Vestibular Rehabilitation (Balance Therapy)

What is Vestibular Rehabilitation?

Vestibular rehabilitation (VR) is a specialized form of physical therapy designed to improve balance disorders, reduce dizziness, and treat vestibular disorders. These disorders affect the inner ear and the brain’s ability to process spatial orientation and movement, which can lead to vertigo, unsteadiness, and increased risk of falls.

VR programs consist of personalized balance training exercises tailored to each patient. By identifying the underlying cause of the balance disorder, therapists develop exercises that encourage the vestibular system to adapt, compensate, and recalibrate, helping patients regain stability and confidence.

Benefits of Vestibular Rehabilitation

Vestibular rehabilitation offers numerous benefits, including:

• Reduced dizziness and vertigo episodes
• Improved posture, gait, and coordination
• Enhanced daily function and independence
• Decreased risk of falls and long-term complications
• Better overall quality of life

Early initiation of VR, especially for patients with acute vestibular disorders, has been shown to accelerate recovery and improve functional outcomes.

Role of Vestibular Medications

In the acute phase of vestibular disorders, vestibular suppressants may be prescribed to reduce symptoms such as nausea and spinning sensations. However, for most patients, long-term use of these medications is discouraged. Prolonged suppression can interfere with the brain and inner ear’s ability to compensate, delaying recovery. Vestibular rehabilitation exercises, rather than medications, remain the cornerstone of long-term treatment.

How Vestibular Rehabilitation Works

Vestibular rehabilitation uses a variety of exercises and techniques, including:

• Balance and gait training – improving stability during walking and standing
• Habituation exercises – gradually exposing the patient to movements that trigger dizziness
• Eye-head coordination exercises – retraining the brain to stabilize vision during motion
• Functional activities – integrating daily movements to reinforce balance in real-life situations

Each program is customized to the patient’s condition, age, and activity level, ensuring the most effective rehabilitation possible.

Comprehensive Care at Pacific Neuroscience Institute

At Pacific Neuroscience Institute, our vestibular specialists work closely with Performance Therapy at Providence Saint John’s Health Center to provide comprehensive balance therapy services. This collaborative approach ensures patients receive both accurate diagnosis and tailored rehabilitation programs to restore balance and reduce dizziness.

Patients experiencing vertigo, unsteadiness, or balance challenges are encouraged to schedule a consultation to determine if vestibular rehabilitation is right for them.