For many people, symptoms such as dizziness, spinning, motion sickness or feeling off balance often interfere with daily actives and quality of life. In fact, balance and vestibular (inner ear) problems are more common than you may think:
Balance Problem Statistics
- Approximately eight million people visit their doctor for treatment of dizziness annually
- According to the National Institutes of Health, 40-50 percent of people over the age of 40 experience dizziness or balance problems at some point in their life
- Falls are the leading cause of injuries in people age 65 and older in the United States
- Of all falls suffered by older adults, 50 percent can be attributed to some degree of vestibular dysfunction
Causes of Balance Problems
Balance problems and falls can arise due to many medical problem, including but not limited to:- BPPV – Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo
- Diabetes
- Labyrinthitis
- Lower Extremity Weakness
- Meniere’s Disease
- Motion Intolerance
- Neurological Conditions
- Parkinson’s Disease
- Unilateral or Bilateral Peripheral Vestibular Dysfunction
- Vestibular Neuronitis
- Visual Impairments
A Comprehensive Treatment for Balance and Inner Ear Problems
Southwest General’s Therapy Services offers a comprehensive Balance and Vestibular Training Program to help address balance problems that affect the quality of life for many patients.
People most appropriate for the program include anyone experiencing dizziness, vertigo, imbalance, gait instability, falls or fear of falling.
A Patient-Focused Approach
A highly-skilled physical or occupational therapist will assess the needs of each patient seeking treatment for balance or vestibular problems. Following the assessment, depending upon the findings and the patient’s individual needs, a therapist will determine if either individual therapy or group balance training is needed. All patients receive education, balance and vestibular exercises and strategies to help them reach their full potential. Objective testing is performed during treatment to measure each patient’s progress toward balance goals.
We Look Forward to Helping You
To enroll in our Balance and Vestibular Training program, just call our office at 1-833-SW-REHAB to schedule an appointment! Don’t let your balance affect your safe function or your ability to go out and stay active!
Available at Broadview Heights, Lakewood, LifeWorks, North Royalton, North Olmstead
