Regain your independence with vestibular and balance rehabilitation at St. Joseph’s/Candler
Losing your balance or experiencing dizziness can significantly impact your daily life, making simple activities feel overwhelming or even dangerous. At St. Joseph’s/Candler, our Vestibular and Balance Rehabilitation Program is designed to help patients regain stability, reduce dizziness and restore confidence in their movements. Our approach provides clinical support for patients struggling with vertigo, frequent falls, or unsteadiness while trying to do daily activities. Our expert team of physical therapists, audiologists and physicians work together to diagnose and treat your symptoms effectively. If you or a loved one are experiencing balance issues, our specialized therapy can provide the relief you need. With customized treatment plans and a 95 percent success rate, we are committed to helping you improve mobility, prevent falls and enhance your overall quality of life.
What is vestibular and balance rehabilitation?
Vestibular and balance rehabilitation is a specialized therapy program that improves or eliminates symptoms of dizziness, vertigo and imbalance caused by certain disorders. Some patients experience these symptoms due to conditions that do not fully resolve on their own or require additional intervention beyond medication or surgery.
This form of therapy is highly beneficial for individuals experiencing:
- Dizziness – A sensation of feeling faint or unsteady.
- Vertigo – A spinning sensation or feeling like the world is moving around you.
- Lightheadedness – A brief feeling of faintness or losing consciousness.
- Frequent Falls – Increased risk of falling due to instability or weakness.
- Unsteadiness – Difficulty maintaining balance while walking or standing.
- Movement Disorders Affecting Balance – Conditions like Parkinson’s disease or vestibular dysfunction that impair coordination and movement.
Our dedicated team works closely with each patient to assess their symptoms, determine the underlying cause and develop a treatment plan tailored to their unique needs.
Understanding and treating dizziness
Dizziness is a common issue that can stem from various causes, including inner ear disorders, cardiovascular conditions and central nervous system disorders.
Fortunately, many cases of dizziness and imbalance are treatable, allowing patients to regain stability and confidence in their movements. At St. Joseph’s/Candler, we use a comprehensive team approach involving physicians, audiologists and physical therapists to determine the best treatment for your symptoms. Diagnostic tests such as:
- Videonystagmography (VNG) – Evaluates inner ear function and eye movements.
- Equitest® – Assesses balance and postural control.
- Audiometric Evaluation – Measures hearing and inner ear health.
These tests help identify the root cause of dizziness, allowing our specialists to create a targeted treatment plan for each patient.
One of the most common and treatable causes of dizziness is Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV). This condition occurs when calcium deposits in the inner ear become dislodged, causing brief but intense vertigo with head movements. Our trained therapists use a specialized repositioning maneuver to roll these loose deposits out of the inner ear, often providing relief in just one or two sessions.
For patients requiring further treatment, a combination of vestibular rehabilitation exercises, medication and in some cases, surgery may be recommended to eliminate or significantly reduce symptoms.
Is vestibular and balance therapy right for you?
Vestibular and balance rehabilitation at St. Joseph’s/Candler is customized for each patient by a registered physical therapist. If you’re unsure whether you could benefit from this therapy, take our self-assessment below:
- Have you fallen in the past year?
- Do you hold on to walls or furniture for support when walking?
- Is walking on grass or uneven surfaces difficult for you?
- Do you experience vertigo when lying down or rolling over in bed?
- Do you lose your balance when turning quickly?
- Do you feel dizzy with quick head movements or when turning around?
- Do you use a walker or cane but wish to walk independently?
- Does your vision blur or jump when you walk or turn your head?
- Do you have a fear of falling?
- Do you struggle with balance while completing self-care tasks?
If you answered "yes" to two or more questions, you may benefit from vestibular and balance therapy. Contact your physician for a referral or call us directly for more information about our treatment options.
Prevent falls and stay safe at home
Falls are a leading cause of injury, especially among older adults and those with balance disorders. By making simple adjustments in your home, you can significantly reduce the risk of falling and prevent hospital visits.
- Mark step edges to improve visibility and prevent tripping.
- Use non-slip surfaces on walkways, stairs and bathroom floors.
- Keep walkways clear of obstacles, such as cords, furniture or clutter.
- Secure throw rugs with non-slip backing or remove them entirely.
- Use chairs with armrests to provide support when standing up or sitting down.
Implementing these safety measures can help protect your independence and prevent serious injuries.
