Has the room ever felt like it was spinning or something just does not feel right with your balance or equilibrium? This may be due to decreased function of the vestibular system. The vestibular system is about the size of a dime and is located in the inner ear. It is a small but mighty system that is highly attuned to head and body movements in relation to the external environment. When there is dysfunction in the vestibular system some common symptoms include dizziness, vertigo, and the feeling of imbalance. The initial onset can be insidious or from a traumatic accident.

Types of Vestibular Dysfunction

1. BPPV (Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo: Also known as positional vertigo, this is when you get the feeling of vertigo, dizziness, or feel like the room is spinning with bigger body movements due to loose “crystals” in your vestibular system. One of the most common complaints is feeling dizzy when lying down or rolling over in bed.

2. Vertigo: This is somewhat of a catch-all phrase when talking about general dizziness, unsteadiness, or loss of balance. Due to the heavy influence from the vestibular system on balance, when there is dysfunction in the vestibular system this is a common diagnosis.

3. Vestibular Hypo-function: This can be a unilateral or bilateral issue that affects balance, postural stability, and eye movements. Hypo-function can be caused by a multitude of factors and is treated through habituation exercises.

This type of dysfunction or “injury” is different from any other body part. It can be frustrating to not understand why you are dizzy or falling for no apparent reason. I am here to tell you there is help out there. If you are experiencing any symptoms or unsure what may be going on, please don’t hesitate to reach out and see if we can help today. Vestibular physical therapy is a specialized scope of physical therapy aimed at helping individuals manage and alleviate symptoms related to vestibular disorders. 

Why Choose PT of Vestibular Issues?

1. Gaze Stabilization Exercises: These exercises are aimed at improving your ability to keep your gaze steady while moving your head. They help the brain and eyes work together more effectively.

2. Habituation Exercises: If certain movements or positions trigger your symptoms, we can guide you through specific exercises to reduce your sensitivity to these triggers over time.

3. Balance Training: We can provide exercises to improve balance and coordination, which can help reduce the risk of falls and improve stability.

4. Canalith Repositioning Maneuvers: For conditions like Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV), we can perform specific maneuvers (such as the Epley maneuver) to move the small crystals in the inner ear that cause vertigo.

FAQ’s

1. Is Physical Therapy right for me?

Yes! Physical Therapy is a conservative approach that is both safe and has lasting effects. Through different treatment approaches we are able to decrease both intensity and frequency of symptoms while refraining from medications or more invasive treatment. Depending on your symptoms, there can be noticeable improvement in just one session.

2. What can I expect during my first session?

On your first visit, your physical therapist will complete a thorough evaluation looking at contributing factors, medical background, lifestyle, and vestibular symptoms. After finding the root cause, you will receive hands on treatment the same day to start working towards symptom relief. Your therapist will work with you to create an individualized plan to reach your goals.

3. Why choose Mojo Physical Therapy

We offer a truly one on one experience with a Doctor of Physical Therapy that is specialized in the treatment of vestibular impairments. You will receive a full 60 minute session each visit with no overlap of patients or divided attention of the therapist.

What Are The Next Steps?