Jordan Sudberg’s Guide to Vestibular Rehab for Dizziness & Vertigo
Jordan Sudberg Explores Vestibular Rehabilitation: A Comprehensive Approach to Treating Dizziness and Vertigo
Dizziness and vertigo can be more than just a temporary nuisance—they can significantly impair quality of life, leading to instability, falls, anxiety, and a loss of independence. For millions of people, these symptoms stem from dysfunction in the vestibular system, the intricate part of the inner ear and brain that controls balance and spatial orientation.
While medications and rest may offer temporary relief, long-term management often requires a more targeted solution. That’s where vestibular rehabilitation therapy (VRT) comes into play. Pain management specialist Jordan Sudberg has seen firsthand how vestibular rehabilitation can dramatically improve symptoms and help patients reclaim their balance—both physically and emotionally.
In this comprehensive post, Dr. Sudberg shares his insights into vestibular rehabilitation, what causes dizziness and vertigo, and how a structured, therapeutic approach can lead to lasting relief.
Understanding the Vestibular System: The Root of Balance
The vestibular system includes the inner ear (specifically, the semicircular canals and otolith organs), the brainstem, and parts of the brain responsible for processing signals about motion, head position, and spatial awareness. It works in concert with vision and proprioception (the sense of body position) to keep you balanced.
“When the vestibular system is disrupted—whether by injury, infection, or degeneration—it can send confusing signals to the brain,” explains Jordan Sudberg. “This mismatch can cause symptoms like dizziness, spinning sensations, imbalance, and nausea.”
These symptoms may come on suddenly or gradually and can range from mild discomfort to complete debilitation.
Common Causes of Dizziness and Vertigo
Dr. Sudberg notes that while dizziness and vertigo are common symptoms, the underlying causes can vary widely. Common vestibular-related conditions include:
- Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV): Caused by loose calcium crystals in the inner ear that interfere with balance signals.
- Vestibular Neuritis or Labyrinthitis: Infections that inflame the inner ear or vestibular nerve.
- Meniere’s Disease: A chronic inner ear disorder causing vertigo, hearing loss, and ringing in the ears.
- Post-Concussion Syndrome: A brain injury that disrupts vestibular processing.
- Age-Related Decline: As people age, their vestibular system becomes less responsive, increasing fall risk.
In addition to vestibular disorders, dizziness can also stem from cardiovascular issues, medications, dehydration, and anxiety. That’s why a thorough evaluation is essential.
What Is Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy?
Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT) is a specialized form of physical therapy designed to alleviate dizziness, reduce vertigo, improve balance, and strengthen the connection between the brain and body through controlled movement.
“Vestibular rehab is not a one-size-fits-all treatment,” says Dr. Sudberg. “It’s a customized program that retrains the brain to adapt to changes in the vestibular system and to rely more effectively on other senses when balance is compromised.”
The goal of VRT is to:
- Improve gaze stability
- Reduce motion sensitivity
- Enhance postural control and coordination
- Restore confidence in daily movement
What to Expect from a Vestibular Rehab Program
After a diagnosis is confirmed—often via vestibular function tests, physical evaluations, and medical imaging—a physical therapist with vestibular training will create a tailored program. Dr. Sudberg often collaborates with physical therapists to ensure a multidisciplinary approach.
Typical components of vestibular rehab may include:
1. Habituation Exercises
Used for patients who become dizzy from specific movements or visual stimuli.
Example: Repeated head or body movements that provoke mild dizziness, gradually desensitizing the brain.
2. Gaze Stabilization Exercises
Aimed at improving control of eye movements during head motion.
Example: Focusing on a stationary object while moving the head side to side or up and down.
3. Balance Training
Involves standing or walking on various surfaces or under different visual conditions to strengthen coordination and reduce fall risk.
Example: Standing on a foam surface with eyes closed or practicing tandem walking.
4. Canalith Repositioning Maneuvers
Specific for treating BPPV by moving displaced crystals in the inner ear back to their proper location.
Example: The Epley maneuver or Semont maneuver guided by a trained provider.
5. Functional and Gait Training
Focuses on helping patients walk with more confidence and stability.
Example: Practicing turning, stepping over obstacles, or changing directions safely.
Jordan Sudberg’s Approach: Integrating Pain Management and Vestibular Therapy
Dr. Sudberg’s background in pain management allows him to recognize how vestibular issues often overlap with chronic pain conditions, such as neck pain, migraines, or fibromyalgia.
“Many patients with chronic dizziness also suffer from muscle tension, headaches, or joint stiffness, particularly in the cervical spine,” he explains. “A successful vestibular rehab plan should also address these issues to support whole-body recovery.”
By integrating soft tissue therapy, targeted exercise, and posture correction, Dr. Sudberg helps reduce both vestibular symptoms and the pain that often accompanies them.
Who Can Benefit from Vestibular Rehabilitation?
VRT is not only for older adults. People of all ages may benefit, particularly if they’ve experienced:
- A recent concussion or head injury
- Recurrent vertigo or dizziness
- A fall or near-fall due to imbalance
- Vision issues related to movement
- Anxiety or avoidance of movement due to fear of dizziness
Jordan Sudberg highlights that early intervention is key: “The longer you wait, the more the brain adapts to dysfunction. Starting vestibular rehab early helps avoid long-term complications like fear of movement, muscle deconditioning, or social withdrawal.”
Managing Expectations: Recovery Is a Process
It’s important to understand that vestibular rehabilitation doesn’t usually offer overnight relief. Symptoms may actually feel worse initially as the brain begins to adapt.
“This is a normal part of the process,” says Dr. Sudberg. “Patients need to be patient and consistent. Most see gradual but meaningful improvements over several weeks to a few months.”
With persistence, many patients regain the ability to drive, return to work, exercise, and enjoy life again without fear of dizziness.
Complementary Strategies for Vestibular Health
In addition to VRT, Dr. Sudberg recommends a few lifestyle and wellness strategies to support vestibular recovery:
- Hydration: Dehydration can worsen symptoms.
- Nutrition: A low-sodium, anti-inflammatory diet may help with Meniere’s or migraine-related vertigo.
- Mindfulness & Relaxation: Stress worsens symptoms; try breathing exercises or guided meditation.
- Sleep hygiene: Rest is crucial for brain recovery.
- Avoiding triggers: Bright lights, scrolling screens, or sudden movements may need to be limited during recovery.
Final Thoughts: Finding Stability Again
Dizziness and vertigo can be frightening and isolating—but they are treatable. Vestibular rehabilitation offers a proven path toward balance, function, and freedom from fear.
Jordan Sudberg’s approach emphasizes personalization, pain relief, and interdisciplinary care to support full recovery. If you or a loved one is struggling with persistent dizziness, don’t wait to seek help.
You don’t have to live life on shaky ground. With the right support, you can regain your footing—one step at a time.
