can enhance balance, decrease dizziness, and support more effective integration of vestibular and visual input during rehab exercises. The following are some of the benefits:

• Improve Blood Flow- Cause: Poor circulation, especially in the neck and upper body, can sometimes contribute to dizziness or lightheadedness. 

• Muscle Tension Releasing Nerve Compression- Cause: Muscle tightness, particularly in the neck, can sometimes put pressure on nerves that affect balance. This compression may cause symptoms like dizziness or a sensation of unsteadiness.