Balance & Vestibular Assessment and Treatment

Dizziness ?

Difficulty Walking?

Loss of Balance ?

Frequent Falls ? 

Why Do We Loose Out Balance?

There are many reasons that may contribute to a noticeable increase in your unsteadiness, some of which include:  normal aging declines traumatic injuries vertigo or dizziness and, neurological disorders such as  Parkinson’s, MS, and diabetic neuropathies All of these lead to impairments that directly effect balance including:

loss of strength

decreasing flexibility

declining sensory  function

 How Can Physical Therapy Help?

Specific exercise programs directed toward these impairments have been proven beneficial for improving balance.  These  programs will include:

• Strengthening and stretching exercises for muscles that are important for maintaining balance.
• Specific exercises for retraining and  improving balance and coordination during sitting, standing, and walking.
• Exercises for improving the use of sensory information
• Instruction in safe exercise programs to maintain regular aerobic activity
• Education on home environment safety and fall prevention

Like other skills balance can improve with  practice. By learning safe exercises that will help to improve your balance, you can increase your functional level, decrease  your risk of falls,  and improve your independence in a variety of situations. 

Vestibular Programs:

Vestibular problems, often known as vertigo, typically present with symptoms of :

dizziness

nausea

imbalance

Treatment for vestibular  problems varies based on the cause of the symptoms.  If you are experiencing positional vertigo, an Epley Maneuver  can be performed, usually eliminating all symptoms within the first visit. If your symptoms are caused by damage to peripheral or central structures, then retraining your vestibular system is necessary through either adaptive or  habituation exercises.

Kitsap Physical Therapy   offers a vestibular rehab program that is designed to treat people with balance or vertigo problems.  These programs involve specific exercises to:

Decrease dizziness

Increase balance function

Restore functional activity levels

Many people benefit from balance and vestibular rehab programs.  If you have been experiencing dizziness or  have difficulty with your  balance, please discuss this program with your physician.  If  someone you know  experiences any of these  conditions please pass this information on to them.