Balance and Vestibular Disorders

About Balance, Dizziness & Vestibular Disorders

Often times patients are unaware there is a direct correlation between our inner ear and our brain.  There are solutions to treating balance and vestibular disorders.   If an injury or disease causes a damage to our system, a vestibular disorder occurs. The trouble with balance and dizziness are the most common symptoms of this type of disorder, but some might have problems with their vision and hearing as well.

About 42% of the current U.S. Population experiences balance and vestibular disorders at least once in their lifetime. Although very common, dizziness is never normal. For older people (over 70 years of age), dizziness is the main reason why they seek medical attention.

Common Symptoms of Balance and Vestibular Disorders

Understanding how Physical Therapy and Chiropractic Care Can Help

Vestibular disorders can be described as:

• Wooziness;
• Unsteadiness;
• Lightheadedness;
• Sensations of moving;
• Swaying;
• Tilting;
• Floating;
• Whirling (vertigo).

These feelings can occur at any time, whether you’re lying down or standing still. In general, the symptoms are episodic or constant in nature, only lasting seconds or minutes.

The Need for Physical therapy When Diagnosed with a Vestibular Disorder

If you’re feeling dizzy, we can help determine how well you are using your vestibular system to keep your balance. Based on the results, we can instruct you in exercises that will specifically address your problem and improve the way your body using the vestibular system. At Action Physical Therapy, we take your personal goal into account so that we can develop a treatment plan that will target the symptoms you’re experiencing.

Treating Balance and Vestibular Disorders

We will perform an in-depth clinical exam that will test your balance and specific vestibular system to assess if you have a benign paroxysmal positional vertigo or presence of otoconia-ear crystals in the semicircular canals. We will also evaluate your motion and position to localize the cause of your balance and vestibular disorders. Then you can start with weekly treatment sessions that include exercises, education, and functional training geared toward your personal deficits. Our goal is to restore your balance, improve your function and gait, establish clearer vision with head motion, and desensitize dizziness.

How Action Physical Therapy Can Help Treat Patients with Balance and a Vestibular Disorder

At Action Physical Therapy, we also specialize in treating medical conditions that lead to instability. For further information on our treatments for balance and vestibular disorders, visit one our South Florida clinics today and we will answer any question you might have regarding your condition.  Our comprehensive treatment programs are available for everyone and are a great way to improve flexibility and strength, and to reduce the risk of falls that can be caused by balance and vestibular disorders.