Understanding Vestibular Rehabilitation Physiotherapy and its Impact on Wellness

Vestibular rehabilitation physiotherapy is a specialized form of physical therapy that deals with vestibular disorders. Vestibular physiotherapists assess, diagnose and control symptoms like dizziness, vertigo and balance problems. People who experience dizziness or unsteadiness while doing everyday tasks like turning their heads in sleep or getting up from a chair benefit from this therapy.

What Exactly is Vestibular Rehabilitation Physiotherapy?

Vestibular rehabilitation therapy (VRT) empowers patients with vestibular disorders to manage the symptoms and improve their quality of life. The vxdestibular system, with the inner ear as its centre, helps our body maintain balance. Any damage or interference to this system can disrupt your balance, leading to dizziness, vertigo and falls. Vestibular physiotherapy reduces the symptoms and improves the function of the vestibular system. 

VRT consists of a wide range of therapeutic exercises along with manual therapy that control and help compensate for the limited functioning of the vestibular system. The procedure is non-invasive and allows people to return to normal life. 

Also Read: Can Physical Therapy Make Vertigo Worse? | Neurological Physiotherapy- A Detailed Explanation

What is the Function of the Vestibular System?

The vestibular system detects how your head is moving and body is positioned relative to surrounding time and space. It sends this information to the brain which then coordinates your eye movements, body movements and posture accordingly. 

If you can move your head and body without feeling dizzy or losing balance, that means your vestibular system works fine. However, feelings of dizziness or like the entire room is spinning can indicate that there’s a problem with your vestibular system.

Who Needs Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy?

Anyone with any form of vestibular disorder can restore normal functioning abilities with VRT. 

Symptoms of Vestibular Disorders

• Dizziness
• Vertigo
• Loss of balance 
• Headaches
• Nausea
• Vomiting 
• Loss of hearing
• Blurred vision

Treatable Vestibular Conditions

• Meniere’s disease
• Traumatic brain injury
• Vestibular neuritis
• Migraine
• Bening paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV)

You should consult with your nearest physiotherapist if you can relate to any of the symptoms mentioned above.

How Does Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy Work?

The goal of VRT is to retrain your brain and vestibular system so it reduces the symptoms and helps you perform daily activities hassle-free. The therapist teaches your brain to rely on alternative body parts like ankles, neck, eyes and legs to manage balance and coordination. 

The physiotherapists recommend specific exercises after a thorough assessment of your impaired vestibular system. Every exercise works towards retraining your brain or improving the function of your vestibular system. 

Type of Exercises in VRT

Every patient is unique. Thus, physios assess everyone individually and personalize the prescribed exercises accordingly. 

Habituation Exercises

Habituation exercises treat dizziness that results from sudden head motion or visual stimuli. The therapist makes your brain familiar with the movements or stimuli through repeated exposure, reducing your symptoms over time significantly. This type of exercise is usually recommended for patients who experience dizziness while turning their heads or changing their body positions suddenly. 

Gaze Stabilization Exercises

Gaze stabilization exercises help you maintain visual steadiness during head movements. People who experience blurred or reduced vision while moving their heads or posture are usually recommended this exercise. It improves the coordination between your head and eye, thus reducing symptoms of vision problems.

Balance Exercises

Balance exercises improve your body’s steadiness, irrespective of the position of your body. The physical therapist guides you through the exercises so you can perform your daily activities efficiently. These exercises improve your ability to stand, sit, walk bend over while keeping a steady balance.

What to Expect From the Sessions?

The physical therapist examines your movement, flexibility, sense of balance and strength. They ask about your symptoms to detect the underlying cause of your problem. The professionals prescribe exercises based on what’s causing the problems. 

Here’s what a typical session looks like in Brampton:

Initial assessment

The physiotherapist reviews your medical history to understand your health status. They perform balance and coordination tests to assess your ability to balance, walk and do specific movements. 

Treatment plan customization

The professionals personalize a treatment plan after evaluating the function of your inner ear and the ability of your brain to process sensory information. The treatment plan consists of exercises and maneuvers, which help manage the symptoms of vestibular disorders.

Home exercise programs

Physical therapy may not restore the normal functioning of your vestibular system if the damage is severe. But, it retrains the brain to rely on other alternative senses to help you maintain balance and avoid dizziness. Physiotherapists also prescribe home exercises which help you achieve optimal recovery.

How long and frequent is each session?

The length and frequency of the VRT sessions depend on the cause, severity and nature of your vestibular problem. However, a typical session lasts within 30-60 minutes. Generally, patients are recommended 2-3 sessions a week. 

What are the Benefits of Vestibular Physiotherapy?

Vestibular rehabilitation physiotherapy reduces symptoms caused by vestibular disorders. Here are the changes you can expect after consistent sessions with the therapist.

• Reduced dizziness and vertigo
• Better quality of life
• Boosts your recovery rate
• Improves your balance
• Enhances mind-body connection
• Strengthens, core, arms and leg muscles 

The exercises often involve your whole body in its recovery. Patients gain confidence and physical independence to do daily activities efficiently. 

Are there risks in VRT?

There are no physical risks associated with VRT. You may experience increased dizziness while doing the exercises initially as your brain adapts to the stimuli. However, that’s temporary and you will feel better after a while under the guidance of an experienced physiotherapist. 

Who Provides Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy in Brampton?

Physical therapists with specialization in treating vestibular disorders can provide you with VRT. You may be recommended by a doctor to visit the therapist nearest your location or you can also meet the professional directly. Make sure the therapist is experienced and has certifications in this field. Top-rated clinics like Physiotherapy First are a good way to start the search.

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