Balance & Vestibular Therapy
Regain Stability and Prevent Falls with Expert Care
Each year, one-third of adults over age 65 experience dizziness, balance problems, or falls. Falls are the leading cause of injury in older adults, with five percent resulting in fractures that can be disabling and life-altering.
At startPTNow, we specialize in helping you prevent falls through comprehensive physical therapy that identifies the root causes of balance issues and provides targeted solutions. Our individualized approach addresses posture, vestibular function, strength, coordination, and overall mobility to restore your confidence and independence.
Balance & Vestibular Q & A
What is balance and vestibular therapy?
Balance and vestibular therapy is a specialized form of physical therapy designed to address dizziness, balance problems, and fall prevention. Our comprehensive approach focuses on extensive individualized assessments to determine the specific causes of decreased balance and increased fall risk.
Following a thorough evaluation, your physical therapist develops a customized program that addresses:
Throughout your treatment, we conduct periodic reassessments to monitor improvement and adjust your program as needed. Our approach provides you with the tools to regain control, rebuild self-esteem, and prevent future falls.
What is vestibular therapy?
Vestibular therapy specifically targets the function of your inner ear following injury or illness. When the signals from your inner ear to your brain become inaccurate, it creates a disconnect between what your eyes see and what your inner ear tells your brain is happening.
Common vestibular issues include:
Inner Ear Dysfunction
- Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV)
- Vestibular neuritis and labyrinthitis
- Meniere's disease symptoms
- Displaced inner ear crystals (canaliths)
- Age-related vestibular changes
Symptoms & Risks
- Dizziness and vertigo sensations
- Nausea and motion sensitivity
- Visual disturbances and blurring
- Increased fall risk and instability
- Difficulty with head movements
These conditions represent significant risk factors for falls and can dramatically impact your quality of life. At startPTNow, we conduct thorough evaluations to create customized programs that improve balance, minimize falls, and decrease dizziness and vertigo.
What are the benefits of balance training?
Our comprehensive balance training program delivers multiple benefits that work together to improve your stability, confidence, and overall quality of life.
Key benefits include:
We provide progressive balance challenges that simulate real-world environments, including areas with curbs, uneven surfaces, dim lighting conditions, and situations requiring quick changes in direction.
What treatments are available for balance and vestibular issues?
We offer evidence-based treatments specifically designed to address the root causes of balance and vestibular disorders, with many patients experiencing significant improvement from their very first visit.
Our specialized treatments include:
Canalith Repositioning
- Epley maneuver for BPPV treatment
- Series of precise head and body positions
- Repositioning of inner ear crystals
- Often provides immediate symptom relief
- High success rate in first treatment session
Vestibular Rehabilitation
- Exercise-based treatment program
- Gradual exposure to provocative movements
- Gaze stabilization exercises
- Habituation therapy for motion sensitivity
- Balance retraining and postural control
Comprehensive Balance Training
- Strength training for stability muscles
- Proprioception and coordination exercises
- Environmental adaptation training
- Gait training and mobility improvement
- Home safety assessment and modifications
Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT) is particularly effective for decreasing dizziness symptoms, improving balance, and increasing functional activity levels in patients with stable but uncompensated vestibular dysfunction. Many patients experience remarkable improvements in their symptoms and quality of life through our targeted approach.
If you experience falls, balance difficulties, or vestibular problems, don't wait for an injury to occur. Call StartPTNow or request an appointment online to learn more about our fall prevention and balance programs.
