Vestibular balance rehabilitation therapy is a physical therapy subspecialty that focuses on fall prevention and improved equilibrium. At Valley Rehabilitation of Sun City West in Sun City West, Arizona, experienced physical therapist Kimberly Hilditch, MSPT, and the team offer vestibular balance rehabilitation to people four and older. If you have poor balance and worry about falling, vestibular balance rehabilitation therapy can help. To schedule a vestibular balance rehabilitation therapy consultation, call Valley Rehabilitation of Sun City West today, or book your visit online.
request an appointmentWhat is vestibular balance rehabilitation therapy?
Vestibular balance rehabilitation therapy is a type of physical therapy and rehabilitation that treats dizziness and imbalance. It uses stretches, strengthening exercises, and other noninvasive measures to treat problems that affect your inner ear and vestibular system.
Who can benefit from vestibular balance rehabilitation therapy?
You might benefit from vestibular balance rehabilitation therapy at Valley Rehabilitation of Sun City West if you have:
- Vertigo
- Mèniére’s disease
- Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV)
- Vestibular neuritis
- Migraine headaches
- Traumatic brain injury
Vestibular balance rehabilitation therapy can speed up your recovery after a stroke and reduce your risk of falling if you’re frail or have poor balance.
How does vestibular balance rehabilitation therapy work?
Vestibular balance rehabilitation therapy helps you manage the symptoms of dizziness so you can keep your balance and prevent falls.
Your sense of balance comes from the relationship between your brain, eyes, and inner ear. If there’s a problem with any of these systems, your brain can’t process visual/spatial information correctly, affecting your equilibrium.
Vestibular balance rehabilitation works to restore these connections between your inner ear, eyes, and brain. This reduces your symptoms of dizziness and imbalance while improving your mobility and quality of life.
Do I need to do anything before starting vestibular balance rehabilitation therapy?
If your doctor determines that you have balance problems, they refer you to an audiologist (ear doctor) for a vestibular battery test. This test assesses your vestibular function and checks for damage to your inner ear.
Next, you visit the Valley Rehabilitation of Sun City West team. Your provider reviews the results of your vestibular battery test and orders several tests, evaluating your muscle strength, reflexes, and the way you walk.
Your physical therapist combines all of this information and then develops a personalized physical therapy treatment plan.
What does vestibular balance rehabilitation therapy involve?
The Valley Rehabilitation of Sun City West team tailors vestibular balance rehabilitation therapy to each patient’s symptoms and needs. They might suggest:
- Stretches
- Strengthening exercises
- Eye movement control
- Balance retraining
- Manual therapies
It might take some trial and error to determine which of these approaches most benefits you. Be patient and make sure to attend each of your scheduled appointments.
To enroll in vestibular balance rehabilitation at Valley Rehabilitation of Sun City West, call the office today to make an appointment, or book your visit online.