Vestibular rehabilitation is a physiotherapy approach used to treat disorders of the vestibular system, which is responsible for balance and your sense of where your body is in space. These disorders may be caused by inner ear conditions, vertigo, vestibular diseases or head injuries.
The goal of vestibular rehabilitation is to help patients regain functional balance through specific exercises that stimulate the vestibular system, encouraging adaptation and compensation for impaired function.
Goals of Vestibular Rehabilitation:
- Reduce vertigo symptoms: This includes vertigo caused by inner ear disorders, such as labyrinthitis or vestibular neuritis.
- Improve balance and stability: Targeted exercises help strengthen the body's balance mechanisms.
- Reduce falls: Restoring functional balance reduces the risk of falls, particularly in older adults.
- Improve quality of life: It helps patients resume everyday activities and regain greater independence.
Methods Used in Vestibular Rehabilitation:
- Eye movement exercises: These exercises help improve coordination between the eyes and signals from the vestibular system.
- Balance and posture exercises: These include activities to strengthen muscles and improve stability.
- Repositioning manoeuvres: For conditions such as vestibular neuritis or benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), specific manoeuvres such as the Epley manoeuvre are used to reposition crystals in the inner ear.
- Desensitization exercises: Gradually exposing patients to movements or situations that trigger dizziness aims to reduce sensitivity and improve tolerance.
When Is Vestibular Rehabilitation Recommended?
It is often recommended for people who experience:
- Chronic vertigo.
- Balance problems.
- The effects of a stroke or head injury affecting the vestibular system.
- Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV).
- Labyrinthitis or vestibular schwannoma.
Please note that this approach is offered only by physiotherapists on our team who have completed specific training.
Do not wait to address your dizziness. Call us to book an appointment!
