Vestibular rehabilitation therapy is a specialized form of physical therapy intended to alleviate symptoms caused by disorders of the vestibular system. It is an exercise-based treatment approach aimed towards reducing vertigo and other dizziness, visual disturbance, and imbalance/falls.
If you have not yet been assessed or diagnosed with a vestibular condition, common symptoms that can be helped with vestibular rehabilitation include:
- Vertigo (sense of spinning)
- Oscillopsia (sense of rocking on a boat with movement)
- Dizziness at rest
- Dizziness or altered vision with head movements
- Neck tightness, stiffness and/or pain
- Imbalance and/or frequent falls
- Headaches
- Concussion
At your initial appointment, your physical therapist will take a detailed history of your symptoms and review any relevant medical history. Your assessment may also include other objective evaluations including:
- Visual stability
- Oculomotor function
- Standing balance
- Stability with walking
- Neck mobility and tenderness on palpation to various structures in your neck
- Inner ear positional testing
Treatment for vestibular dysfunction varies depending on exam findings, but often includes activities to stabilize your gaze, decrease motion sensitivity and improve balance.