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Vestibular Rehabilitation
Vestibular rehabilitation is a specialized area of physiotherapy that tends to people with vestibular disorders. The vestibular system is responsible for balance and spatial orientation, and when this system is disrupted, individuals may experience symptoms such as dizziness, vertigo, nausea, and imbalance. Physiotherapy aims to improve the vestibular system function and help the brain to adapt to any disruptions in this system. This treatment entails specific manoeuvres as well as exercises, such as gaze stabilization exercises (improves ability to focus on a stationary object while moving the head), balance training (to improve stability and reduce risk of falls), and habituation exercises (exposing one to triggers, to enable the brain to adapt and reduce symptoms over time).
How long does vestibular rehabilitation take?
The duration and frequency of vestibular rehabilitation will vary depending on the severity of the vestibular disorder and the patient’s individual needs. Certain conditions (example Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo) often only require one treatment, while other conditions may require a more long-term treatment plan to help one achieve their goal, varying from weeks to months. If indicated, patients will receive an individualised home exercise program to work through independently to further aid recovery.
Is vestibular rehabilitation effective?
Vestibular rehabilitation is an effective treatment for individuals with vestibular disorders. By addressing the underlying causes of symptoms and improving the vestibular system’s function, patients can experience improved balance, less 'dizziness', and overall better quality of life. It is essential for individuals experiencing symptoms of a vestibular disorder to seek evaluation and treatment from a qualified physiotherapist to receive the appropriate care and support.
Who Should Consider This Treatment?
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Ménière’s disease (affecting your ears and balance)
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Labyrinthitis (causing dizziness and imbalance)
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Vestibular neuritis (affecting a nerve related to balance)
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Migraine headaches (which can also make you feel dizzy)
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Being at risk of falling
What is Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo?
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Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) is a common inner ear disorder. With BPPV, changes in your head position — such as tipping your head backward or sitting up in bed — lead to sudden vertigo (a feeling that the room is spinning).
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BPPV isn’t a sign of a serious problem, and it may go away on its own with time. However, the symptoms of BPPV can be very frightening and may be dangerous.
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BPPV can affect people of all ages, but it’s most common in adults over the age of 50. About half of all people in this age range experience at least one episode of BPPV in their lifetime.
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BPPV develops when crystals in the ear move into the inner ear structures that control balance and become trapped. There are various causes of this.
Your physiotherapist will first conduct an assessment to confirm the condition, and then treatment involves re-directing the ear crystals back to where they belong, by taking the patient through different positions. Often, all it takes is one session for symptoms to resolve altogether. So if you are experiencing this, or suspect that you may be, book an appointment and get it sorted!