What is Vestibular Therapy (VRT)?
Vestibular therapy (VRT) is a specialized form of physical therapy designed to address issues related to dizziness, vertigo, and balance disorders caused by problems in the inner ear or brain. The vestibular system, which is responsible for detecting motion and maintaining balance, can become disrupted due to various conditions, including inner ear infections, head injuries, and neurological disorders.
How Vestibular Therapy Helps:
Vestibular therapy (VRT) involves specific exercises and techniques aimed at:
- Improving balance and coordination: Through targeted movements and exercises, vestibular therapy helps retrain the brain to process signals from the inner ear correctly, improving balance and reducing the risk of falls.
- Reducing dizziness and vertigo: The therapy includes maneuvers like the Epley maneuver, which can help alleviate the sensations of dizziness or spinning often associated with conditions like benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV).
- Enhancing overall stability: Vestibular therapy helps patients regain confidence in their movement and return to daily activities without the fear of dizziness or instability.
Common Conditions Treated with Vestibular Therapy:
- Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV)
- PPPD/3PD/Persistent Postural-Perceptual Dizziness
- Vestibular Migraine
- Mal de Debarquement Syndrome (MdDS)
- Meniere’s Disease
- Vestibular Neuritis/Labyrinthitis
- Concussion-related dizziness
- Post-surgery balance issues such as Vestibular Schwannoma/Acoustic Neuroma Resection
What makes our approach to Vestibular Rehab different?
Expertise.
Dr. Haslam has years of experience treating some of the most challenging and complex patients with acute and chronic dizziness conditions, including but not limited to Persistent Postural-Perceptual Dizziness (PPPD), Vestibular Migraine, Meniere's, and other types of Functional Neurological Disorder (FND). These patients often include those who have failed traditional Vestibular Therapy with other physical therapists, yet Dr. Haslam was able to return them to their previous level of function and resolve their dizziness. Dr. Haslam has treated multiple patients in-state and out of state from the University of Pennsylvania's Balance Center, Dr. Jeffrey Staab, MD at the Mayo Clinic, and other specialists, including ENT's and neurologists in the Philadelphia and surrounding areas.
Approach.
We take a holistic approach to your care; we don't just view you as your condition, but as a whole person. Sometimes, this requires addressing additional components that are important but often overlooked, such as anxiety, depression, or compounding orthopedic or neurological conditions. These factors can make it more challenging to understand and follow a plan of care related to your condition. We lastly believe that a positive attitude and a supportive environment are key to achieving success.
Philosophy.
We believe that physical therapy is not just about treating injuries, but about empowering our patients to take control of their own health and well-being. We prioritize education and prevention to help our patients achieve long-term results.