Suffering from dizziness is hard. Uncertainty about taking a step or leaning down to pick something up is physically taxing and emotionally draining. Other vestibular disorder symptoms such as vertigo, gaze instability, and/or imbalance and falls are equally troublesome. If you have been searching for help in managing an unreliable sense of equilibrium, Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT) is the antidote.
What is VRT?
VRT is an effective way for anyone with vestibular disorders to combat the detrimental effects of dizziness and other associated symptoms. It is a customized exercise program that focuses on your specific needs. Three primary exercise methods are applied. They are;
- Habituation – teaching the brain to disregard the irregular signals sent by the inner ear
- Gaze Stabilization – develop increased control of eye movements
- Balance Training – improve physical stability
What are the Benefits?
In addition to improving dizziness, VRT improves your overall quality of life. One of the main side-effects of the inner ear and balance challenges is a decrease in doing what you love. Going on walks and bicycle rides, making handmade crafts, and creating tantalizing family meals can become nearly impossible as the ability to focus and stay upright is challenged. Many people opt for a sedentary lifestyle to manage or avoid dizziness altogether. In turn, emotional struggles such as anxiety and depression can set in. VRT trains your body in a way that allows you to maintain, or return, to the lifestyle you cherish.
What can I do at Home?
One of the best things you can do for yourself at home is to stay active. Walking and low-impact aerobics are a great place to start. Additionally, you can observe the head movements that cause dizziness. Once you know what they are, you can repeat them. This repetition will allow your brain to recognize and disregard irregular inner ear signals.
How Scottsdale Audiologists can Help
While staying active and repeating dizziness inducing head movements is good, the most important thing you can do is to work with a physical therapist. Here at Scottsdale Ears, Nose & Throat, we have the unique ability to place you with our onsite physical therapist, Dr. Samantha Stopler. No other ENT office in Arizona has a physical therapist within their facility. Dr. Stolper specializes in Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy, so you can rest assured that you are getting the best care possible. She is dedicated to improving your quality of life.
Book an initial evaluation with Dr. Samantha Stopler by clicking here.
