Overcoming Vertigo with Vestibular Therapy
Vertigo makes it seem as if the world is spinning uncontrollably. It disrupts daily life, increases fall risk, and makes it hard to stay active. Vestibular therapy for vertigo is a proven solution to help people regain balance and confidence–including a recent patient at National Physical Therapy, Amanda.
Amanda’s Struggle: Living with Persistent Vertigo
Amanda (not her real name) had always been active. But one morning in her mid-forties, she woke up with a dizzy spell so intense she couldn’t get out of bed. The sensation of spinning persisted for weeks. It would hit her randomly–for example, in the middle of teaching a class or while she was walking her dog. Her symptoms grew so intense she had to take a leave of absence from work.
Amanda also visited her doctor, who diagnosed her with benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), a common cause of dizziness and vertigo that stems from small crystal deposits in the inner ear.
Amanda’s doctor recommended she try vestibular therapy, a specialized type of physical therapy designed to treat balance and dizziness disorders, to help manage her symptoms.
What is Vestibular Therapy for Vertigo?
Vestibular therapy is a personalized treatment that addresses the root cause of vertigo by retraining the brain and body’s balance system. It includes several specialized techniques that can help address vertigo stemming from a wide range of causes, not just BPPV.
Most vestibular therapy programs will include the following:
- Habituation exercises to help your brain “adapt” to vertigo triggers, minimizing their occurrence
- Gaze stabilization exercises to improve visual focus during movement
- Balance training to improve steadiness and coordination
- Postural retraining to strengthen core muscles and improve posture, which enhances overall balance and stability
Amanda’s Personalized Vestibular Therapy Program
At her first session, Amanda felt both nervous and hopeful. W began with a thorough assessment to identify Amanda’s specific triggers–all while explaining each step of the process, ensuring Amanda felt supported.
Here’s what Amanda’s customized program looked like:
Targeted Head Maneuvers
- Because Amanda had BPPV, we began with targeted head maneuvers to shift the misplaced crystals in her inner ear, reducing her vertigo symptoms.
Balance Training
- Amanda practiced standing on foam surfaces and walking while turning her head, training her brain to manage motion changes.
Home Exercises for Progress
- We provided simple routines to maintain Amanda’s improvements between sessions.
After just three weeks, Amanda noticed a significant reduction in her symptoms and could walk her dog again without fear of losing balance. By the sixth week, Amanda was back to teaching full-time, confident her vertigo was under control.
Finding Vertigo Relief with Vestibular Therapy
Amanda’s success highlights the effectiveness of vestibular therapy for vertigo. If you’re struggling with dizziness or balance problems, contact National Physical Therapy to schedule your initial consultation and start your journey to a steadier, more confident you.