Vestibular migraines can be a debilitating condition, causing dizziness, vertigo, and balance issues that disrupt daily life. Unlike traditional migraines, they center on the vestibular system, which controls balance, and can be triggered by stress, hormonal changes, certain foods, or environmental factors like bright lights or loud noises. They may or may not involve a headache at all, but they can still cause long-lasting episodes of dizziness, nausea, and visual disturbances.
Our approach to treatment
1. Vestibular rehabilitation therapy (VRT)
VRT is a specialized form of physical therapy designed to retrain the brain to compensate for balance issues and reduce dizziness. Your program is customized around exercises that improve balance and coordination, gaze stability (the ability to focus on objects without dizziness), and postural control, correcting the muscle imbalances that often contribute to neck and back tension. VRT helps reduce the frequency and intensity of episodes, so you can return to daily activities with more confidence.
2. Manual therapy and myofascial release
Many people with vestibular migraines also carry muscle tension in the neck and shoulders that can worsen dizziness and balance issues. Manual therapy and myofascial release improve blood flow, reduce stiffness, and help you relax, which can decrease the severity of symptoms.
3. Education and lifestyle modifications
Understanding your triggers is crucial for long-term management. We work with you to identify potential triggers, whether certain foods, stress, or environmental factors, and guide you on lifestyle changes like stress management, regular exercise, and better sleep hygiene.
4. Relaxation techniques and breathing exercises
Managing stress is an important part of reducing episodes. Deep breathing and progressive muscle relaxation calm your nervous system and help prevent attacks triggered by stress or tension.
5. Postural correction and core strengthening
Poor posture and a weak core can make symptoms worse. Postural correction and core strengthening reduce strain on the neck and back, addressing two of the most common contributors.
Why physical therapy helps
Physical therapy addresses both the root causes and the symptoms of vestibular migraines, with personalized care and long-term relief through consistent treatment, rather than just managing individual flare-ups as they come.