Vestibular therapy... What is it and how can help you?
The most important aspect of vestibular therapy is the examination for your physical therapist. There are many conditions that may be causing dizziness or balance issues. Based on this examination, your therapist will develop the best plan to reduce or eliminate symptoms.
Vestibular therapy can be very helpful for dizziness. The number one question people have about vestibular therapy is.. What is it? Many people enter into their sessions not knowing what to expect or how it could help them improve their symptoms. I’m here to break it down so you can go into your sessions feeling reassured and knowing what lays ahead of you.
Gaze Stabilization exercises
Errors in visual tracking can create nausea, dizziness or balance issues. Gaze stabilization exercises are eye exercises that aim to improve this visual disturbance and ability to focus on a stationary object while keeping your head moving.
Balance Training
By improving your balance, you can improve your equilibrium and prevent falls. It also allows your brain to compensate by adapting other sensory input and balance to maintain stability. We have a few simple balance exercises over on our Instagram, so feel free to check those out if you are interested in working on your balance.
Habituation Exercises
The goal of these exercises is to desensitize your body by doing movements that trigger dizziness and other symptoms. Over time, this will lead to a more resilient vestibular system and reduced dizziness. You are training your body to be more resilient to triggers, which makes your vestibular system stronger as a whole.
Canalith Repositioning Maneuvers
These maneuvers are done to relieve benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV). BPPV is a condition of intense dizziness or the sensation of a room spinning (usually less than 60 seconds) and is also called vertigo. BBPV occurs when tiny calcium particles (otoconia) in your inner ear break free from the utricle and land in the semicircular canals of the inner ear triggering symptoms of disequilibrium and dizziness when the person’s head position changes.
The canalith repositioning maneuvers return these particles to the utricle where they won’t cause dizziness. 80% of patients with BBPV experience relief from their symptoms after ONLY 1-2 sessions!
I hope this helps in answering some of your questions about vestibular therapy, so you can feel more prepared for your appointment.
Free 30 Minute Balance Assessment at Anti-Fragile Physical Therapy
Are you struggling with dizziness or feeling unsteady on your feet? It’s time to regain your confidence and stability with our Balance & Dizziness Assessment
At AntiFragile Physical Therapy, we offer a comprehensive screening to assess your balance, identify the root causes of dizziness, and create a personalized plan to help you feel steady and secure. Whether you’re experiencing occasional dizziness or chronic balance issues, our expert team is here to help you get back on your feet and live with confidence.
Don’t wait for dizziness to become a bigger issue. Reach out today and take the first step toward a healthier lifestyle.
Visit Anti-Fragile Physical Therapy or call us at 828-242-0343 to schedule your assessment and start your journey to a pain-free living!
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