How Can Physiotherapy Treat Vestibular Issues?

Vestibular physiotherapy is a specialized type of care aimed at addressing issues related to the vestibular system – a part of your inner ear responsible for balance and spatial orientation.

Vestibular rehabilitation begins with an assessment. A trained physiotherapist will evaluate your vestibular function, balance, and symptoms. They will aim to determine the causes of your condition, which can range from infections and inner ear problems to head injuries.

Based on the findings of the initial assessment, the physiotherapist will design a tailored treatment plan for you. Depending on your specific needs, they may prescribe things like gaze stabilization practice, balance training, or habituation exercises. In vestibular rehabilitation, exercise therapy may also be combined with some manual maneuvers and therapeutic modalities. On the whole, vestibular rehabilitation can help you improve your balance, reduce dizziness, and aid in overall symptom resolution.

Examples of Conditions Vestibular Physiotherapy Can Help With:

  • Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV): BPPV is characterized by sudden and brief episodes of dizziness or spinning sensations that can result in significant discomfort and disorientation.

  • Vestibular Neuritis and Labyrinthitis: These conditions are often caused by inner ear infections and can lead to vertigo, dizziness, and imbalance.

  • Meniere's Disease: Meniere's disease causes recurring episodes of vertigo, hearing loss, and tinnitus that can ultimately affect hearing and balance.

  • Post-Concussion: Following a head injury, individuals can experience dizziness, imbalance, vision problems, and other vestibular issues.

  • Cervicogenic Dizziness: Cervicogenic Dizziness is a condition stemming from issues in the neck or cervical spine and may result in sensations of imbalance or spinning.