Have you ever felt like the world around you is spinning or felt like you can’t stay upright on your feet even when standing still? Vertigo, labyrinthitis, Meniere’s disease and similar conditions that cause these issues make daily life a lot more challenging and even dangerous. Fortunately, there are treatment options for people who suffer from these conditions.
A treatment that is effective for many people who suffer from dizziness and loss of balance is vestibular rehabilitation. This is the practice of empowering your body’s own resources to develop a sense of stability and balance.
Vestibular rehabilitation is beneficial for many reasons, but take a look below at three of the ones we think will mean the most to you if you’re just starting to look for help.
1. Vestibular rehabilitation is a comprehensive treatment
Physical therapists who offer vestibular rehabilitation are well-versed in a variety of treatments that can help you overcome the challenges presented by your condition. At your first treatment, your physical therapist will perform a thorough examination to determine the appropriate course of action.
They will customize your treatment to your needs based on the severity of your condition, your medical history, your age and other relevant factors.
Treatment methods frequently used in vestibular rehabilitation include:
- Habituation exercises — Getting your body used to the factors that cause dizziness
- Gaze stabilization — Improving the focus and coordination of your eye movements so the world appears more steady
- Balance exercises — Improving the strength and stability of your muscles so you’re less likely to fall due to weakness or stiffness
2. You can learn how to manage your condition
Some conditions that cause dizziness and loss of balance stick with you for life, but they can be managed with vestibular rehabilitation. Physical therapists can help you pattern your everyday life around the challenges presented by your condition. They can also help you develop a better diet and form other habits that can improve your quality of life in light of your condition.
3. You can learn what mistakes to avoid
Physical therapists can help you avoid poor choices that aggravate the symptoms of your condition. For example, a sedentary lifestyle can make your body more sensitive to movements, which makes it even more difficult to balance. Certain medications and a poor diet can also interfere with your balance.
Your physical therapist can help you determine which areas of your life may be interfering with the progress of your treatment. They can then help you form a plan to avoid these kinds of mistakes.
Visit Whatcom Physical Therapy for vestibular rehabilitation in your area
Is dizziness and loss of balance making it too difficult to stay on your feet? Vestibular rehabilitation can help you get back control over your life. Contact our team today for more information about vestibular rehabilitation or to schedule an initial appointment.
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