Vestibular rehabilitation therapy (VRT) is a specialized form of therapy intended to alleviate problems caused by vestibular disorders, primarily vertigo and dizziness, gaze instability, and/or imbalance and falls. VR Physiotherapy involves treatments and exercises to decrease dizziness and improve balance and other issues associated with vestibular disorders.
Evidence has shown that vestibular rehabilitation can be effective in improving symptoms related to many vestibular – inner ear – disorders. People with vestibular disorders often experience problems with vertigo, dizziness, visual disturbance, and/or imbalance. These are the problems that rehabilitation aims to address. Other problems can also arise that are secondary to the vestibular disorder like nausea and/or vomiting, reduced ability to focus or concentrate, and fatigue.
A clinical assessment will take place and following this a customised rehabilitation program will be developed between you and your physiotherapist.
In some cases, people tend to change their lifestyle to accommodate the disorder which can lead to a more sedentary lifestyle, and this can be problematic as it can cause decreased muscle strength as well as flexibility, so getting professional assistance is important as early as possible. Not all types of dizziness can be helped by VR, but a thorough assessment of your problem including a detailed history and examination will help establish if your problem is suited to this treatment.
Vestibular rehabilitation can help:
