Certain common vestibular disorders may be treated directly by physical therapists and/or referred out to the appropriate specialist. Other physical therapy treatments can also play a crucial role with direct vestibular rehabilitation, working on improving balance, reducing fall risk, and improving functional abilities with patients suffering from vestibular dysfunctions.
The vestibular system is only one system that helps the body maintain balance and equilibrium. The other two systems are the proprioceptive system, and the visual system. The visual system lets us know where we are located in space relative to other objects, and our proprioceptive system let’s our body know where our joints are located in relation to one another and the surrounding area.
In general, balance simply refers to a person’s ability to maintain their line of gravity within their “Base of Support”, this remaining upright and in equilibrium. When any of the above mentioned systems are not working optimally, this can result in poor balance, leading to falls and injuries.
Physical therapists will work on static balance, which is maintaining equilibrium in either sitting or standing positions, and also dynamic balance, which is maintaining equilibrium in dynamic situations and with movement of the body. When working on balance clinically, a physical therapist will take into account static and dynamic balance, the vestibular, proprioceptive and visual systems, strength and endurance of the muscles, and design a treatment plan to improve a patient’s ability to maintain equilibrium and balance in all daily situations.