Dizziness and loss of balance are common among older adults, but many younger people experience them. You’ve likely heard many different opinions about these conditions, and not all of them are trustworthy. But if you’re looking for a solution, vestibular rehabilitation therapy might be right for you.
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Loss of balance
For people who suffer from loss of balance, Vestibular Therapy is an effective way to regain your balance and activity levels. It involves the repetitive stimulation of the inner ear through movement. This helps the brain process the information it receives from the inner ear more efficiently. It also helps the brain integrate information from other sensory systems. This results in improved balance and decreased dizziness. These benefits can make it easier for you to perform your daily activities.
Treatment for loss of balance begins with the identification of the underlying causes. If your condition is caused by an ear infection, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics and antifungal drugs. For milder cases, lifestyle changes such as avoiding nicotine and smoking may also help relieve symptoms. You may also undergo a test known as the Epley maneuver, which involves repeated head and chest movements. This exercise reduces the risk of falls and improves your ability to walk in dark or uneven terrain.
The primary goal of vestibular rehabilitation is to restore your sense of balance. This rehabilitation is based on repetitive movements, which help train the brain to use other senses to compensate for the loss of balance. It can help people who suffer from vertigo, dizziness, or falls to improve their quality of life.
Quality of life
A small number of studies have examined the impact of vestibular rehabilitation on health-related quality of life after a vestibular disorder. These studies focus on the impact of rehabilitation on self-efficacy, coping skills, and resiliency. Quality of life after vestibular therapy was found to be improved in all treatment groups, regardless of gender or age.
In general, 90 percent of Vestibular Physical Therapist patients improve their overall quality of life. Patients receive an individualized treatment plan that addresses specific balance problems. The exercises should be challenging, yet safe and should help improve balance and mobility. Retraining the brain to interpret the signals from the vestibular system and reduce its effects on balance is an important goal of the rehabilitation program.
Vestibular rehabilitation is usually performed as an outpatient procedure, but it can also be initiated in the hospital. Patients are seen by a licensed physical or occupational therapist with postgraduate training. The therapist will complete a comprehensive clinical assessment that includes a history of symptoms. During the assessment, the therapist will document the frequency and severity of symptoms, as well as discuss the causes of the symptoms. The therapist will also ask patients about their lifestyle, current activity levels, and medications.
Cost
The cost of vestibular therapy varies widely depending on the provider and the treatment plan. Some providers charge $100 or more per session. Others offer sliding scale rates to help people afford the treatment. In many cases, insurance companies will cover the cost of therapy if the patient is eligible. If you’re unsure of whether your insurance will cover your treatment, call your provider and find out.
Physical therapists performing vestibular physical therapy usually begin with an initial evaluation. The therapy they recommend will depend on the severity of your symptoms and the diagnosis. A physical therapist trained in vestibular rehabilitation will likely perform a series of exercises that will improve your posture and alignment. They may also perform exercises to improve your neck range of motion, which will reduce your pain and help keep your muscles moving freely.
Conclusion
Post-it notes are another tool in the Vestibular Therapy toolbox. The notes are usually written in a letter-sized font, but the therapist may need to make them larger for people with poor vision. Post-it notes are useful for gaze stabilization exercises because they can provide a solid target for active eye movements. The notes can be stuck to a wall or held by the patient. They also come in handy for patients with mild tremors.
