What is Vestibular Therapy and How Can It Help You?

The vestibular system, sometimes referred to as the inner ear, is responsible for your orientation or the awareness of your body’s position in relation to gravity. This system gives you your sense of upright in a static or still position as well as when you are moving. Vestibular system dysfunction has a wide range of symptoms and may be caused by a variety of problems such as BPPV (benign paroxysmal positional vertigo), vestibular hypofunction, Meniere’s Disease, vestibular migraines, and more.

Physical therapists who help people with vestibular problems assess several things to determine the cause, including but not limited to:

  • Oculomotor (eye movement) function
  • Vestibular function
  • Balance function in still positions and/or during movement

Based on the results of these assessments, your therapist creates a treatment plan based on your specific needs and goals.

Here are some common activities that vestibular physical therapy can help:

  • Vertigo with positional changes caused by BPPV
  • Management strategies for Meniere’s Disease and vestibular migraines
  • Maintaining gaze within a moving environment (i.e., driving or riding in a car, walking, etc.)
  • Improving ability to tolerate busy visual environments such as the grocery store
  • Balancing while standing and/or moving with head turns, visual motion, and uneven surfaces
  • Developing your independence with management of specific symptoms

Our vestibular experts are located at multiple Sheltering Arms Institute outpatient locations. To schedule an appointment, please call (804) 764-1000 or visit www.shelteringarmsinstitute.com/conditions-and-services/vestibular-rehabilitation.

Share This Post:

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
RehaBlog

More Posts

5 Strengthening Exercises Following Lower-Limb Amputations

During inpatient rehabilitation, your therapy team will guide you through a personalized strengthening program designed to support your recovery. This program focuses on building the key muscle groups needed for safe and effective mobility with a prosthesis. Continuing these exercises at home is essential for maintaining progress and maximizing independence.

Managing Phantom Limb Pain

Losing a limb is a life-changing experience—physically, emotionally, and mentally. One of the more unexpected and often misunderstood aspects of limb loss is phantom limb pain (PLP). Despite the limb no longer being there, individuals may continue to feel sensations—sometimes painful—where the limb used to be. But why does this happen, and what can be done about it? Let’s break it down.

Spring Into Action with the Proper Garden Tools and Accessories

Now that spring has sprung, it’s time to tend those gardens! Just be careful not to overextend your body into positions that have been dormant all winter. Gardening can require you to bend, lift, and twist in ways that can injure your back, knees, or other parts of your body. While garden tools can make your digging and planting easier, sometimes the use of tools encourages poor positioning or increases the chance of injury.

5 Exercises For Concussions

A concussion is defined as a mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) induced by direct or indirect force transmitted to the head. Looking at the statistics, there were 27.16 million new TBI cases globally in 2019. Nationally, there were approximately 214,110 TBI-related hospitalizations in 2020 and 69,473 TBI-related deaths in 2021.² Approximately 80% of all TBIs are classified as mild head injuries (CDC). These numbers highlight the significant public health impact concussions have worldwide, and the importance of proper evaluation and management.

What to Wear to Physical Therapy

When heading to physical therapy, comfort and functionality are key. Your attire can significantly impact the effectiveness of your session, affecting your ability to move freely, follow your therapist’s instructions, and perform exercises with ease. The right clothing not only promotes flexibility but also allows your therapist to evaluate your movements and address areas that need attention. Here’s what to wear – and what to avoid – for a successful visit!

Start your Journey

Learn more about Sheltering Arms Institute

Contact a specialist at Sheltering Arms Institute to learn more about how you can gain more freedom in your everyday life.