BALANCE & VESTIBULAR REHAB
Vestibular rehabilitation therapy (VRT) is a type of physical therapy that helps treat dizziness, vertigo, and balance problems. VRT involves specific exercises that stimulate your vestibular system and train your brain to adapt to changes in your inner ear and visual fields to reduce your risk of falling and improve your quality of life.
Balance Therapy
Balance and gait problems can stem from a variety of conditions including orthopedic imbalances or weakness, neurological disorders and inner ear issues. At Plaza Verdugo Fitness & Rehabilitation, we know that balance is core to your wellness. Our skilled team will identify and address the root cause of your imbalance to help you restore your physical stability and coordination while regaining your control and independence.
Poor balance or gait can lead to falls, and falling is a constant worry for seniors and others who have physical challenges. These worries are not unwarranted, as falls are the leading cause of injury-related deaths and serious health problems in the United States.
The relationship between balance and Gait
Improving your walking skills — technically known as your “gait” — and your balance are interrelated challenges. We help you master these skills to decrease your risk of injury while at the same time increasing your confidence and independence.
Balance and gait are two aspects of movement that depend on the interaction of several systems in your body, including:
sensory system
Your sensory systems, including the visual (eyes), vestibular (inner ear), and proprioceptive (receptors in the muscles, ligaments, tendons, and joints), provide information about your body’s position and movement relative to your environment..
neurological system
Comprised of your brain and nervous systems, the neurological system controls both the voluntary and involuntary movements of your muscles and the sensory input and feedback from your eyes, ears, and skin. It also helps to maintain your posture, coordination, and reflexes, which are crucial for balance and gait.
musculoskeletal system
Your musculoskeletal system (your muscles, bones and connective tissues) provides structure and support for your body and also allows for movement. It also provides flexibility and stability for your joints, which are crucial for balance and gait.
These systems need to be functioning together properly to provide you with optimal balance and normal gait. Many conditions, such as arthritis, Meniere’s disease, peripheral neuropathy, and stroke, can interfere with these systems and cause balance and gait disorders.
Plaza Verdugo Fitness & Rehabilitation offers a variety of services to evaluate and treat balance and gait disorders. We will assess and evaluate your condition then use a combination of balance retraining, manual therapy and other vestibular rehabilitation to ensure you’re able to get back to your favorite activities safely.