Vestibular Rehabilitation

Dizziness and vertigo are among the most common symptoms causing patients to visit a physician (as common as back pain and headaches). The overall incidence of dizziness, vertigo, and imbalance increases in patients older than 40 years. Falling can be a direct consequence of dizziness in this population, and the risk is compounded in those with other neurological deficits.

What is dizziness?

Dizziness is a term often used to describe different symptoms. It can be a feeling of being unsteady or woozy. It also can be a feeling of spinning. Vertigo is the term health care providers use for when you feel you are spinning or the room is spinning. It is important for you to explain to your provider what you mean by dizziness.

At Fit for Life Physical Therapy, there are physical therapists that are trained to evaluate and help you with your symptoms. The evaluation consists of a clinical examination, which may be followed by eye movement/vestibular function and balance tests. The entire evaluation takes 1 hour. If possible, take no sleeping medications, tranquilizers or dizziness/vertigo medications in the 24-hour period prior to the test. You may wish to have someone drive you to and from your first visit in case you don’t feel steady after treatment.

 If the cause of the dizziness requires an exercise program, that program will be set up specifically for you. For vestibular problems, this therapy involves vestibular and balance retaining through swift and repetitive exercises of the head, eyes and entire body. After training from the therapist, exercises can be performed at home. Other exercises are used primarily to improve balance.

[ TOP ]