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Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy

What is vestibular rehabilitation therapy?

Vestibular rehabilitation therapy is physical therapy performed for vestibular and balance impairments. It is an exercise-based program designed to help the nervous system compensate for inner ear deficits. If you experience dizziness, vertigo, or disequilibrium, you may be a good candidate for vestibular rehab. Some symptoms can be cured whereas others can only be managed with a vestibular rehab program.  Greendale Physical Therapy offers vestibular rehabilitation at all of our Massachusetts clinics.

What are the symptoms of vestibular dysfunction?

Some common symptoms of vestibular dysfunction are vertigo (aspinning or whirling sensation), imbalance or unsteadiness, dizziness (a lightheaded, floating, or rocking sensation), nausea, blurred or bouncing vision, problems with coordination, thinking, and memory. Those symptoms may range from mild (only lasting a few seconds), to severe (sometimes resulting in total disability).

What causes of vestibular dysfunction?

There are both vestibular and non-vestibular causes of dizziness. Vestibular causes of dizziness include but are not limited to bacterial or viral infections, acoustic neuroma, autoimmune inner ear disease, migraines, ototoxicity, head trauma, whiplash, advancing age, cervicogenic dizziness, and otosclerosis. Some non-vestibular causes of dizziness include orthostatic hypotension, arrhythmia, embolism, hyperventilation, aneurysm, atherosclerosis, carotid sinus reflex, dehydration, certain medications, and nervous system disorders (MS, peripheral neuropathies).

What is Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV)?

BPPV is the most common cause of vertigo. It is caused when loose debris (otoconia) collects in the semicircular canals of the inner ear. The misplacement of the crystals sends false information to the brain. A few causes of BPPV include head injury or degeneration of inner ear hair cells due to aging. Often BPPV can be relieved by canalith repositioning procedures, which are a series of head positions and changes in body positions to reposition the crystals in the proper place.

What should a patient do if he/she experiences any of these symptoms?

In order to diagnose a vestibular disorder, the patient should get a physical exam that includes a complete history and a combination of tests. It is essential to rule out other causes, such as a cardiovascular, visual, or neurological disorder. In some instances, the patient may be referred to a specialist (like an ENT/otolaryngologist, otologist, or neurotologist).

Contact us to get started

You don’t have to wait for your doctor to provide you with a referral. You can reach out to our office to make an appointment right now, and we’ll work with your insurance company.

Contact Greendale Physical Therapy today to discuss your needs and goals.  We have 4 convenient locations, in ShrewsburyWorcesterClinton, and Marlborough.

Greendale Physical Therapy, LLC helped me regain the strength in my ankles and feet to keep me walking and continue to exercise and golf. The staff are all well skilled, pleasant, and supportive. I would highly recommend them to my friends for PT. They are a great group!

Clinton Patient

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Shrewsbury Clinic

280 Boston Turnpike
Shrewsbury, MA 01545

T: 508-753-7780
F: 508-459-5900

Worcester Clinic

120 Gold Star Boulevard
Worcester, MA 01545

T: 508-459-5000
F: 508-459-5900

Clinton Clinic

145 Church Street
Clinton, MA 01510

T: 978-598-3155
F: 508-459-5900

Marlborough Clinic

435 Lakeside Avenue
Marlborough, MA 01752

T: 508-488-4110
F:508-459-5900

Fitchburg Clinic

28 Ashby State Road,
Fitchburg, MA 01420

T: 978-400-3690
F:508-459-5900

Aquatics

766 Main Street Worcester,
MA 01610

T: 508-459-5000
F: 508-459-5900

Physical Therapist Assistants

Kim Barrow

MS, BS, PTA, Aquatics Director

Education
Southern Connecticut State University, Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in Exercise Science
MassBay Community College, Associate of Science in Physical Therapist Assistant

Areas of Clinical Interest
lower back pain and disk conditions, aquatics, chronic pain, post surgical rehab, balance issues

Certifications + Trainings
Certified ACE Personal Trainer, Craniosacral Level I, Graston Technique Levels I & II.

Trained in Burdenko Method, Aquatic Therapy Rehab Institute (ATRI), Kinesiotaping, Biosynchronistics, Maitland Technique, Mulligan Concept, Functional Movement Assessment (FMA), Selective Functional Movement Assessment (SFMA), Muscle Energy Techniques of the Spine and Extremities

Ross Beaudette

BA, PTA, CSCS, Worcester Clinic Manager, Center Coordinator of Clinical Education (CCCE)

Education
Worcester State University, Bachelor of Education
New England Institute of Technology,  Associates Degree in Physical Therapist Assistant 

Areas of Clinical Interest
sports rehab, injury prevention, ergonomics, post-surgical, footwear assessment and prescription

Certifications + Trainings
Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS), Matheson Functional Capacity Evaluation certification, Matheson work hardening certification, ACE personal trainer, Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM), Active Release Technique (ART), Mulligan technique, McKenzie Technique, myofascial release, Muscle Energy Techniques of the Spine and Extremities

Nicolette Bender

BS, PTA

Education
University of Massachusetts, Bachelor of Exercise Science
Becker College, Associates Degree in Physical Therapist Assistant 

Areas of Clinical Interest
Rehab Pilates, pre and post natal, postural re-patterning, injury prevention, stability training

Certifications + Trainings
STOTT PILATES, NSCA-CPT, TRX, Biosynchronistics, Core Integration, Craniosacral therapy (CST Level 1 & cervical spine), Total Barre, CORE Athletic Conditioning, Diaphragm Release Techniques, Myofascial Release Therapy, Mulligan Techniques for the Extremities, Muscle Energy Techniques for the Spine and Extremities. ISP (injury and special population) focus that includes pre and post natal, scoliosis programming, & breast cancer rehabilitation. 

Alexandra "Allie" Hagan

PTA

Education
Salem State University, Bachelor of Athletic Training
Bay State College, Associates Degree in Physical Therapist Assistant 

 

 

John Hannon

PTA

Education
New England Institute of Technology, Associates Degree in Physical Therapist Assistant 

Areas of Clinical Interest
Back pain, footwear/gait assessment, balance/fall prevention, total joint replacement, workplace ergonomics/postural re-ed, injury prevention, aquatics

Certifications + Trainings
Summit certification in evidence-based assessment and treatment for TMJ, Blood Flow Restriction Training, cervical spine dysfunction, and headaches/post concussion

 

Katharine Osborne

PTA

Education
Mount Wachusett Community College, Associates Degree in Physical Therapist Assistant

Areas of Clinical Interest
Manual therapy, myofascial release, lower back pain, shoulder and knee injuries, neck pain, kinesiology, trigger point therapy, patient education

Certifications + Trainings
Graston Technique M1-Basic Training

855-459-5000