Vestibular Rehabilitation
Also known as: VRT, balance rehabilitation therapy or simply vestibular therapy
Vestibular rehabilitation focuses on treating vestibular disorders to help regain stability and reduce symptoms of chronic dizziness or balance issues.
What is vestibular rehabilitation?
Vestibular rehabilitation therapy is a highly specialised form of treatment aimed at alleviating dizziness and improving balance. This therapy is designed to help those suffering from various vestibular disorders, which can severely impact one’s ability to maintain balance and spatial orientation.
Why you might need vestibular rehabilitation
Individuals experiencing chronic dizziness symptoms, imbalance, or vertigo often find vestibular rehabilitation therapy essential for managing paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) and vestibular symptoms. These issues can lead to symptoms that greatly reduce quality of life, such as persistent dizziness, nausea, and headaches.
Consultation: £90
Before therapy
When you’re being treated for vestibular disorders, you’ll visit a specialist physiotherapist. In your first appointment with them, they’ll conduct a comprehensive test to assess the efficiency of your vestibular system and inner ear, particularly in cases of unilateral peripheral vestibular dysfunction.
These assessments help create a tailored program to meet your unique needs, enhancing therapy effectiveness. Understanding your specific vestibular dysfunction allows therapists to design a more targeted treatment plan.
During therapy
Therapy sessions typically include specialised exercises that focus on eye movements control, balance training, and various head movement and body movements that engage the central nervous system. These exercises are tailored to individual needs, ensuring that each patient receives the most effective treatment.
Vestibular rehabilitation therapy typically lasts between six to twelve weeks, involving six to eight sessions with daily exercises tailored to individual needs.
After therapy
Continuing with home exercises and balance exercises after completing vestibular rehabilitation therapy helps maintain and enhance the progress made. Patients who stick to their prescribed exercise routines often experience fewer dizziness and balance issues.
Regular follow-ups with a vestibular rehabilitation specialist help tailor ongoing treatments and exercises to your evolving needs. Effective communication within a multidisciplinary team can greatly improve the success of vestibular rehabilitation, ensuring optimal patient care.
Appointment and Treatment Plan
Initial assessment
At your first appointment, we will take a detailed medical history and perform an assessment to better understand your condition.
Treatment plan
During this appointment, we will review your results and collaboratively decide on the next steps regarding your treatment.
Treatment
Based on your treatment plan, you will visit our physiotherapy department for treatment/s. If required and indicated, additional sessions may be added.
Aftercare
You will go away with a plan of action that you have agreed with your physiotherapist. You may have a new exercise programme or a course of treatment, you may be referred to another specialist or not need another appointment at all.
Experts
We are proud to provide patients with access to a wide range of clinicians, chosen specifically for their knowledge and reputation in their area of expertise. Our experts align with our values: putting you at the centre of your care and educating you on your options at each step of the journey. We encourage you to learn more about our clinicians and how they can help you below. As always, please contact our patient services team if you require any additional information.
FAQs
Vestibular rehabilitation therapy (VRT) is an effective physical therapy designed to treat balance disorders and dizziness by enhancing the brain’s processing of sensory information from the vestibular system. It aims to restore stability and improve overall function.
Vestibular rehabilitation involves habituation exercises, gaze stabilization exercises, and balance training exercises, all aimed at improving balance and alleviating dizziness. Engaging in these targeted exercises can significantly enhance your overall stability and well-being.