Physical Therapy for Vestibular Disorders
Improving Symptoms through Rehabilitation
Vestibular rehabilitation can help restore quality of life to those experiencing problems with the vestibular system. Issues like vertigo, imbalance, visual disturbance, nausea, and more can stem from disorders related to the inner ear.
Who Does Monroe Physical Therapy Treat?
Problems with balance, dizziness, and other vestibular issues can affect people of all ages, but are more common in adults. Rachael Gumm, AIB-VRC, can work with anyone, of any age, experiencing vestibular disorders.
Understanding Vestibular Disorders
The vestibular system is a series of complex structures that help us maintain balance through sensory organs located in the inner ear. This system works in tandem with our eyes, muscles, and joints to tell our bodies how to stay coordinated even while we, and the world around us, is in motion. It’s composed of the peripheral vestibular system and the central vestibular system.
Symptoms of vestibular disorders are often due to sensory mismatches between vision, the vestibular system (the inner ear balance system), and joint proprioception (the sense of joint position in space).
Physical Therapy for Vestibular Disorders
Vestibular rehabilitation (VR) or vestibular rehabilitation therapy (VRT) is a specialized form of exercise and education used to treat vestibular disorders and their symptoms, including dizziness, imbalance, postural issues, unexplained falls, or vertigo. This is the most common way of managing problems such as chronic dizziness, imbalance, vertigo, and even concussions.
Neurodiagnostic testing will help us decide which form of therapy is best for your condition, and often, several types of therapy will be used. Working with a physical therapist certified in vestibular rehabilitation therapy has been shown to help retrain the body to compensate for deficits, leading to improved function. The goal is to have you return to normal activities and enjoy an active lifestyle once again.
Resources
The American Institute of Balance
Types of Therapy
Vestibular First
Education Center
Physical Therapy Can Help
Rachael Gumm is AIB-VRC (Vestibular Rehabilitation & Concussion Certification) certified from the American Institute of Balance. She is specifically trained to evaluate and treat individuals with vestibular diagnoses.
Get in Touch
Send a Message
Hours
Tuesday: 8:30am-4:30pm
Wednesday: 8:30am-4:30pm
Thursday: 8:30am-4:30pm
Friday: 8:30am-12:30pm
Saturday-Monday: Closed
Appointments outside of scheduled hours are available upon approval from your physical therapist.
Fax
(515) 809-3676