Vestibular Rehab

At Ivy Rehab Network, our physical therapists are specially trained in treating disorders of the vestibular system. Our vestibular rehab program is an exercise-based technique that is designed to decrease dizziness, help improve the ability to steady your vision and retrain parts of your postural control due to vestibular dysfunction. Through vestibular rehabilitation therapy (VRT), we can help you regain balance and improve your ability to perform daily activities safely.

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Ivy Rehab / Therapy Services / Physical Therapy / Vestibular Rehab

What is the vestibular system?

The vestibular system is the portion of the inner ear and brain that helps control your balance and equilibrium. If damaged, the vestibular system can make you feel unbalanced – like you are suddenly spinning, tilting, or floating.

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Causes & risk factors of vestibular disorders.

Vestibular disorders affect about 35% of adults over the age of 40 and account for 60 million doctor visits every year. Even as much as 5% (3.3 million) of children from ages 3-17 have a dizziness or balance problem. Request an appointment.

Common disorders that can affect the function of the vestibular system are:

  • Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV)-
  • Vestibular Neuritis
  • Vestibular Labyrinthitis
  • Meniere’s Disease
  • Ototoxicity
  • Perilymph fistula
  • Acoustic Neuroma
  • Stroke (CVA)
  • CHI/TBI (Closed Head Injury / Traumatic Brain Injury)
  • Post-Concussion Syndrome
  • Multiple Sclerosis (MS)

Symptoms of vestibular issues.

Symptoms for vestibular dysfunction can be brought about my many forms of pathology, and can be differentiated by their anatomic origin as either central (within the brain), or peripheral (within the vestibular apparatus in the inner ear). Symptoms of vestibular issues include:

  • Vertigo
  • Dizziness
  • Imbalance
  • Lightheadedness
  • Disequilibrium
  • Oscillopsia (visual changes while moving)
  • Nystagmus
  • Ocular tracking difficulty and eye fatigue
  • Nausea
  • Falls
  • Difficulty walking

Symptoms of a dysfunctional vestibular system can last a few minutes to a few hours or more and may come and go.

Young woman suffering from vertigo or dizziness problem of brain or inner ear

Recovery from vestibular disorders.

While there are numerous ways to treat and recover from vestibular disorders, physical therapy has been one of the most successful forms of treatment. By assessing your symptoms, our physical therapists will determine the best course of treatment in conjunction with your physician. From Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) to Post-Concussion Syndrome, our specially trained physical therapists can eliminate your symptoms as well as improve your balance, your safety, and your function in daily life.

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How Vestibular Rehab Works

Vestibular rehabilitation is a specialized form of physical therapy that focuses on helping your body adapt to dysfunction in the vestibular system. It involves a series of rehabilitation exercises tailored to address your unique symptoms and needs.

Rehabilitation Exercises

  • Exercises in vestibular therapy focus on improving balance, eye movement coordination, and postural stability.
    Gaze stability exercises help improve your ability to maintain a steady visual focus during head movements.
  • Habituation exercises reduce vestibular dizziness by gradually exposing you to the movements that trigger your symptoms, allowing your brain to adapt.

Adaptation and Compensation

  • Through vestibular rehab, the brain learns to adapt and compensate for the loss of function in the inner ear, helping to improve motion tolerance and reduce dizziness.

Training and Practice

  • Our therapists will guide you through exercises that focus on improving your balance, reducing dizziness, and strengthening your body’s ability to handle movement and visual stimulation.
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FAQs

How long does vestibular rehab take to work?

The duration of vestibular rehab varies based on the condition and individual needs. Some patients begin to feel better after a few sessions, while others may require more time for their symptoms to improve. Your physical therapist will monitor your progress and adjust your treatment plan accordingly.

Is vestibular rehab safe for older adults?

Yes, vestibular rehabilitation therapy is safe for older adults, particularly those experiencing balance issues or dizziness. It can help improve stability, reduce the risk of falls, and enhance overall quality of life.

What conditions are treated with vestibular rehab?

Vestibular rehab is effective for treating a wide range of conditions such as vertigo, BPPV, vestibular neuritis, post-concussion syndrome, and balance issues related to neurological conditions like multiple sclerosis, stroke, and Parkinson’s disease.

