What is Vestibular Rehabilitation?

Patients with inner ear disorders are often referred to physical therapy for treatment of the dizziness, imbalance and visual motor disturbances that accompany the disorders. If the inner ear disorder has been present for some time, patients often develop secondary impairments due to their reduced activity levels.

Secondary impairments include: decreased strength, loss of range of motion (especially of the neck), and increased tension, particularly in the cervical and shoulder region, leading to muscle fatigue and headaches. Physical therapy addresses both the primary and the secondary impairments.

Vestibular disorders reduce the ability of a person to move about in his or her environment without imbalance, vertigo and visual motor disturbance. Even moderate dizziness can significantly diminish quality of life and lead to medical, economical and psychosocial costs to the patient. Vestibular rehabilitation involves specific exercises that are designed to:

• Decrease or eliminate dizziness
• Increase balance function and safety
• Improve visual motor control
• Increase general activity levels

• Reduced Fall Risk
• Earlier Resolution of Symptoms
• Reduced Need for Medications (Medications that are typically prescribed have the disadvantage of habituation and sedating side effects that limit daily activities)
• Improved Patient Satisfaction