Great News! Traverse City is starting to open up and we are a model for the State of Michigan. Doing it right is important. We have been doing it since day one of the pandemic. Physical therpay was deemed an essential service.

We are well equipped with PPE, hand sanitizers, distanced equipement, and we clean like crazy before and after each patient. Doing our part to keep everyone safe and virus free. That even includes telehealth visits so you don't have to go out in public. And even better news is that Medicare has now approved Telehealth visits.

Vestibular Therapy Services

I would like to introduce you to this service that we offer. Vestibular rehabilitation therapy (VRT) consists of a set of exercises that encourage the brain and spinal cord to make up for balance or equilibrium deficits, which are present due to inner ear or central nervous system disease or abnormality. 

VRT exercises are designed specifically for you by a Physical Therapist at FYZICAL Therapy & Balance Center who has specialized knowledge in this area.  VRT is also referred to as balance retraining therapy. A vestibular therapist is a physical therapist with specific training in the assessment of balance deficits and inner ear disorders.

Exercises provided by a vestibular therapist are based on the functional impairments that are measured in the therapist’s evaluation of the vestibular and balance systems. The exercises are designed to reduce dizziness associated with movement and improve visual clarity, balance reactions, joint mobility, and strength to decrease fall risk.

Balance relies to some extent on a complex number of body systems that include the inner ear, the eyes, the joint-muscle-nerve system, and of course cognitive functions. Therapy that improves gait and balance works with all of these systems to keep them functioning in harmony.

Gait and balance training has a range of benefits, with avoiding injuries being at the top of the list. Beyond lessening your chances of falling or feeling dizzy, you’re also more likely to feel confident with your footing. In addition, those aches and pains from poor posture are likely to decrease as well.

VRT comprises all components of physical therapy including:

• Manual Therapies to improve cervico-thoracic mobility, reduction of pain, and coordination
• Strength and endurance training for all aspects of MSBD
• Modalities and physical agents as needed to improve blood flow and healing
• Postural Assessment and management of malalignment
• Substitution training including orthotics and assistive devices
• Vision/Oculomotor Training to increase gaze stabilization
• Behavioral Management
• Dietary Recommendations

Here are a few examples of vestibular exercises.

https://youtu.be/XyoGbHNd_xo

Stay Healthy! Call us to set up a FREE assessment, balance test or to discuss at treatment plan that will work best for you. (231) 932-9014

Until next time.

Rex Holden

Co-Owner

FYZICAL Therapy & Balance Centers