Physical therapy can play a huge role in treating individuals who have vestibular conditions. These conditions include vertigo, vestibular hypofunction, Meniere’s disease, Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), Labyrinthitis, vestibular neuritis, migraine headaches, stroke, traumatic brain injury and falling risk. Symptoms may include headaches, fogginess, difficulty focusing gaze, difficulty standing up, nausea, imbalance and dizziness. So how can physical therapy help?
Rehabilitation works by the therapist treating the patient’s symptoms. Treatment options include:
The otolith repositioning maneuvers, which is a procedure that consists of head movements that move the otoconia in the inner ear, or what's known as the "crystals" in your ear. This procedure is used for an individual who has BPPV and this treatment option can help relieve dizziness and other symptoms that one may have.
Gaze stabilization exercise’s incorporate vision while the head is moving. This treatment option can reduce dizziness and improve balance.
Habituation exercise’s will eventually decrease dizziness through repeated exposure to what causes the patient's dizziness.
Improving posture and neck range of motion is often used for an individual who has a tension headache, which are caused by increased muscle contractions.
Balance Training consists of training the three balance systems: somatosensory, vestibular and visual. Each system plays a role to assist in maintaining a patient’s balance in their environment.
Physical therapy can provide a positive outcome for patients who are experiencing vestibular symptoms. It is important to note that every patient’s symptoms and conditions are different; therefore, therapy time and treatment options vary for everyone.
Overall, physical therapists can provide therapy to help individuals overcome their vestibular symptoms and improve their quality of life.
Jaclyn Cook, P.T., D.P.T., is a physical therapist at MyMichigan Health.
