Vestibular/Balance
In order to have normal balance, your muscle strength needs to be in tune with three systems of senses: visual, vestibular (inner ear) and somatosensory (sensations from the skin, muscles, tendons and joints). If these systems aren't functioning properly, you may have balance problems, feel dizzy or even stumble and fall.
Our Vestibular and Balance program provides a comprehensive evaluation and treatment plan to patients having Vestibular and/or balance related deficits using a multidisciplinary team approach. Appropriate program candidates have functional problems of impaired or unsafe balance, positional or movement-related vertigo/dizziness, gait ataxia and visual motion sensitivity.
Treatment intervention is exercise oriented and is individually designed toward attaining goals. This includes:
- Improving sensory organization and motor coordination to increase balance
- Decreasing positional and movement related dizziness
- Improving visual-Vestibular interactions and gaze stability during head movement
- Improving visual following when the head is stationary
- Improving level of activity and independence
- Decreasing risk of fall.
Assessment and treatment are significantly enhanced with the SMART Balance Master. This state-of-the-art equipment provides reliable assessment of balance functions, evaluating sensory parameters using a moving visual environment in conjunction with a moveable surface. After identifying what sensory conditions in which the patient may have problems and what movement strategies the patient uses to maintain balance, a treatment program is developed. The SMART Balance Master provides quantitative and objective data to support the evaluation and progress of therapy.
