Vestibular Rehabilitation

In addition to pelvic health, our therapists at Inner Dynamics Physical Therapy also treat vestibular diagnoses such as vertigo and balance issues. Vertigo is the sensation of spinning, even when you are standing still. If you have vertigo, you will feel like you are moving or the room is moving around you, when in fact no motion is happening.

Most, but not all causes of vertigo, involve the vestibular system, the inner ear. The vestibular system is a sensory system that is responsible for providing our brain with information about motion, head position, and spatial orientation. It is involved with motor functions that allow us to keep our balance, maintain posture, and stabilize our head and body during movement. Thus, the vestibular system is essential for normal movement and equilibrium. 

We provide one-on-one care for all of our services, so your first visit will include an hour long session with the physical therapist to address your past medical history, primary concerns, and functional limitations.

One of the most common forms of vertigo is BPPV, or benign paroxysmal positional vertigo. In BPPV calcium carbonate crystals that normally are found in the utricle of the ear are dislodged and end up in the semicircular canals, causing vertigo. An affected person usually reports that head movements cause a violent spinning sensation that lasts less than a minute and then goes away rapidly. Often this occurs for the first time when the patient is laying down and turns over in bed. About 10% of all people will experience BPPV at least once in their lifetime. If you have one episode you are 15% more likely to have another within the next two years. All age groups can be affected, but it is seen especially in the elderly. 

A condition like BPPV has specific treatments, which may include specialized head and neck maneuvers to help abolish the symptoms. Your physical therapist may move your head in certain ways to help the crystals to move out of the semicircular canals, so that they can be reabsorbed. If the condition is recurrent and can be identified as being present in the same semicircular canal, then your therapist may teach you these head movements so that you can do them at home if needed.


An examination will be performed assessing your overall function as well as the area(s) of your primary concern. After the examination, the physical therapist will discuss their assessment of your condition, along with a plan of care that works for you to address your symptoms. Each subsequent visit will be forty-five minutes with one on one care, as well.

Below is a list of vestibular conditions and symptoms our therapists treat.  If you do not see something on this list that qualifies as an orthopedic condition, please contact us and we will let you know if one of our therapists will be able to assist you.

 

Conditions that produce vertigo:

  • Inner ear infections or disorders

  • Migraines

  • Tumors, such as an acoustic neuroma

  • Surgery that removes or injures the inner ear or its nerves

  • Head injury or concussion that involves the inner ear

  • A hole in the inner ear

  • Stroke

  • Meniere’s disease

Symptoms experienced:

  • Loss of balance

  • Nausea

  • Vomiting

  • Sweating

  • Nystagmus, abnormal eye movements

I am ready to make this transition with the help and guidance I deserve.

Vestibular physical therapy can play an intricate role throughout this stage of your life. Call for your initial evaluation at 732-508-9926.  

We invite you to read through our testimonials showing how we have changed the lives of so many people.

For more questions regarding our services, please call our office at 732-508-9926 or you may view our frequently asked questions on our website.