Vestibular Rehabilitation
What is Vestibular Rehabilitation?
Vestibular rehabilitation is an exercise-based program designed by our specialty trained vestibular physical therapist, Cassie Cochrane. The purpose of this program is to improve balance and reduce problems related to dizziness.
Dizziness
Dizziness can be described as:
- Unsteadiness
- Wooziness
- Lightheadedness
- Sensations of moving
- Spinning
- Floating
- Swaying
- Tilting
- Feelings of passing out
- Whirling
- Virtigo
What causes dizziness?
Dizziness is generally not serious, but is most often a sign of a mechanical body issue. Dizziness can be due to:
- Inner ear disorder
- Side effect of medication
- A sign of neck dysfunction
- Or could be a more serious problem related to brain or heart
Who benefits from vestibular rehabilitaion?
Patients diagnosed with dizziness, imbalance, vertigo, Meniere's syndrome, benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), neck related dizziness and migraines are typically referred for vestibular rehabilitation therapy. Other candidates for this program may also include patients who have had a stroke or brain injury or who fall frequently.
Common symptoms relieved with vistibular rehabilitaion include:
- Blurry vision with head movements
- Neck tightness, stiffness, or pain
- Headaches
- Frequent falls
- Vertigo/spinning
- Generalized "dizziness, wooziness and foggy head" feelings
What to expect in my vestibular rehabilitation therapy appointment:
Upon the initial appointment our specialty trained vestibular rehabilitation therapist, Cassie Cochrane will evaluate your signs and symptoms and review your history. Your assessment and treatment will include all or part of the following areas:
- Balance and proprioception exercises
- Gait (how you walk)
- Habituation training
- Neck mobility
- Gaze stabilization exercises
- Arm strength
- Positional testing, including inner ear exam
- Canalith repositioning for patients with BPPV
Need more information?
Call our clinic and speak with us over the phone if you have any other questions or would directly like to speak with Cassie yourself. Phone 304-295-7290.