Vestibular Physical Therapy
St. Elizabeth Healthcare offers a unique treatment option to patients experiencing dizziness, vertigo or balance disorders: vestibular physical therapy.
Scott Schowalter, a Physical Therapist at St. Elizabeth, has been treating patients with vestibular therapy since 2003. He has completed more than a dozen specialized courses and earned his certificate of competency in vestibular therapy from a high-level program at Emory University.
“I find this type of therapy really interesting,” says Scott. “Vestibular therapy is such an effective type of treatment to offer our patients to help cure dizziness, vertigo or balance issues.”
Vestibular therapy is performed by specially trained physical therapists. The goal is to reduce dizziness and spinning sensations by improving balance through targeted techniques and exercises. Symptoms may be caused by inner ear pathologies, post-operative complications, nerve damage, brain injuries or age-related muscle weakness.
What is Vertigo?
The inner ear, also known as the vestibular system, is typically involved in cases of vertigo – a sensation of movement or spinning while remaining still. Patients with vertigo may also experience nausea, vomiting, sweating and abnormal eye movements.
To treat vertigo, a variety of head and neck techniques and exercises can be used to help relieve or eliminate symptoms. St. Elizabeth will also create a customized exercise program to help improve your balance and restore your equilibrium.
Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV)
Vestibular therapy is frequently used on patients with Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV). BPPV occurs when small calcium carbonate crystals – often referred to as “ear rocks” – break loose in the inner ear and migrate to areas where they disrupt normal balance signals. When the head moves in certain ways, these crystals stimulate nerve endings in the ear canal, triggering dizziness.
To treat BPPV, physical therapists move the crystals back into place with specific vestibular therapy techniques. The relief is oftentimes immediate for patients.
How Long Does Vestibular Therapy Take?
The length of your vestibular therapy treatment is dependent on the root cause of your discomfort.
“It all depends on the type of disorder,” says Scott. “Some disorders can improve in one session, whereas some disorders can take eight to 12 weeks, depending on the issue. Brain injuries can take even longer.”
Some conditions may resolve completely with treatment, while others can reoccur. Being diligent with your exercises is one way to help prevent dizziness or balance issues from returning.
Scott’s best advice? Stay active. His favorite expression is: “A walk a day keeps the therapist away.”
We Can Help
To schedule an appointment with one of our specialized Physical Therapists, please call 877-424-5750 or visit our website. We offer multiple physical therapy locations in Northern Kentucky and Southeastern Indiana.
