Vestibular rehabilitation

Overview

Vestibular rehabilitation at Kids Matters OT is based on many of the principles of astronaut program (devised by Mary Kawar (OTR) and Sheila Frick (OTR) from the United States based on the training principles used by astronauts being prepared to go into space) combined with other theory knowledge from sensory-integration based theories and child-lead play.

A healthy vestibular system is important to all of us, not only astronauts.  “Through the proper functioning of our Vestibular-Auditory-visual Triad the sights and sounds of our world become meaningful and entice us to move, explore and engage with objects, people and events.  The vestibular system provides a perception of orientation in space that must be activated by the musculo-skeletal system.  It is our internal guidance instrument working to tie the body senses, such as proprioception and touch, together with the visual and auditory senses.”  (Kawar MJ, Frick SM, and Frick R  Astronaut Training: A sound Activated Vestibular-Visual protocol for Moving, Looking and Listening).

As a bridge between sensory processing and movement control, the vestibular system plays a major role in everything we do including looking and listening.  Kids Matters OTs use the Astronaut Training protocol for improving function in the Vestibular-Auditory-Visual Triad. We find that it is very beneficial in improving movement confidence and exploration with children

Use

  • For all children with over-sensitivity to movement (fear of movement, low confidence, nausea, hyperactivity after movement)
  • For all children with poor postural control
  • For children who seek excessive movement
  • For children with coordination and timing issues.

(Commonly used alongside Therapeutic Listening)

Process for enrolling your child in the Vestibular rehabilitation

  • Book an assessment
  • Therapist does full assessment regarding the child and family's needs).
  • If the child is likely to benefit, parents are trained in the process and the child attends weekly to fortnightly therapy until the child shows the desired improvement in confidence and motor skills (normally ranges between 2-12 weeks).