Feeling dizzy when you roll over in bed? Does the room seem to spin when you look up or turn your head? You're not alone.
Dizziness and vertigo are common symptoms that can make everyday activities feel challenging. Walking, driving, working, or even getting out of bed may become more difficult when your balance feels off.
At Premier Physiotherapy in Ottawa, we assess people experiencing dizziness, vertigo, and balance concerns. Vestibular physiotherapy is a type of physiotherapy that focues on conditions affecting the body's balance system.
If you've been experiencing dizziness, here's what you should know.
What is Vertigo?
Vertigo is more than just feeling lightheaded. People with vertigo often describe it as:
- The room is spinning
- Feeling like they're moving when standing still
- Loss of balance
- Feeling unsteady while walking
- Dizziness triggered by changing positions
Vertigo is a symptom rather than a condition itself. There are many possible causes, which is why an assessment is important.
What Is the Vestibular System?
Your vestibular system is part of your inner ear and works together with your: eyes, brain, muscle and joints.
These systems constantly share information to help you:
- Stay balanced
- Keep your vision steady while moving
- Know where your body is in space
If one part of this system isn't working properly, dizziness or balance problems can occur.
Common Vestibular Conditions
Some conditions that may benefit from vestibular physiotherapy include:
Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV)
BPPV is one of the most common causes of vertigo. It happens when tiny crystals inside the inner ear move into the wrong place, causing brief episodes of spinning sensations when changing head positions.
Common triggers include:
- Rolling over in bed
- Looking up
- Bending down
- Getting out of bed
Vestibular Neuritis
Vestibular neuritis is irriation of the vestibular nerve, often following a viral illness.
Symptoms may include:
- Sudden dizziness
- Difficulty walking
- Balance problems
- Nausea
Labyrinthitis
Labyrinthitis affects both balance and hearing.
People may experience:
- Vertigo
- Hearing Changes
- Ringing in the ears
- Balance difficulties
Signs You Should Consider Seeing a Physiotherapist
You may benefit from a physiotherapy assessment if you experience:
- Frequent dizziness
- Vertigo when changing positions
- Feeling unsteady while walking
- Difficulty turning your head
- Motion sensitivity
- Balance concerns after an illness
- Increased risk of falls
Because dizziness can have many different causes, it's important to seek appropriate medical assessment when symptoms are new, severe, or accompained by other concerning symptoms.
How Can Vestibular Physiotherapy Help?
Vestibular physiotherapy begins with a detailed assessment
You physiotherapist will ask questions about:
- When your symptoms started
- What movements trigger dizziness
- Your balance
- Your medical history
- Previous injuries or illnesses
They may also assess, eye movement, head movements, balance, walking, position changes, coordination
Based on the assessment findings, your physiotherapist will develop an individualized treatment plan.
Treatment May Include
Every treatment plan is different depending on the underlying cause. Vestibular physiotherapy may include:
Canalith Repositioning Manoeuvres
For certain types of positional vertigo, specific repositioning techniques may be used to move displaced inner ear crystals back to their proper location.
Balance Exercises
These exercises may help improve stability durning everyday activities. They can include:
- Standing balance
- Walking exercises
- Dynamic balance tasks
- Functional movement practice
Gaze Stabilization Exercises
These exercises help improve the coordination between your eys and vestibular system. They are commonly uses when dizziness occurs during head movements.
Habituation Exercises
Some people become dizzy during certain movements or in busy environments. Gradually introducing these movements through guided exercises may help reduce sensitivity over time.
Education
Understanding your condition is an important part of rehabilitation. You physiotherapist may discuss:
- Activity modification
- Home exercises
- Fall prevention strategies
- Returning to daily activities safely
Everyday Tips for Managing Dizziness
While everyone's situation is different, these general tips may help:
- Move slowly when changing positions
- Stay hydrated
- Keep room well lit
- Use handrails when available
- Remove tripping hazards at home
- Avoid rushing when standing up
- Follow the home exercises recommended by your healthcare provider
Vestibular Physiotherapy in Ottawa
If you're experiencing dizziness, vertigo, or balance concerns, a physiotherapy assessment can help determine whether vestibular rehabilitation is appropriate for your situation.
At Premier Physiotherapy in Ottawa, our physiotherapist perform individualized assessments and develop treatment plans based on your symptoms, goals, and clinical findings.
Whether your symptoms began recently or have been ongoing, seeking an assessment may help you better understand your condition and the available management options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can physiotherapy help with vertigo?
Depending on the cause of your symptoms, vestibular physiotherapy may be appropriate. A physiotherapist can assess your symptoms and determine whether vestibular rehabilitation may be beneficial or whether referral to another healthcare provider is recommended.
Is vertigo the same as dizziness?
Not exactly. Vertigo is a specific type of dizziness where you feel as though you our your surroundings are moving or spinning. Dizziness can also describe lightheadedness, imbalance, or feeling faint.
How long does vestibular physiotherapy take?
Treatment varies depending on the underlying condition, the severity of symptoms, and individual goals. Your physiotherapist will discuss an appropriate treatment plan after your assessment.
Do I need a referral for vestibular physiotherapy in Ontario?
In most cases, you do not need a physician's referral to see a physiotherapist in Ontario. However, some extended health insurance plans may require one for reimbursement. It's a good idea to check with your insurance provider.
Can vestibular physiotherapy help with balance problems?
Vestibular physiotherapy may help improve balance for some individuals when balance concerns are related to vestibular dysfunction. A physiotherapist can assess the cause of your symptoms and recommend appropriate treatment.
What should I expect during my first appointment?
Your first appointment typically includes a discussion about your symptoms, medical history, and goals, followed by an assessment of your balance, eye movements, walking, and movements that may reproduce your symptoms. Your physiotherapist will explain their findings and discuss a treatment plan based on the assessment.