Get Started with Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy at Ivy Rehab

Regaining balance and stability takes time and targeted support. At Ivy Rehab, we offer specialized vestibular rehabilitation therapy to help individuals reduce dizziness, improve balance, and regain confidence. Our expert therapists work with you to create a personalized treatment plan that targets your unique symptoms and restores your ability to perform daily activities safely.

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Check out some of our 4 and 5 star reviews

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Excel Physical Therapy4.9
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The therapists are the most caring people. They truly love children. Even the receptionists love kids and they know everybody's name. They make everyone feel special
Response from the owner:Thank you, Debra!
A short note to compliment Jon Moshenberg for his caring and his professional excellence. He is extremely knowledgeable and runs an organized, clean and comfortable practice and I highly recommend him and his staff.
Response from the owner:Thank you for taking the time to share this review, it means so much! – The team at Excel Physical Therapy, Hackensack
My son has been going here for speech and OT for 1.5 years. He also has ASD and ADHD, and they are so patient, encouraging, and fun. He loves coming here, and he's made a lot of progress. They're also great at communicating with parents before and after sessions.
Response from the owner:Thank you for taking the time to share your experience, it means so much! – The team at Ivy Rehab for Kids, Norfolk
The most amazing and kind hearted people. From the front desk to every therapist. We have been using them for 3 years and wouldn’t want to be anywhere else. Beyond personable and really good at what they do.
Response from the owner:Thank you for the great review, we really appreciate it! – The team at Ivy Rehab for Kids, Bensalem
I received great physical therapy here at Excel. The front desk reception and all the therapists were very warm and friendly, and the atmosphere seemed supportive and energetic. My therapist, Nick, was very thorough and paid close attention to the guidance from my orthopedic doctor to program my treatment. He answered all the questions I had about the purpose and function of my treatment, modeled the movements when necessary, and was extremely responsive to my needs for continuing the work at home. While I am glad that my issues (Lumbar spine and SI joint issues) have been resolved, I would certainly return to Excel for any physical therapy needs in the future!
Response from the owner:We value your feedback, thank you for your kind words! – The team at Excel Physical Therapy, Cresskill
I love Ivy. They truly care about your progress. Everyone I've worked with thus far has been kind, knowledgeable, and personable. I would definitely recommend this place for PT.
Response from the owner:That's wonderful to hear – thank you so much for sharing your feedback with us! – The team at Ivy Rehab Physical Therapy, Kokomo
I've been to this physical therapy office for numerous injuries. The office and rooms are always extremely clean! The staff greets you everytime with a smile and treat you like family. They will do everything they can to help get you back to the way you were before. They listen to your concerns and questions, as well as explain everything to make sure you understand. I'd recommend this office to everyone!
Response from the owner:That's wonderful to hear – thank you so much for sharing your feedback with us! – The team at Synergy Rehab and Wellness, Staunton
I received excellent care! Jonathan is a highly skilled and experienced practitioner. The office is easy to work with to obtain outside records and make appointments.
Response from the owner:Thank you for taking the time to share this review, it means so much! – The team at Excel Physical Therapy – Westfield – East Broad St
Ivy Rehab Blue Bells provides such a positive and inviting environment. They always have music playing and a topic of the day to get the whole clinic talking. Recovery wise, I worked most closely with Steve. He made my long recovery feel so much faster. He genuinely cared about me and my progress and pushed me every session to get better. Steve always threw new exercises at me to keep my long recovery interesting. He challenged me to do more and to push myself, because of this I gained strength back much faster than I anticipated and was even cleared back to sports 3 months early! Although Steve was my main PT I also worked with Matt and Dan, they also brought the same positive encouragement and energy to each session and made my recovery possible!
Response from the owner:Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts, we appreciate you! – The team at The Physical Therapy & Wellness Institute, Blue Bell!
My recovery here was truly remarkable. Matt provided exceptional support throughout the process, and the entire staff was incredibly attentive and caring. I genuinely appreciated their dedication to my healing journey.
