Vestibular rehabilitation therapy, or VRT, is a specialized form of exercise-based therapy designed to alleviate both primary and secondary symptoms of vestibular disorders. VRT uses specific head, body, and eye exercises designed to retrain the brain to recognize and process signals from the inner ear and coordinate them with information from our eyes and muscles. Physical therapists are challenged with creating a customized therapy plan for each patient. While VRT is an evidence-based approach for treating many types of vestibular problems, it’s not always the miracle-cure many patients are hoping for.

In this episode of the ICU ("I See You") podcast, hosts Cynthia Ryan (VeDA Executive Director) and Kimberly Warner (Unfixed Media Founder & Director) explore what works and what doesn't when it comes to Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy. They invite Physical Therapist Matt Whitaker and vestibular patient Ashley Chin to discuss this topic, bringing together the patient and healthcare provider perspectives.

This podcast is a co-production of the Vestibular Disorders Association (VeDA) and Unfixed Media.

About the Guests

Ashley Chin is from Greenville, SC. She is a former Emergency Room RN turned home baker after many medical issues, including vestibular migraine and PPPD. She enjoys baking, crafting, and really anything nerdy including Disney, Star Wars, board games, etc.  She and her husband have been married for almost 5 years, and have a sweet Wire Fox Terrier puppy named Luna. 

Matt Whitaker is a physical therapist with over 20 years of experience. In 1998 he earned his degree from Loma Linda University where he co-founded the vestibular rehabilitation program for the outpatient neurological clinic. He was also a guest lecturer and vestibular instructor for doctoral physical therapy students and neurology residents. For the first decade of his career, he treated patients with neurologic conditions, working in all settings including acute and ICU care, inpatient rehabilitation, home health, and skilled nursing. Over the past fifteen years, he has focused on orthopedic care but remains passionate about helping patients with vestibular issues. Today, Matt is a co-owner of Evolve Physical Therapy, a clinic with two locations in the Portland metro area where he lives with his family. 

VeDA relies on your support to help vestibular patients on their journey to find a life rebalanced. You can make a real difference by making a donation at https://vestibular.org/donate/

If you are experiencing vertigo, tinnitus, dizziness, imbalance, brain fog, or other balance-related symptoms, VeDA may be able to help. To learn more about vestibular conditions and get help finding a diagnosis, treatment, coping tools, and support visit https://vestibular.org/

For help finding a vestibular healthcare provider visit https://vestibular.org/healthcare-directory/

If you are a vestibular healthcare professional and want to reach more patients, join VeDA's Healthcare Provider Directory by becoming a member at https://vestibular.org/article/resources-for-professionals/professional-membership/. Additional benefits include patient education articles you can brand with your logo.

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