Vestibular Rehabilitation
Vestibular Rehabilitation at FYZICAL Therapy & Balance Centers in Hermitage North, TN
How Does the Vestibular System Work?
The vestibular system is a main contributor to physical balance. Located in the inner ear, the system senses motion when small hairs, called cilia, are moved by microscopic calcium crystals. When we sit, stand, move, or experience motions (such as in a car) the crystals move the hairs. The brain receives the signals from the hairs, along with information from the eyes and your sense of touch to interpret motion, equilibrium, and orientation in space.
In order to understand how Vestibular Rehabilitation works and the underlying corrective mechanisms, it is important to remember that the primary role of the vestibular system is to tell the brain where the head is in space. Quite simply, the vestibular system is our internal reference telling the brain how our head is orientated - up, down, tilt, etc. The visual and somatosensory (touch, pressure, pain) systems, on the other hand, are external references, providing our brain with information about the movement and stability of the world around us. Working together and when the systems agree, it is the integration of these sensory modalities that provides us with normal equilibrium.
How Vestibular Rehabilitation Can Help You
Vestibular Rehabilitation is a form of Balance Retraining Therapy. It has emerged over the past several years as an alternative treatment for patients with chronic unresolved motion intolerance, visual sensitivity, and imbalance problems. At FYZICAL Therapy & Balance Centers in Hermitage, TN, we have a comprehensive balance program that includes assessment and evaluation programs, balance retraining, and vestibular rehabilitation.
With balance retraining and vestibular rehabilitation, our goal is to improve balance function and visual motor control, increase general activity levels, and help your body compensate for inner ear disorders. We utilize a state-of-the-art balance machine, and our balance therapy programs have a 99% balance improvement success rate.
Who Could Benefit
- BPPV (Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo)
- MS (Multiple Sclerosis)
- Vestibular Hypofunction: Labyrinthitis, vestibular neuritis
- Migraine Associated Dizziness
- Post-Concussions and TBI (Traumatic Brain Injuries)
- Neck Related Dizziness & Vertigo
- Fall Risk Seniors
- Musculoskeletal Balance Disorders
- Parkinson’s
How Long Does a Vestibular Rehabilitation Program Take?
Everyone is different, and vestibular rehabilitation programs are custom tailored to each individual. As such, recovery time is highly variable. Some patients recover completely in just a couple of visits. Others find their chronic condition requires ongoing management over several years.
Our therapists at FYZICAL Therapy & Balance Centers in Hermitage, TN, typically see patients weekly for 4 to 12 weeks. But this varies depending on your diagnosis, the severity of symptoms, and how well you respond to the therapy. The most common reason for a recovery delay is when a patient is inconsistent with the prescribed exercises.
What Outcome Can I Expect from FYZICAL Therapy & Balance Centers in Hermitage North ?
You can reasonably expect significant results from vestibular rehabilitation at FYZICAL Therapy & Balance Centers in Hermitage North. These are some results our patients tell us about:
- Less dizziness
- Reduced or eliminated nausea and vomiting
- Improved focus, memory, and concentration
- Better balance for standing, walking, and sitting
- More confidence and less risk of falling
- Increased ability to stabilize vision or gaze
- Better ability to focus or track objects near and far
- Greater neck mobility with less stiffness and/or pain
- Reduced fatigue with better sleep
- Less anxiety and depression
- Increased ability to cope with stress and overwhelm
- More confidence to return to previously enjoyed activities and hobbies
Is Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy Right for You?
Overwhelmingly, patient reports and scientific research show that VRT effectively improves symptoms of many vestibular conditions. The place to start is with a comprehensive assessment with a professional physical therapist at FYZICAL Therapy & Balance Centers in Hermitage, TN.
Contact us today for an assessment to determine if Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy is right for you.