Are you experiencing dizziness, vertigo, or balance problems? You could be suffering from a vestibular illness such as BPPV or Meniere’s disease. If so, you’re not alone. Vestibular disorders affect millions of people in the United States annually and can significantly impact your quality of life. Fortunately, there are effective treatments available, including vestibular therapy.
In this article, we’ll cover vestibular therapy, how it can help you, and how to find providers near you in New York City.
What is vestibular therapy?
Vestibular therapy is a type of physical therapy that concentrates on vestibular system disorders. This system controls your sense of balance and where you are in space. Included in the vestibular system are the inner ear, medulla, and cerebellum.
When this system functions properly, you can easily maintain balance and navigate your environment. However, when it’s not working correctly, you may experience dizziness, vertigo, nausea, and unsteadiness.
Vestibular therapy uses specific exercises and techniques to help your brain and body compensate for any imbalances or dysfunction in the vestibular system. Your therapist will perform a thorough evaluation to identify the specific issues you’re experiencing and develop a personalized treatment plan to address them.
Treatment may include exercises to improve your balance and coordination, habituation exercises to reduce your sensitivity to certain movements, and gaze stabilization exercises to improve your visual tracking.
Symptoms with vestibular therapy
Vestibular therapy can effectively treat various vestibular disorders and related symptoms. Vestibular treatment is effective in treating a variety of disorders, including:
Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV)
Vertigo, or benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), is brought on by the migration of tiny calcium crystals from the inner ear into an auditory canal. This can cause brief episodes of intense dizziness and a spinning sensation. Vestibular tretment can help to reposition these crystals and reduce your symptoms.
Meniere’s Disease
Vertigo, tinnitus, and temporary hearing loss are symptoms of Meniere’s disease, a persistent disorder. Vestibular therapy can improve your balance and reduce your fall risk during these episodes.
Vestibular Neuritis
Inflammation of the vestibular nerve, known medically as vestibular neuritis, is a common cause of severe, abrupt vertigo. Vestibular treatment can help to reduce your symptoms and improve your balance.
Concussion
Concussions can cause various symptoms, including dizziness, vertigo, and balance problems. Treatment with vestibular therapy can alleviate these signs and help you regain your equilibrium and safety.
Related Article: Vestibular Therapy for Concussion
The benefits of vestibular therapy
Vestibular therapy offers many potential benefits for people with vestibular disorders. Some of the most significant benefits include:
Improved balance and coordination
Vestibular treatment can help to improve your balance and coordination by strengthening the muscles that control your posture and balance.
Reduced dizziness and vertigo
Vestibular therapy can help to reduce the frequency and intensity of your dizziness and vertigo, allowing you to resume normal activities and regain your quality of life.
Reduced risk of falls
Vestibular therapy can help reduce fall risk by improving balance, coordination, and overall mobility.
Improved quality of life
Vestibular therapy can significantly improve your quality of life and overall well-being by reducing your symptoms and improving your functionality.
Vestibular therapy in NYC
You have many options if you’re looking for vestibular therapy near you in New York City. Here are some of the best providers in the area:
NYU Langone Health
NYU Langone Health offers a comprehensive Vestibular Rehabilitation Program, including evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment for various vestibular disorders. They have multiple locations throughout the city and a team of experienced therapists specializing in vestibular therapy.
Columbia University Medical Center
Columbia University Medical Center’s Balance Center offers treatments for vestibular therapy and other balance and vestibular disorders. They have a team of specialists trained in the latest techniques and technologies for vestibular rehabilitation.
Mount Sinai Health System
The Mount Sinai Health System offers vestibular treatment at multiple locations throughout the city. They have a team of experienced therapists who use evidence-based techniques to help you achieve your goals.
Vestibular rehabilitation therapy in Brooklyn
If you’re located in Brooklyn, there are several providers of vestibular rehabilitation therapy in the area. Here are some of the best options:
Brooklyn Physical Therapy
Brooklyn Physical Therapy offers vestibular rehabilitation as part of its comprehensive physical therapy services. They have a team of experienced therapists who specialize in treating vestibular disorders.
Brooklyn Balance Center
The Brooklyn Balance Center is a specialized clinic that focuses exclusively on diagnosing and treating balance and vestibular disorders. They offer various services, including vestibular rehabilitation therapy, to help you achieve your goals.
Park Sports Physical Therapy
Park Sports Physical Therapy offers vestibular rehabilitation as part of its comprehensive physical therapy services. They have multiple locations throughout Brooklyn and a team of experienced therapists specializing in treating vestibular disorders.
Frequently asked questions about vestibular therapy
How long does vestibular therapy take?
Your vestibular therapy treatment duration depends on your condition and symptoms. Some need a few sessions, while others need months of treatment. Your therapist will design a program specifically for you.
Does insurance cover vestibular therapy?
In many cases, vestibular treatment is covered by insurance. However, the specific coverage and out-of-pocket costs will depend on your individual insurance plan. Before beginning treatment, it is important to verify coverage details with your insurance company.
Is vestibular therapy painful?
Vestibular therapy should not be painful. However, some exercises may cause mild discomfort or fatigue. Your therapist will work with you to ensure you’re comfortable throughout your treatment.
Success Stories of vestibular therapy patients in NYC
After completing vestibular treatment, many people report a marked improvement in their symptoms and overall quality of life. Here are a few success stories from patients in New York City:
“I was able to get back to work and enjoy my hobbies again.”
“After my diagnosis of Meniere’s disease, I felt pretty hopeless. Vertigo and hearing loss affected my ability to work and enjoy my hobbies. But after starting vestibular therapy at NYU Langone, I saw significant improvements. My balance and coordination improved, and my vertigo episodes became less frequent and intense. Now, I can manage my symptoms and return to what I love.”
“I feel like a new person.”
“I had been suffering from chronic dizziness and fatigue for years, and I had seen multiple doctors and tried many treatments with no success. But after starting vestibular therapy at the Brooklyn Balance Center, I saw real improvements. My therapist worked with me to identify the specific issues I was experiencing and develop a personalized treatment plan. Now, I feel like a new person. My symptoms have significantly improved, and I can enjoy my life again.”
“I’m no longer afraid of falling.”
“After several falls and injuries, I felt anxious and afraid to leave my house. But after starting vestibular therapy at Park Sports Physical Therapy, I began to feel more confident in my balance and mobility. My therapist worked with me to develop a customized exercise program that helped me improve my balance and coordination. Now, I can move around with much more ease and confidence, and I’m no longer afraid of falling.”
If you’re experiencing dizziness, vertigo, or balance problems, vestibular therapy can help. You can manage your symptoms and regain your quality of life with the right treatment and support. Using the information in this article, you can find the best vestibular therapy providers near you in New York City and start your journey toward relief and recovery.
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