Regain Your Balance with Rehabilitation

Sep 13, 2025

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By Sarah Johnson, MBA, Director of Marketing, Strategy & Communications, William Newton Hospital

Have you ever felt a sudden, dizzying spin when you get out of bed? Or a lasting unsteadiness that makes everyday tasks feel difficult? You are not alone. Dizziness, vertigo, or balance problems affect millions of people, making it hard to live a normal life. The good news is that a solution may be closer than you think. During National Rehabilitation Awareness Week from September 15-21, we're highlighting a unique and often overlooked treatment: Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT).

The vestibular system, located within the inner ear, acts like your body's personal balance center. It's responsible for sensing head movements and maintaining our balance, spatial orientation, and posture. When this system isn’t working right, the results can be debilitating. VRT is a special type of physical therapy designed to treat problems caused by the vestibular system, including vertigo, BPPV (benign paroxysmal positional vertigo), and post-concussion syndrome.

How VRT Works

VRT works by helping your brain learn to adapt and re-adjust. Therapists use specific head and body movements to retrain your brain to correctly process balance signals. While it might sound strange, therapists must temporarily create your symptoms—making you feel dizzy or sick—in order to start the healing process. This is a key part of the treatment that can lead to long-lasting relief.

The results can be life-changing. VRT helps reduce dizziness and vertigo, improves balance and coordination, and lowers the risk of falls. This, in turn, helps people regain their freedom and improve their overall quality of life. It can make a huge difference for people of all ages, from older adults with constant dizziness to athletes recovering from a head injury.

A Local Solution for a Common Problem

Many people, even healthcare providers, are unaware that physical therapy can effectively treat these conditions. William Newton Hospital in Winfield offers this valuable local resource. Once you have an initial referral, you can often get direct access to VRT services if your symptoms return.

William Newton Hospital has four skilled physical therapists who can treat BPPV. Cody Barnes, PTA, has extra training and certifications in VRT and concussion recovery, making William Newton Hospital a go-to for vestibular care in the region.

Take Action for Your Health

Dizziness and balance issues don't have to control your life. Most vestibular disorders can be managed with VRT, and in many cases, they can be resolved entirely. If you or a loved one is struggling with these symptoms, don’t wait to get help. Start the conversation with your doctor, take control of your balance, and regain your independence today.

For more information, contact William Newton Hospital’s Rehabilitation Services department at 620-221-2300.

Editorial Notes: This article was submitted for the "Weekend Check-Up," a regular health column in the Cowley CourierTraveler penned by employees and friends of William Newton Hospital.