Vestibular rehabilitation therapy, also called balance therapy, is a type of physical therapy that focuses on improving balance. Vestibular balance disorder can arise as a result of an injury to the head, a chronic illness, or age-related conditions.
Naples Community Injury Center offers a comprehensive program to address a variety of vestibular balance issues. Our vestibular / balance therapy in Marco Island is tailored to each client’s specific needs. We aim to help you regain stability and balance so you can engage in your daily activities with confidence.
Table of Contents
Understanding Vestibular Balance Disorders
Vestibular balance is controlled by a series of fluid-filled semicircular canals in your inner ear, called the vestibular system. When you move, the fluid changes position within these canals. Nerves in the inner ear sense these changes and send signals to your brain which uses them to coordinate eye movements, posture, and balance.
Causes of Vestibular Balance Issues
Your vestibular system can be compromised when damage occurs to your inner ear or the sensory part of your brain. Common causes may include:
- Inner ear infections
- Insufficient inner ear circulation
- Calcium build-up in the inner ear
- Drug side-effects
- Stroke or aneurism
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
- Car accidents and fall incidents
- Age-related conditions
Whether your vestibular dysfunction occurs due to illness, trauma, or age-related issues, Naples Community Injury Center has the knowledge and experience needed to address your balance issues. We aim to reduce the negative effects of vestibular disorder, so you can engage in daily activities safely.
Common Symptoms of Vestibular Balance Disorder
When you suffer a brain injury or damage to your vestibular system, you may experience a variety of unpleasant and disruptive symptoms, including:
- Vertigo and dizziness
- Loss of balance
- Feeling of floating
- Spinning
- Blurry vision
- Disorientation
- Tripping, stumbling, or falling
- Nausea and vomiting
These symptoms can severely affect your quality of life. You may be unable to engage in normal activities like walking, running, climbing stairs, or driving. As a result, you may experience fear, anxiety, and depression.
At Naples Community Injury Center, we can help you resolve vestibular symptoms. Even for chronic or incurable conditions, our Marco Island vestibular/ balance therapy can help you find ways to manage symptoms so you can enjoy a better quality of life.
What to Expect During Your Initial Visit for Vestibular / Balance Therapy in Marco Island
Our Marco Island balance therapy begins with a thorough diagnostic examination and medical record review. We may complete a hearing and vision exam, balance tests, and imaging of your head and brain.
Using a series of balance exercises and a thorough medical review, we can determine the extent and severity of your vestibular dysfunction and establish an appropriate treatment plan.
Types of Vestibular / Balance Therapy Treatments in Marco Island
Vestibular therapy treatments vary depending on your condition’s fundamental cause. Balance therapy treatments we offer in Marco Island include:
- Head bending and turning exercises
- Sitting upper body rotation
- Eye exercises
- Sitting to standing exercises
- Walking heel to toe
- Standing on cushions or an uneven surface
- Standing on one foot
- Tossing a ball from hand to hand while standing
- Walking while turning head and eyes
- Gaze stabilization and visual pursuit exercises
Each exercise targets specific aspects of your balance and coordination. As your condition improves, we will adjust your treatment accordingly and begin adding more challenging exercises until you can reliably sit, stand, walk, and focus.
Marco Island Vestibular / Balance Therapy as Part of a Comprehensive Physiotherapy Regimen
Our skilled physiotherapists may prescribe balance therapy exercises in conjunction with medical treatment and other physiotherapy methods. We aim to address the full scope of your injuries through a personalized physical therapy plan. Your treatment may also include the following physiotherapy services:
Resistance Training
As part of your rehabilitation process, a physiotherapist may assign strengthening exercises and stretches. Using resistance bands, weights, and other equipment, these activities aim to improve your muscle and bone strength. In conjunction with vestibular therapy, resistance training can help you establish a stronger, more stable posture.
Gait Training
Gait training aims to assist individuals with trouble walking after a stroke or other injury to the brain. For patients with vestibular or balance dysfunction, gait training can help strengthen muscles, enhance coordination, and improve balance.
Oculomotor Therapy
Gaze stabilization, visual tracking, and focus are all controlled by the oculomotor nerve. When you suffer damage to the oculomotor nerve or sensory part of the brain, it may become difficult to orient yourself, maintain balance, and focus your vision.
Our oculomotor therapy consists of a variety of specialized exercises designed to improve eye function and movement. Using evidence-based practices, we can help retrain your eyes so you can return to your regular activities.
Electrical Stimulation Therapy
Electrical stimulation (ES) can ease muscle pain and speed wound healing. If your vestibular issues arise from acute injuries or involve chronic pain, ES therapy can address your discomfort and increase circulation to the affected tissues.
Massage Therapy
If you suffer muscle tightness, pain, or spasms due to an injury or health issue, massage therapy can:
- Lower muscle tension
- Release compressed nerves
- Improve flexibility and range of motion
- Open space between joints
Naples Community Injury Center’s highly-trained massage therapists use a variety of evidence-based techniques to reduce muscle tightness and promote healing.
Chiropractic Treatments
At Naples Community Injury Center, we take a full-body approach to address our patients’ needs. Chiropractic adjustments such as spinal manipulation and reflex therapy can help realign your spine and joints. This in turn can reduce pain in your back, neck, head, and joints.
When used in conjunction with other physiotherapy methods, chiropractic treatments can help you reestablish and maintain proper posture as you strengthen your muscles and regain your balance.
Contact Us to Schedule Your First Marco Island Vestibular / Balance Therapy Session
Whether you suffer balance issues or vestibular dysfunction due to a stroke, accident, or other health condition, Naples Community Injury Center’s skilled physiotherapists can help. Contact our team today to discuss your options and schedule your initial appointment for vestibular / balance therapy in Marco Island.
