Restoring Balance: Manual Therapy (CST & OMT) and Home Care for Vestibular Dysfunction

In our first two blogs, we explored the vestibular system—your body’s inner balance GPS—along with the signs and causes of vestibular dysfunction. If you’ve experienced dizziness, vertigo, or imbalance, you know how disruptive it can be. The good news? There are gentle, evidence-based therapies and simple home strategies that can help.

At Avalon Wellness & Performance in Naples, FL, we use CranioSacral Therapy (CST) and Osteopathic Manual Therapy (OMT) to support clients struggling with vestibular issues. In this final part of our series, we’ll explain what treatment looks like and share practical home care exercises to restore balance.

🌿 How Manual Therapy Helps Vestibular Dysfunction

CranioSacral Therapy (CST)

CST uses light, precise touch to release restrictions around the head, neck, and spine. For vestibular dysfunction, CST can:

• Reduce strain in the cranial bones and membranes near the inner ear

• Calm an overstimulated nervous system

• Improve fluid dynamics in the semicircular canals and vestibular structures

• Relieve associated headaches, neck pain, or TMJ dysfunction

Osteopathic Manual Therapy (OMT)

OMT works with the musculoskeletal system to restore alignment and function. In vestibular cases, OMT can:

• Improve cervical spine mobility to optimize balance signaling

• Release restrictions in the jaw (TMJ) that can mimic or worsen dizziness

• Support nervous system regulation for clearer communication between brain and body

Together, CST and OMT provide a whole-body approach—addressing both the structural and neurological contributors to dizziness and imbalance.

🛋️ What to Expect in a Session

During treatment, you’ll lie comfortably while your therapist uses gentle hands-on techniques. Most clients describe feeling deeply relaxed, with a release of pressure and sometimes even immediate improvements in clarity or steadiness. Progress may be gradual or noticeable after just a few sessions, depending on the root cause.

🏡 Home Care Strategies for Balance

1. Vestibular Adaptation Exercises (VOR x1 / Gaze Stabilization)

• Best for: vestibular hypofunction, neuritis, labyrinthitis, chronic dizziness

• How it works: Fix your eyes on a stationary target while slowly moving your head side-to-side or up-and-down

• Research shows: Improves gaze stability, reduces dizziness, and enhances balance

• At home: Practice several times daily for 30–60 seconds

2. Balance & Habituation Training (Brandt-Daroff & Static Balance)

• Best for: residual dizziness, motion sensitivity, imbalance post-vestibular event

• How it works:
  – Brandt-Daroff: Repeatedly practicing symptom-triggering positions to reduce sensitivity over time
  – Balance training: Standing with narrow stance, on foam, or with eyes closed to retrain sensory integration

• Research shows: Improves functional balance, reduces dizziness handicap scores—especially when paired with adaptation exercises

• At home: Daily practice builds confidence and lowers fall risk

3. Supportive Lifestyle Strategies

• Gentle neck stretches: Especially for the SCM muscle, which can mimic vestibular symptoms

• Hydration & electrolytes: Keep inner ear fluid balance healthy

• Breathing practices & stress reduction: Calm the nervous system and reduce flare-ups

• Posture awareness: Upright posture helps the vestibular system interpret signals more efficiently

⚠️ Note: Always consult a healthcare provider before starting new exercises, especially if symptoms are severe or sudden.

🧭 When to Seek Professional Help

If dizziness, vertigo, or imbalance is persistent or severe, professional support is essential. Vestibular dysfunction can overlap with other medical conditions. At Avalon, we collaborate with your audiologists, ENTs, and physical therapists when needed to ensure comprehensive care.

✨ Final Thoughts

Vestibular dysfunction can affect not only balance but also confidence and quality of life. With manual therapies like CST and OMT, combined with simple at-home exercises, many people find lasting relief and improved stability.

📍 At Avalon Wellness & Performance in Naples, Florida, we specialize in helping clients overcome dizziness, vertigo, TMJ, and postural challenges with advanced manual therapies.

👉 Book your session today and take the first step toward restoring balance.