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Physical Therapy

Balance/Vestibular

Physical Therapy

What Is Balance/Vestibular Physical Therapy?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), one out of three adults aged 65 and older reports falling each year. Falls are the leading cause of injury death and are also the most common cause of non-fatal injuries and hospital admissions for older adults.

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The therapists at Chehalem Physical Therapy provide a thorough evaluation for all balance patients to determine patient-specific impairments that lead to an increased risk of falls. Your therapist will then work with you to devise a fall prevention treatment plan that is specific to you. Your plan will likely include balance/proprioception exercises, gait training, and a total body strengthening program. Recommendations to make your home environment safer will also be given as needed. Caregiver training will be provided as necessary.

Common Physical Therapy Treatments for Balance

  • Balance training on different surfaces

  • Strength training

  • Core strengthening

  • Gait training

  • Flexibility training

  • Activities of daily living

  • Visual tracking exercise

  • Proprioceptive training

Vestibular Physical Therapy

The vestibular system includes the parts of the inner ear and brain that help control balance and eye movements. If the system is damaged by disease, aging, or injury, vestibular disorders can result.

Vestibular rehabilitation focuses on the treatment of vestibular disorders or symptoms. Such symptoms include dizziness, vertigo, and trouble with balance, posture, and vision. Other problems associated with vestibular disorders include nausea, vomiting, reduced ability to focus or concentrate, and fatigue. The goal of vestibular rehabilitation is to eliminate these symptoms and improve quality of life.

Symptoms/Signs of Vestibular Disorder

  • Sensitivity to change in walking surface or footwear

  • Core hip weakness

  • Difficulty concentrating

  • Forgetfulness

  • Discomfort in busy visual environments, i.e., traffic, crowds, stores

  • Tinnitus (ringing, buzzing in ear)

  • Anxiety, panic, depression

  • Dizziness and vertigo

  • Imbalance

  • Spatial disorientation

  • Vision problems

  • Changes in hearing

  • Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV)

  • Nausea, ear pain

Common Physical Therapy Treatments for Vestibular Problems

  • Canalith repositioning

  • Activity modification

  • Education

  • Progress to active balance training techniques indicated above

Let us know if you or your clinic would like more information about our services.

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