Vestibular Therapy

The vestibular system is a complex sensory system located in the inner ear that plays a crucial role in maintaining balance, posture, and spatial orientation. When the vestibular system is functioning properly, we are able to maintain our balance, stabilize our gaze, and move smoothly and efficiently. However, problems with the vestibular system can lead to symptoms such as dizziness, vertigo, imbalance, and spatial disorientation. Vestibular therapy is often used to help individuals with vestibular disorders regain their balance and reduce these symptoms.

What is Vestibular Therapy?

Vestibular therapy, or vestibular rehabilitation therapy (VRT), is a specialized type of physical therapy that aims to improve balance and reduce dizziness and vertigo symptoms by promoting central nervous system compensation for inner ear deficits. VRT is based on the principle of neuroplasticity, which is the brain’s ability to adapt and reorganize itself in response to changes in the body or environment. It involves a series of exercises and maneuvers designed to retrain the brain to recognize and process signals from the vestibular system more effectively.

Conditions Treated with Vestibular Therapy

Princeton Brain, Spine and Sports Medicine will carefully consider your symptoms and progression before recommending vestibular therapy. Vestibular therapy is commonly used to treat a variety of vestibular disorders, including:

• Vestibular neuritis and labyrinthitis
• Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV)
• Meniere’s disease
• Concussion & head injury / TBI
• Stroke

If you have not yet been diagnosed with a vestibular disorder, therapy can still assist with symptoms such as:

• Vertigo
• Dizziness & lightheadedness
• Nausea & vomiting
• Fatigue
• Neck tightness, stiffness, and/or pain
• Imbalance & difficulty walking
• Headaches
• Vision issues

What to Expect From Vestibular Therapy

Princeton Brain, Spine and Sports Medicine will carefully consider your symptoms and progression before recommending vestibular therapy. Based on this evaluation, a personalized treatment plan will be developed to address your specific needs and goals. The length of time it takes to see improvement in your condition or symptoms varies with each patient, and can be as few as a couple of visits or can be a chronic condition that needs to be managed over several years.

Vestibular therapy typically involves a series of exercises and maneuvers designed to improve balance, reduce dizziness, and enhance overall function. These exercises may include:

• Gaze stabilization exercises: These exercises help improve your ability to focus your eyes during head movement, which can reduce dizziness and improve balance.
• Balance training: These exercises help improve your ability to maintain your balance while standing and walking.
• Habituation exercises: These exercises involve exposing you to movements or positions that provoke your symptoms in a controlled manner, which can help reduce your sensitivity to these triggers over time.

Vestibular Therapy at PBSSM

Dizziness and imbalance are persistent issues that affect your quality of life. Vestibular rehabilitation therapy takes time, but can significantly decrease symptoms of dizziness, improve balance, and increase confidence to return to desired activities and hobbies. To find out if you are a candidate for vestibular therapy, contact PBSSM online or call us in NJ: 609.921.9001 or PA: 215.741.3141.