Vestibular Therapy In Clive & Des Moines

Vestibular Therapy in Clive & Des Moines

Struggling with dizziness, vertigo, or balance problems in the Des Moines area? Mount Laurel Physical Therapy in Clive, IA offers specialized vestibular rehabilitation therapy to patients throughout Clive, Des Moines, West Des Moines, and surrounding communities. Our expert team provides evidence-based treatment for vestibular disorders, helping you regain stability, reduce dizziness, and return to your active lifestyle.

What is Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy?

Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT) is a specialized form of physical therapy designed to treat vestibular disorders that affect your balance and spatial orientation. This evidence-based treatment approach includes manual head maneuvers and progressive exercise programs specifically designed to reduce vertigo, dizziness, visual problems, imbalance, and fall risk.

The remarkable ability of your central nervous system allows it to compensate for inner ear dysfunction after a vestibular injury. Through targeted therapy, your brain learns to rely more heavily on signals from your visual and sensory systems to maintain balance, helping you feel better and return to normal daily activities.

Meet Our Vestibular Specialists – Expert Care in Clive & Des Moines

Dr. Annette Smith, PT, DPT – Owner & Lead Vestibular Specialist

A local Des Moines area native with specialized expertise you can trust. Dr. Annette Smith grew up in Urbandale, Iowa, and attended Des Moines Christian School K-12 before earning her Bachelor’s Degree in Kinesiology and Health Science from Iowa State University. She completed her Doctorate of Physical Therapy at Briar Cliff University in Sioux City.

Specialized Vestibular Training & Experience:

• FYZICAL Vestibular Training Levels 1 and 2 – advanced certification in vestibular rehabilitation
• 3 years at FYZICAL Therapy and Balance Center – extensive experience with complex vestibular conditions
• Complete Concussion Management Incorporated certification
• Functional Dry Needling Level 1 certification
• International experience treating vestibular patients during medical missions

Dr. Smith opened Mount Laurel Physical Therapy in 2022 with a mission to provide attentive, individualized care for patients with unresolved physical ailments, particularly those struggling with dizziness and balance disorders.

Dr. Katherine Greening, PT, DPT – Vestibular Specialist

Dr. Greening earned her Doctorate in Physical Therapy from St. Ambrose University and has specialized training in vestibular rehabilitation and balance disorders. Her expertise complements Dr. Smith’s, ensuring comprehensive care for all vestibular conditions.

Why Choose Mount Laurel Physical Therapy for Vestibular Therapy?

• 5-star Google rating with 65+ five-star reviews
• Specialized vestibular training and certifications
• Extensive experience treating complex vestibular conditions
• Personalized, one-on-one care approach
• Trusted by patients throughout the Des Moines metro area

Understanding Your Vestibular System

Your vestibular system is a complex network that detects head position and motion, allowing you to react to changes in your environment. It consists of three main components:

1. Inner ear organs – Act as sensors measuring head tilt and movement in all directions
2. Vestibular centers – Located in the cerebellum and midbrain, process balance information
3. Peripheral vestibular nervous system – Transmits motion information from your ears to your brain

Your brain integrates information from your vestibular system with input from your vision, hearing, and touch sensors, then sends appropriate signals to your muscles to maintain balance and spatial orientation.

Conditions Successfully Treated with Vestibular Therapy

Our specialized vestibular rehabilitation program effectively treats a wide range of conditions affecting patients throughout Clive, Des Moines, and the surrounding areas:

Primary Vestibular Disorders

• Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) – the most common cause of vertigo
• Vestibular Neuritis/Labyrinthitis – inner ear inflammation
• Unilateral Vestibular Hypofunction – reduced function in one inner ear
• Vestibular Migraine – migraine-associated dizziness and vertigo
• Persistent Postural Perceptual Dizziness (PPPD) – chronic dizziness condition
• Mal de Debarquement (MdDS) – sensation of movement after travel
• Meniere’s Disease – inner ear disorder causing vertigo and hearing loss

Secondary Vestibular Conditions

• Cervicogenic Dizziness – dizziness originating from neck problems
• Post-Concussion Syndrome – balance issues following head injury
• Neurological conditions – including stroke and traumatic brain injury
• Age-related vestibular decline – deconditioning due to aging or inactivity

Learn more about our comprehensive approach to dizziness and vertigo treatment and balance and gait disorders.

Common Symptoms We Treat

Even if you haven’t been formally diagnosed with a vestibular disorder, you may benefit from vestibular rehabilitation therapy if you experience:

Balance and Movement Issues:

• Vertigo (spinning sensation)
• General dizziness and lightheadedness
• Walking difficulties and imbalance
• Frequent falls or fear of falling

Physical Symptoms:

• Nausea, vomiting, and fatigue
• Neck tightness, stiffness, and pain
• Headaches and migraines

Visual and Cognitive Symptoms:

• Vision problems (double vision, blurred vision with head movement)
• Difficulty focusing and poor screen tolerance
• Mild memory problems and brain fog
• Difficulty concentrating

If you’re experiencing chronic symptoms, learn about our comprehensive chronic pain treatment approach.

Comprehensive Vestibular Assessment

Is vestibular therapy right for you? Our team conducts a thorough evaluation to determine if you’re a candidate for vestibular rehabilitation. Our comprehensive assessment includes:

Advanced Diagnostic Testing

• Multiple reflex tests and central neurological screening
• Cranial nerve testing to assess brain-based functions
• Cervical assessment evaluating neck joint health, blood flow, and muscle function
• Visual oculomotor testing examining eye movement control
• Balance testing using specialized equipment and protocols
• Gait assessment analyzing walking patterns and mobility
• Positional testing to identify specific triggers

Specialized Equipment

• Frenzel or Infrared Goggle testing to view and record nystagmus (involuntary eye movements)
• Advanced balance assessment tools
• Computerized testing when appropriate

Your Personalized Vestibular Rehabilitation Program

Every patient’s vestibular rehabilitation program is uniquely designed based on their specific impairments and goals. Unlike generic exercise programs, our approach identifies your individual deficiencies and creates targeted interventions to address them.

Three Core Principles of Vestibular Recovery

1. Adaptation Your brain learns to adapt to incorrect signals from your vestibular system, gradually rebalancing and improving function over time.

2. Habituation Through controlled exposure to specific movements and stimuli, you become less sensitive to triggers that previously caused symptoms.

3. Substitution Your brain learns to use other sensory systems (vision, touch, proprioception) to compensate for reduced vestibular function.

What to Expect During Treatment

Exercise Consistency is Key: Vestibular exercises require dedication, typically performed 2-3 times daily for optimal results. We help you create a realistic schedule that fits your lifestyle.

Initial Symptom Increase: Most patients experience a temporary increase in symptoms when starting exercises – this indicates your vestibular system is being appropriately stimulated and is a normal part of the recovery process.

Progressive Improvement: Like building muscle strength, vestibular rehabilitation becomes easier over time, and symptoms become less severe with consistent effort.

Convenient Location Serving the Greater Des Moines Area

Located in Clive, IA, Mount Laurel Physical Therapy is easily accessible to patients throughout the Des Moines metro, including Urbandale, Johnston, West Des Moines, and surrounding communities. Our convenient location and flexible scheduling make it easy to maintain the consistency required for successful vestibular rehabilitation.

Start Your Recovery Journey Today

Don’t let dizziness, vertigo, or balance problems control your life. Our specialized vestibular rehabilitation program has helped countless patients throughout the Des Moines area regain their confidence, reduce symptoms, and return to their favorite activities.

Ready to take the first step toward better balance and reduced dizziness? Contact Mount Laurel Physical Therapy in Clive, IA today to schedule your comprehensive vestibular evaluation. Call us at (515) 520-8037 or contact us online to learn more about how our expert team can help you achieve lasting relief.

Mount Laurel Physical Therapy – Your trusted partner for vestibular rehabilitation in Clive, Des Moines, and West Des Moines, IA. Expert care, specialized training, proven results.