What Can Patients Expect from Vestibular Rehabilitation?

Vestibular rehabilitation therapy is a specialized form of physical therapy that involves an exercise-based treatment program to address the symptoms of vestibular dysfunction. This treatment approach is often recommended to patients affected by benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), labyrinthitis, Ménière’s disease, and other vestibular conditions, as it can decrease the risk of falls and improve general wellness.

Suppose you are experiencing symptoms like chronic dizziness, balance problems, hearing changes, or blurred vision due to a vestibular disorder. In that case, this approach can help you restore stability and kick persistent discomfort to the curb. Our experts offer comprehensive evaluations and high-quality services to support patients with vestibular conditions. To learn about this approach and whether it can alleviate your discomfort, schedule a consultation session at our clinic.

The components of vestibular rehabilitation therapy include:

● Habituation exercises – Patients with vestibular conditions often experience dizziness and other symptoms when turning around quickly or sitting in a moving car, as well as when surrounded by visual stimuli, such as in a shopping mall. Habituation exercises are used to treat symptoms caused by movement or visual stimuli through mild, repeated exposure.

● Gaze stabilization exercises – These eye and head exercises are used to enhance eye movement control to promote gaze stability and reduce dizziness, nausea, blurred vision, and other symptoms of vestibular dysfunction.

● Balance retraining exercises – To improve steadiness and balance, balance retraining exercises are included in vestibular rehabilitation. These exercises make it easier to perform daily activities, such as work and self-care, without feeling unsteady or disoriented.

● Canalith repositioning procedures – For patients with BPPV, vestibular rehabilitation may include canalith repositioning. This approach is performed to reposition displaced calcium carbonate crystals within the inner ear to alleviate symptoms.

In addition to coming in for regular appointments with the specialist throughout your treatment, vestibular rehabilitation also requires a home exercise program.

In a majority of cases, vestibular rehabilitation is performed as an outpatient procedure by a physical or occupational therapist. Before the treatment, the specialist will discuss your symptoms, their intensity, and your medical history in a consultation appointment. This allows the professional to understand how your symptoms affect your daily life and what your goals for vestibular therapy are. In some cases, the specialist will order imaging studies or laboratory tests to gain more insight into your condition.

Based on the information gathered during the consultation, the specialist will develop a personalized exercise plan to help you address your symptoms and improve your wellness. Your treatment plan may include habituation exercises, canalith repositioning, balance retraining, and gaze stabilization, as well as other therapeutic approaches.

The specialist will explain the specifics of your home exercise program as well as how frequently you should come in for in-office visits. While staying committed to the home exercise program can be tedious, it is crucial to stay consistent to achieve significant improvements through vestibular therapy.

The length of your vestibular therapy program depends on your condition, the severity of your symptoms, your adherence to the treatment plan, and your body’s response to the treatment. Vestibular rehabilitation requires regular sessions and daily exercises over several weeks.

Some patients experience significant improvements in their symptoms after a few weeks of vestibular therapy. On the other hand, patients with complex vestibular conditions or severe symptoms may need longer to notice positive results from vestibular rehabilitation.

Throughout your treatment, the specialist will monitor your progress and support you in achieving better wellness as promptly as possible. The more consistent you are with home exercises, the faster you will enjoy substantial improvements in your symptoms. To find out how quickly you can expect results through vestibular therapy, contact us today or book an appointment online. We are conveniently located at 1161 NE Rice Rd Lee’s Summit, MO 64086. We serve patients from Lee’s Summit, MO, Blue Springs, MO, Independence, MO, Raytown, MO, Lake Lotawana, MO, Greenwood, MO, Grain Valley, MO, and surrounding areas!