Vestibular Therapy For Beginners
Vestibular therapy is a method used to help people who experience problems stemming from their ears and balance concerns. When you notice that you are losing balance, it might be a good idea to consider therapy. This is what you need to know about therapy.
Why Might You Benefit from Vestibular Therapy?
Vestibular balance rehabilitation is a good choice for many patients, including those with benign paroxysmal positional vertigo and other loss of balance linked to vestibular loss. Those who experience vestibular issues that fluctuate are also good candidates. Some of these conditions include perilymphatic fistula and Meniere's syndrome. Other candidates for this form of therapy include those who experience motion sickness, post-traumatic vertigo, and psychogenic vertigo. Elderly individuals who suddenly experience balance concerns may also benefit.
Keep in mind that not everybody will be a good candidate for the therapy. Individuals who may not be the best candidates include those with medication reactions, low blood pressure, and vertigo associated with migraine headaches. Sometimes, rehab is helpful but not always the best treatment. It is important to speak with your doctor to see if you are a good candidate for therapy.
Why Is Vestibular Therapy So Helpful?
Vestibular therapy is a helpful reason for many reasons. For instance, plasticity of the bran allows your body to change based on the brain's compensation for differences in perception. While younger people have long been considered to have more plasticity, even older people benefit from vestibular therapy. The brain also creates new models for motor control based on predictions it makes.
Your body and brain will also build a better understanding of weighting based on the senses. You will learn to compensate physically and mentally based on visual stimulus. You will also see how your body reflects your perception and make the changes necessary to adapt.
What Can You Do at Home?
If you are still unsure what to do, you might try to improve your balance at home. You can do this with many different sports and activities. If safe to do so, you should consider taking up tai chi, yoga, tennis, volleyball, or basketball. You might also consider small exercises and movements like those available in barre and dance classes.
Of course, you should also speak with a professional who understands your needs as a patient. You can work together to build a plan that helps improve your balance and gives you more strength.
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