Vertigo and Dizziness

How does the vestibular system/inner ear work?

The vestibular system is one of 3 main contributors to balance (the other 2 categories are vision and somatosensory). Located in the inner ear, the vestibular system senses motion when we sit, stand, move, or experience motions (such as in a car). The brain receives the signals from the inner ear, along with information from the eyes and your sense of touch to interpret motion, equilibrium, and position. 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. When all 3 systems agree, it is the integration of these sensory systems that provides us with normal equilibrium. Vestibular dysfunction occurs when there is a problem with the vestibular system/inner ear or a problem with your brain's ability to use this information.

What is vestibular rehabilitation?

Vestibular rehabilitation is a specialized form of physical therapy designed to alleviate dizziness and balance issues caused by problems in the vestibular system, which includes the parts of the inner ear and brain that help control balance.

This type of training involves exercises aimed at improving balance, decreasing dizziness, and improving tolerance of daily activities. Typically this includes gaze stabilization exercises, balance training, and habituation exercises, tailored to the individual’s specific needs and conditions. These activities help your brain get used to movements or situations that make you feel dizzy or off-balance. The idea is to gradually expose yourself to these triggers in a controlled way, which helps your brain learn to cope with them better over time.

How vestibular rehabilitation can help you?

At FYZICAL, 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.

Vestibular Rehabilitation is the treatment of choice for individuals experiencing dizziness and imbalance accross many diagnoses, including: