Is Vestibular Therapy Helpful for People With Meniere’s Disease?

 Meniere’s disease is a long-term condition that affects the inner ear, often resulting in episodes of vertigo, ringing in the ears, and hearing changes. These symptoms may disrupt balance, coordination, and overall quality of life. For those looking to manage these effects, vestibular rehabilitation may support recovery by helping the body adapt to changes in balance and movement.

Understanding Meniere’s Disease and Its Impact

Meniere’s disease affects the vestibular system, which is responsible for balance and spatial awareness. Individuals may experience dizziness, pressure in the ear, and unsteadiness during or after an episode. Over time, repeated symptoms may affect mobility and confidence, making it challenging to stay active or maintain daily routines.

What Is Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy?

Vestibular rehabilitation therapy (VRT) is a movement-based approach that may help manage symptoms related to dizziness and imbalance. It often includes customized exercises that aim to retrain the brain to process signals from the inner ear more effectively.

The therapy typically focuses on:

• Balance training
  
  

• Eye and head movement coordination
  
  

• Habituation exercises to reduce motion sensitivity
  
  

For people living with Meniere’s disease, these exercises may improve the ability to move steadily and reduce the impact of motion-triggered symptoms.

How Vestibular Therapy May Help?

While vestibular therapy does not treat the cause of Meniere’s disease directly, it may support symptom management and improve confidence during daily activities. Potential benefits may include:

• Improved stability: Balance exercises may help reduce the sensation of unsteadiness or spinning.
  
  

• Increased motion tolerance: Gradual exposure to movement may lower the chance of dizziness during routine tasks.
  
  

• Reduced fall risk: Better coordination may support safer movement in both home and community environments.
  
  

• Support for anxiety-related dizziness: Therapy may be part of care plans where emotional stress affects balance or motion perception.
  
  

To explore this connection further, read Vestibular Therapy for Anxiety-Induced Dizziness on Turning Point Physiotherapy’s website.

When to Consider Vestibular Therapy?

If Meniere’s symptoms are affecting mobility, balance, or quality of life, speaking with a physiotherapist may be helpful. Vestibular rehabilitation therapy may be considered as part of a broader care approach, tailored to individual health needs and symptom patterns.

It is important to understand that the response to therapy may vary based on factors such as overall health, frequency of symptoms, and level of physical activity.

Vestibular Support at Turning Point Physiotherapy

At Turning Point Physiotherapy, vestibular rehabilitation therapy may be included in care plans for individuals experiencing dizziness or balance concerns. The approach is adapted to align with each person's comfort level and goals, focusing on improving daily function and reducing fall risk.