Physical Therapy

169 Riverside Drive, Binghamton, NY 13905
Phone: 607-798-5255
1130 Upper Front Street, Binghamton, NY, 13901
Phone: 607-584-0113
1020 Vestal Parkway E., Vestal, NY 13850
Phone: 607-786-3026
519 Hooper Road, Endwell, NY 13760
Phone: 607-754-7148

Our program evaluates and treats people with health problems resulting from injury or disease.  A therapist will assess joint motion, muscle strength and endurance, and lung function, then develop an individual program of exercise, electrical stimulation, and heat/ice treatment.

Our physical therapists are professional health care providers who are licensed by New York State.  You are an important member of your healthcare team.  You should feel comfortable asking your physical therapist any questions regarding your course of care, including specifics about interventions and expectations.

Physical therapy services are offered at all Lourdes rehabilitation locations.

Physical Therapy for Vestibular Disorders

There are many people with dizziness who think of it as a normal part of their lives.  As many as one in four people aged 50-65 suffer from dizziness, which is even more common in elderly people (Stephens et al, 1991)  Unfortunately, dizziness can lead to falls, and in the elderly, serious injury or even death.

What are Vestibular Disorders?

The Vestibular system is the part of the inner ear that along with the visual and somatosensory (muscle and joint) systems relay information to the brain which allows us to maintain our balance.  If there is damage to the vestibular system, incorrect information will travel to the brain and dizziness and imbalance can occur.

People with vestibular disorders can have many different symptoms.  A vestibular dysfunction may be present even if imbalance, hearing problems, or vertigo are not experienced.  Working, going to school, performing everyday activities, or just getting out of bed in the morning may be difficult.  Listed below are some common symptoms that patients with vestibular disorders complain of:

There are also less common complaints with vestibular dysfunction such as slurred speech and disorientation.

How do Physical Therapists Treat Vestibular Disorders?

After getting a referral from your physician for physical therapy, we can schedule a one on one appointment with one of our vestibular trained physical therapists. By completing a thorough history and examination, our therapists are able to distinguish between some of the more common vestibular diagnoses listed below.

• Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo
• Vestibular Neuritis/Neuronitis
• Labyrinthitis
• Meniere's Disease

• Vestibular Migraines

Vestibular therapy consists of exercises involving head and body movements which are designed to decrease dizziness, increase balance function and increase general activity levels.  Other treatments that are frequently used are manual maneuvers and patient education (diet, activity modifications).

Patient progress is monitored with outcome tools well established in evidence-based literature.  Our patients have had excellent results with vestibular rehabilitation therapy.