How does the vestibular system work?

The vestibular system is a main contributor to physical balance. Located in the inner ear, the system senses motion when small hairs, called cilia, are moved by microscopic calcium crystals. When we sit, stand, move, or experience motions (such as in a car) the crystals move the hairs. The brain receives the signals from the hairs, along with information from the eyes and your sense of touch to interpret motion, equilibrium, and orientation in space.

In order to understand how Vestibular Rehabilitation works and the underlying corrective mechanisms, it is important to remember that the primary role of the vestibular system is to tell the brain where the head is in space. Quite simply, the vestibular system is our internal reference telling the brain how our head is orientated - up, down, tilt, etc. The visual and somatosensory (touch, pressure, pain) systems, on the other hand, are external references, providing our brain with information about the movement and stability of the world around us. Working together and when the systems agree, it is the integration of these sensory modalities that provides us with normal equilibrium.

How vestibular rehabilitation can help you?

Vestibular Rehabilitation is a form of Balance Retraining Therapy. It has emerged over the past several years as an alternative treatment for patients with chronic non-resolved motion intolerance, visual sensitivity, and imbalance problems. At FYZICAL, we have a comprehensive balance program that includes assessment and evaluation programs, balance retraining, and vestibular rehabilitation. With balance retraining and vestibular rehabilitation, our goal is to improve balance function and visual motor control, increase general activity levels, and help your body compensate for inner ear disorders. We utilize a state-of-the-art balance machine and our balance therapy programs have a 99% balance improvement success rate.

Who could Benefit

• BPPV (Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo)
• MS (Multiple Sclerosis)
• Vestibular Hypofunction: Labyrinthitis, vestibular neuritis
• Migraine Associated Dizziness
• Post-Concussions and TBI (Traumatic Brain Injuries)
• Neck Related Dizziness & Vertigo
• Fall Risk Seniors
• Musculoskeletal Balance Disorders
• Parkinson's

Dizziness is a common symptom that you’re likely to experience at some point during your life. It can make you feel lightheaded, unsteady, or like the room is spinning around you. Dizziness can be caused by dehydration, blood pressure fluctuations, migraines, anemia, anxiety, and some medications, as well as more serious issues, including stroke, heart conditions, brain tumors, or infections. However, dizziness is often due to a problem with your vestibular system, which is part of your inner ear. At FYZICAL Collin Creek in Plano, we can help restore the optimal functioning of your vestibular system with our comprehensive vestibular rehabilitation program.

Vertigo, a false sense of moving or spinning, is the most common symptom of dizziness. Other symptoms of dizziness include a feeling of imbalance or unsteadiness on your feet or feeling lightheaded or woozy. You may also have difficulty standing or walking.

Other symptoms may accompany your dizziness, including nausea, vomiting, and vision, hearing, or speech changes.

Symptoms that may indicate something more serious is causing your dizziness include chest pain, irregular heartbeat, shortness of breath, face or extremity numbness or weakness, slurred speech, and confusion. If you are experiencing these symptoms, please seek medical attention immediately.

Vestibular rehabilitation helps to manage symptoms of dizziness, vertigo, and imbalance. This helps to reduce your risk of falling and improves your quality of life.

At FYZICAL Collin Creek in Plano, we evaluate and diagnose the underlying cause of your dizziness. Our skilled physical therapists will create an individualized treatment plan that is tailored to your needs and goals to help manage your symptoms and get you back to doing what you love.

If you or a loved one are experiencing dizziness, contact us today to learn more about our vestibular rehabilitation program.

Vestibular rehabilitation is a type of physical therapy that can help treat vestibular disorders that may be contributing to your dizziness. Vestibular rehabilitation aims to relieve symptoms of dizziness by training your brain to adapt to the dysfunction of your vestibular system.

Vestibular rehabilitation utilizes an individualized exercise program to address your specific needs and goals. The physical therapists at FYZICAL Collin Creek in Plano use a combination of exercises, including adaptation exercises, gaze stabilization exercises, target shooting exercises, habituation exercises, balance and gait retraining exercises, and strengthening exercises to help relieve your dizziness and get you back to doing what you love.