Vestibular rehabilitation therapy (VRT) is a specialized form of physiotherapy designed to address dizziness, vertigo, and balance disorders caused by problems with the inner ear or vestibular system. The vestibular system plays a critical role in helping us maintain our balance, and when this system becomes disrupted due to injury, illness, or other conditions, it can lead to symptoms like dizziness, a spinning sensation, loss of balance, or difficulty walking.
At Move Authentically Physiotherapy, we offer personalized vestibular rehabilitation therapy to help individuals manage and overcome balance issues related to vestibular dysfunction. Through a combination of specific exercises, manual therapy, and education, our physiotherapists work with you to reduce symptoms, improve balance, and restore functional movement, allowing you to regain your confidence and independence in daily activities.
What is Vestibular Rehabilitation?
Vestibular rehabilitation is a therapeutic approach that aims to retrain the brain and improve the function of the vestibular system. It involves exercises and techniques that focus on reducing dizziness, improving balance, and enhancing coordination by helping the brain adapt to changes in the inner ear or sensory systems.
During vestibular rehab, a skilled physiotherapist will assess your symptoms, identify the underlying causes of your balance issues, and design a customized treatment plan based on your unique needs and goals. The therapy is highly individualized and may include a combination of techniques such as:
- Habituation exercises: These exercises are designed to help your brain adapt to movements or visual stimuli that trigger dizziness, helping to reduce sensitivity to these triggers over time.
- Gaze stabilization exercises: These exercises focus on improving eye movements and their coordination with head movements to enhance visual clarity and stability.
- Balance training: Specific exercises aimed at improving overall balance and coordination by retraining the body’s ability to maintain stability while moving or in different positions.
- Canalith repositioning maneuvers: Used specifically for conditions like benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), these maneuvers aim to move displaced crystals in the inner ear to their correct location, alleviating vertigo symptoms.
When is Vestibular Rehabilitation Used?
Vestibular rehabilitation can be highly effective in treating a variety of conditions that affect the vestibular system. These include:
- Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV): A common cause of dizziness, BPPV occurs when small crystals in the inner ear become dislodged and move into the wrong part of the ear, causing vertigo.
- Vestibular Neuritis or Labyrinthitis: Inflammation of the vestibular nerve or inner ear can lead to vertigo, imbalance, and dizziness.
- Meniere’s Disease: A chronic condition characterized by episodes of vertigo, tinnitus (ringing in the ears), and hearing loss.
- Post-concussion syndrome: After a concussion or mild traumatic brain injury, many people experience balance issues, dizziness, and visual disturbances.
- Stroke or Neurological Conditions: Vestibular rehabilitation is often used as part of the recovery process following a stroke or neurological condition that affects balance and coordination.
- Long Covid Symptoms
- Chronic dizziness and balance disorders: Some individuals may experience long-term dizziness or imbalance without a clear diagnosis, often resulting from changes in the vestibular system or central nervous system.
What Can Vestibular Rehabilitation Help With?
Vestibular rehabilitation can address a variety of symptoms and conditions, including:
- Dizziness or vertigo – Feeling like the room is spinning, especially when changing head positions
- Balance difficulties – Problems with maintaining stability while walking or standing
- Unsteadiness – A sensation of feeling off-balance or disoriented while performing daily tasks
- Sensitivity to movement – Experiencing dizziness or discomfort with certain movements or activities, such as turning your head or walking in busy environments
- Falls prevention – Improving balance and coordination to prevent falls, especially in older adults or those recovering from injury or surgery
The Vestibular Rehabilitation Process
When you come to Move Authentically Physiotherapy for vestibular rehabilitation, we will begin with a comprehensive assessment of your symptoms and medical history. This assessment typically involves a series of tests to evaluate your balance, coordination, eye movements, and neck and vestibular function. Based on this information, our physiotherapists will develop a personalized rehabilitation plan tailored to your needs.
Treatment may include manual therapy, specialized exercises, and strategies to help retrain the brain and nervous system to adapt to changes in the vestibular system. The goal is to reduce dizziness, improve your ability to move and balance, and increase your overall quality of life.
Many patients experience significant improvements in their symptoms with vestibular rehabilitation, but it’s important to remember that each person’s recovery is unique. Our team will work with you to set realistic goals and track progress over time, making adjustments to your plan as necessary to ensure the best possible outcome.
Why Choose Vestibular Rehabilitation at Move Authentically Physiotherapy?
At Move Authentically Physiotherapy, we take a patient-centered approach to vestibular rehabilitation, meaning that your treatment plan is tailored to your specific condition, goals, and lifestyle. Our physiotherapists have extensive training and experience in treating vestibular disorders, and we use evidence-based techniques to ensure that you receive the highest level of care.
Our goal is not only to help you reduce symptoms of dizziness and imbalance but also to improve your overall function, so you can return to your normal activities with confidence. We’ll guide you through each step of the process, providing education and support along the way, and help you make a safe and effective recovery.
Vestibular rehabilitation therapy is an effective, non-invasive treatment for individuals experiencing balance issues, dizziness, or vertigo caused by vestibular system dysfunction. With a tailored treatment plan that includes specialized exercises, manual therapy, and education, vestibular rehab can help restore balance, improve movement, and enhance your quality of life. If you’re struggling with dizziness or balance problems, Move Authentically Physiotherapy is here to help.
Contact us today to schedule an appointment and begin your journey toward better balance and stability.