If you suffer from a balance issue, such as vertigo or benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), a balance specialist might refer you to start vestibular therapy. Vestibular therapy is a type of physical therapy that utilizes exercises to train the body and brain to manage dizziness and regain balance.
The Body’s Sense of Balance
In order to keep a strong sense of balance, your body gathers positional information from three main sources: your inner ear, where an organ called the labyrinth tracks changes in head position and gravity; your eyes, which track your surroundings; and your skin and muscles, which track pressure and physical exertion. All these balance signals are sent to the nervous system.
In the case of balance disorders, something is interfering with one or more of these signals or with the central nervous system’s ability to process the signals.
How Vestibular Therapy Works
Vestibular therapy aims to improve or correct any factors that interfere with your balance signals. Overall, it will improve the function of the balance system and keep you steadier on your feet.
Vestibular therapy uses a series of exercises that train the brain and body to notice and adapt to changes in your sense of balance. Since there are numerous symptoms and causes of balance disorders, the specific exercises used in vestibular therapy can vary, but generally speaking, they will involve eye movement exercises, balance exercises, head movement exercises and strengthening exercises. All of these will train the different elements of your balance system to get them working in concert again.
Benefits of Vestibular Therapy
Studies show that patients with balance issues who participate in vestibular therapy show improvement in:
- Ability to stabilize vision
- Sense of balance
- Body strength
- Dizziness symptoms
- Reduced fall risk
What to Expect at Your First Vestibular Therapy Appointment
After an initial evaluation and balance test, wherein your balance specialist will assess the underlying cause of your balance issues and identify any specific areas that need to be targeted, you and your balance specialist will start working through movements associated with vestibular therapy. As you do these movements, your balance specialist will monitor your performance. You may also discuss diet or lifestyle changes that you can make in your daily life or exercises you can do at home that will complement the work done through vestibular therapy.
If you think you need to consult with our balance specialist about a balance disorder or vestibular therapy, don’t hesitate to call Southwestern Hearing & Balance to make an appointment. Balance disorders can significantly affect daily life, safety and independence. Call today to get started.