7 Common Conditions Treated with Vestibular Rehabilitation
Dizziness, imbalance, and unsteadiness are more than just inconvenient — they can severely impact your daily life. For those dealing with vestibular conditions, regaining control and confidence starts with effective treatment.
Vestibular rehabilitation is a specialized form of balance therapy that’s designed to target the root causes of these issues and empower you to achieve long-term improvements. Below, the physical therapists at FYZICAL® Therapy & Balance Centers explore seven common conditions that benefit from this proven approach.
What Does Vestibular Rehabilitation Treat?
- Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV)
- Vestibular Neuritis and Labyrinthitis
- Meniere’s Disease
- Post-Concussion Syndrome
- Persistent Postural-Perceptual Dizziness (PPPD)
- Stroke or Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
- Age-Related Balance Issues
1. Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV)
BPPV is a leading cause of vertigo, characterized by sudden, brief episodes of dizziness when you change head positions. This condition occurs when tiny calcium crystals in the inner ear become displaced and disrupt your sense of balance.
How Balance Therapy Helps
Through targeted maneuvers like the Epley or Semont maneuver, a physical therapist helps reposition these crystals to alleviate symptoms. These techniques provide immediate relief for many patients, and additional vestibular rehabilitation exercises may prevent recurrence.
2. Vestibular Neuritis and Labyrinthitis
Both conditions involve inflammation in the inner ear or vestibular nerve. They can lead to severe dizziness, vertigo, and difficulty focusing.
How Balance Therapy Helps
Therapy focuses on retraining the brain to compensate for vestibular dysfunction. Customized exercises may improve gaze stability and reduce dizziness, which empowers patients to regain control over their daily activities.
3. Meniere’s Disease
This chronic condition causes episodes of vertigo, tinnitus, and hearing loss by disrupting the fluid balance in the inner ear. Meniere’s disease often leaves patients feeling anxious about the unpredictability of symptoms.
How Balance Therapy Helps
While medical treatments address the underlying disease, balance therapy enables patients to improve their stability between episodes. Specific exercises can strengthen balance and reduce the severity of dizziness over time.
4. Post-Concussion Syndrome
Head injuries often result in lingering symptoms such as dizziness, headaches, and difficulty concentrating. Post-concussion syndrome affects the brain’s ability to process sensory input, which leads to balance challenges.
How Balance Therapy Helps
A physical therapist evaluates sensory processing issues and develops a personalized plan to restore coordination and balance. Vestibular therapy sessions may include gaze stabilization, motion sensitivity exercises, and balance retraining to provide comprehensive support for recovery.
5. Persistent Postural-Perceptual Dizziness (PPPD)
PPPD is a chronic condition characterized by persistent dizziness and unsteadiness, often triggered by motion or visual stimulation. Patients frequently experience heightened anxiety that compounds their symptoms.
How Balance Therapy Helps
Physiotherapy retrains the brain to process movement and visual stimuli more effectively. Gradual exposure exercises reduce sensitivity over time to give patients the tools they need to regain confidence and mobility.
6. Stroke or Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
Stroke and TBI can damage the parts of the brain that control balance and coordination. This leaves patients at a higher risk of falls and limited independence.
How Balance Therapy Helps
Physical therapy services focus on rebuilding strength, stability, and spatial awareness. A physical therapist may use a combination of gait training, balance exercises, and sensory integration to address the unique needs of each patient, which promotes long-term recovery and safety.
7. Age-Related Balance Issues
As we age, the vestibular system can weaken, increasing the risk of falls and decreasing mobility. Balance issues are particularly concerning for older adults, as falls are a leading cause of injury in this population.
How Balance Therapy Helps
Therapy sessions improve strength, coordination, and balance. A physical therapy clinic may also offer fall prevention strategies and home safety assessments to empower older adults to move with confidence and independence.
Treat Your Balance Conditions with Vestibular Rehabilitation
If you’re experiencing dizziness, unsteadiness, or other balance-related challenges, vestibular rehabilitation may be the solution you need. At FYZICAL® East Naples, our experienced team of physical therapists specializes in personalized care tailored to your unique condition.
Take the first step toward better balance and improved quality of life. To schedule a consultation and regain your stability & confidence, contact our physical therapy clinic today.