Vestibular physiotherapy is a practical and exercise- based physiotherapy to rehabilitate o patients who present with balance problems or dizziness. It is administered by specially trained therapists in this field.
HOW IS DIZZINESS EXPLAINED?
Dizziness can be defined as lightheadedness, wooziness, feelings of unsteadiness, sensation of moving, spinning, floating, tilting or the room rotating (vertigo).
These feeling can happen when you are changing positions, standing still or lying down. Sometimes it can last seconds and other times it can last hours.
WHAT CAUSES DIZZINESS?
Dizziness can be caused by an inner ear dysfunction, neck dysfunction, medication, or an occasionally more serious problem to do with the heart or brain.
WHO CAN BE HELPED FROM VESTIBULAR PHYSIOTHERAPY?
Patients that are referred for vestibular physiotherapy and rehabilitation are those diagnose with dizziness, vertigo, benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), neck related dizziness and migraines. Other people referred can be those who have had a stroke or a brain injury that causes them to fall.
Symptoms that can be helped with vestibular physiotherapy include: frequent falls, dizziness, vertigo/spinning, eye movements, neck tightness and stiffness, headaches, “foggy head feeling”.
Vestibular Physiotherapists with review your medical history, make a thorough assessment with specialized techniques, look at your balance, your gait, visual stability and movement and also your neck mobility. From this assessment an individualized treatment program will be put together to help improve your symptoms and manage your functional problems.
IS VESTIBULAR PHYSIOTHERAPY SUCCESSFUL?
Vestibular Physiotherapy is a successful treatment option for those with problems of the inner ear or brain and in some instances it will be the only treatment needed. Other times it can be used as part of a pre or post surgery treatment plan. In many cases with patients performing the exercises that they have been given for rehabilitation, they can significantly decrease their dizziness and balance problems and many times the symptoms can completely disappear.
What is vestibular rehabilitation?
Vestibular rehabilitation is a specialised type of physical therapy used to treat and lessen the symptoms caused by vestibular diseases. It involves manual head movements and a step-by-step exercise plan intended to reduce vertigo and dizziness, visual problems, imbalance, and falls.
Who requires this treatment?
Some medical problems that also impair balance might cause dizziness as a symptom. Dizziness and balance problems can also bring headaches and muscle soreness. Patients with the following diseases may benefit from vestibular physiotherapy:
- Vertigo
- Meniere’s disease
- Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV)
- Labyrinthitis
- Vestibular neuritis
- Migraine headache
- Stroke
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
- Falling risk
Function of Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy
The goal of the VRT exercises is to train the brain to adapt to balance problems. These could involve balance exercises, practising fixation on a fixed spot to stabilise vision, and becoming accustomed to motions that cause vertigo.
Regular practice of these exercises can help people educate their brains to handle their balance issues better. They might experience a decrease in vertigo and an increase in balance with time. VRT seeks to help people regain their ability to carry out daily duties without feeling lightheaded or unsteady.
5 Advantages of Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy
- Reduce your risk of falling.
- Improve your balance.
- Minimise your dizziness symptoms.
- Enhance your ability to stabilise your vision.
- Increase your body strength.
What Happens Before the Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy?
There are some important things to note before the vestibular physiotherapy. First, you must undergo some vestibular tests to evaluate your symptoms. These tests are important and will help doctors to know the inner ear’s vestibular system. After this, a physiotherapist will provide you the best treatment plan to address your problem.
Risks Involved in the Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy
Vestibular rehabilitation therapy carries no inherent risks. However, there is no assurance that this treatment will fully resolve your dizziness and balance issues. Success is contingent upon diligently following the prescribed exercises.
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Vestibular physiotherapy is a practical and exercise- based physiotherapy to rehabilitate o patients who present with balance problems or dizziness.
FREQUENTLY ANSWERED QUESTIONS
What is a vestibular physiotherapist?
A vestibular physiotherapy helps train or treat you via vestibular physiotherapy.
What does vestibular therapy involve?
It is an exercise-based treatment and program to improve your balance or help with dizziness and other issues.
How long does vestibular rehabilitation take to work?
Exercises should be done continuously for a few weeks. You should be feeling more relief by the end.
What are vestibular rehabilitation exercises?
Exercises designed to improve your mobility and balance.
What can I expect from vestibular therapy?
A trainer that guides you through various exercise programs to help with balance or dizziness issues.
How do you heal a vestibular system?
Vestibular therapy is a good way to help with healing the vestibular system.
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