Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy

Programs that conduct an evaluation of individuals who have balance problems that includes observation of posture, balance, movement, and compensatory strategies; and develop an individualized treatment plan that includes specific head, body, and eye exercises that are performed both in the therapy setting and at home. Treatment may also include an increase in activities and exercise in order to strengthen muscles and increase the individual"™s tolerance for symptom-provoking stimuli. The person may experience an initial increase in symptoms as the body and brain attempt to sort out the new pattern of movements, but with time and consistent practice, coordination of signals from the eyes, proprioception, and vestibular system can occur. Although VRT is most commonly offered by physical therapists, it can also be provided by physicians, occupational therapists or audiologists.