Response from the owner:Thank you for sharing this with us! – The team at Ivy Rehab Physical Therapy, Brooklyn
Adam and the entire team helped me recover from my shoulder replacement surgery. From the heat treatments, the massages and the various stretching and weight bearing exercises I have returned to almost normal functioning. I am extremely pleased.
Response from the owner:Your kind words brighten our day – thank you for sharing! – The team at Ivy Rehab Physical Therapy – Conshohocken
Ivy Rehab has fixed my back two years in a row and I go regularly to keep it that way. Great therapists. I have a location I could walk to but I started at the Naperville location and keep going there because of the care I receive.
Response from the owner:We’re so thankful for your kind words and positive review! – The team at Ivy Rehab Physical Therapy – Naperville
Outstanding group of PT specialist helped me through a successful knee replacement recovery. Tyler and Brie tailored a program that was easy to follow and provided great support along the way. Tyler was the only specialist my surgeon recommended and for good reason!! Thanks guys.
Response from the owner:Thank you for the great review, we really appreciate it! – The team at Ivy Rehab Physical Therapy, Conshohocken
Aaron was very attentive to my needs and did a great job helping me successfully strengthen my hip and te as b as itt try ion out of therapy. It’s a month since I transitioned out of therapy and I have no pain. I highly recommend excel y to I as nyone needing attentive individual attention.
Response from the owner:We value your feedback, thank you for your kind words! – The team at Excel Physical Therapy, Westfield
My first visit at IvyRehab was very informative, helpful and my therapist was very knowledgeable and took his time to explain my diagnosis! Awesome tips to help address my concerns and pain management. I look forward to my next visit. Thank you!!
Response from the owner:Thank you for taking the time to share this review, it means so much! – The team at Ivy Rehab Physical Therapy – Bala Cynwyd – North
Start of knee replacement physical therapy….great session 1 with Dylan and we have about 14 more before complete….everyone was fantastic on 1st visit.
Response from the owner:Thanks for giving us 5-stars, it means so much to our team! – The team at Ivy Rehab Physical Therapy – Farmville
Excellent PT group. Aaron and the office staff helped my daughter and I deal with our PT needs in a very individualized way. My daughter was dealing with a specialized foot issue and they were able to help her move forward and easily get through a vacation in which we averaged 20,000 steps a day. Office vibe is excellent and positive. Staff is wonderful from top to bottom. They also accept most insurance pans.
Response from the owner:Thank you for taking the time to share this review, it means so much! – The team at Excel Physical Therapy – Westfield – East Broad St
Amazing. Park Sports PT gets great recovery results in a caring atmosphere. I've been working with Megan for three months with help from Ellis, Amelia, and Tyra and it has been a joy to go to therapy with them. Megan is an amazing therapist who gives great recovery advice with a personal touch. Amelia and Tyra are so attentive and always thinking a step ahead to make my visit easier. Ellis has been incredibly helpful in quantifying my recovery my doctors. And it's a fun environment with great playlists, so I always enjoy my sessions. I've been to other PT gyms that felt overcrowded and impersonal — Park Sports really has a perfect mixture of quality care, individual attention, and great vibe. Highly recommend going here for therapy! Bonus: scheduling is a breeze — thank you Emmanuel!
Response from the owner:Thank you for your kind words; we appreciate your feedback! – The team at Park Sports Physical Therapy, Brooklyn – Williamsburg
Ivy Rehab was a fabulous experience for me. Wendy is an excellent Physical Therapist. She incentivizes and challenges you to keep going. She is always requesting feedback from her patients and adjusts exercises accordingly. I highly recommend the Blue Bell facility. There is a wonderful, upbeat atmosphere which is conductive for everyone to keep trying. M. E. Higgins
Response from the owner:It’s great to hear this feedback! Thank you for taking the time to share your review! – The team at Ivy Rehab Physical Therapy, Blue Bell – South
Ivy Physical Therapy has compassionate staff and this is important to me. I’m there because I am in pain and to know that someone really cares helps me to do my best to feel better. Jennifer was a blessing and helped me improve. Thank you Ivy Physical Therapy for having such a wonderful staff. God bless!
Response from the owner:Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts, we appreciate you! – The team at Ivy Rehab PT, Virginia Beach
The therapist was knowledgeable, professional, caring and welcoming. I left feeling ready to start this journey and get well. The entire staff was friendly. It was definitely a good experience.
Response from the owner:Thank you for taking the time to rate us – 5-stars means the world to us! – The team at Ivy Rehab Physical Therapy – Willingboro