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Specialist Rehabilitation for Dizziness – Vestibular Physiotherapy
What is Vestibular Physiotherapy?
If you are experiencing dizziness, vertigo and balance problems, this may be due to a problem with your inner ears, eyes and joints working together. We need all these systems to work in harmony, to provide information that allows us to see clearly and have good balance. These problems are called Vestibular Disorders. Other symptoms may include unsteadiness, feeling lightheaded, reduced confidence, inactivity, a loss of independence and an increased risk of falls. Vestibular Rehabilitation is a specialised form of therapy that addresses the problems caused by Vestibular Disorders.
What causes Vestibular Disorders?
There are a range of reasons as to why you may be feeling dizzy. Causes may come from ear infections, head injury, period of immobility, medication and increasing age. Some people experience vertigo, a spinning sensation which can often cause nausea. This can commonly be due to a condition called Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) where tiny fragments are floating around the fluid inside the inner ear.
* Head injuries may affect how the inner ear, vision and balance systems work together as a system, and the brain can receive confused signals regarding the position and movements of the head in space.
* Concussion and whiplash injuries are very common with head trauma. The effects of these may be noticeable immediately, or they may take a couple of weeks to appear.
* Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) causes symptoms of dizziness, vertigo/spinning sensations when the head is placed in certain positions. Up to 30% of people may experience this following a head injury.
What you should do:
Seek advice from a physiotherapist who specialises in Vestibular Rehabilitation. At Crystal Palace Physio Group we have a team of experts who will provide a thorough assessment and develop an individualised treatment programme with you. A management plan may include:
- Specific techniques to treat symptoms for BPPV (Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo)
- Specific positional head movement techniques
- Eye and head movement exercises
- Exercises to improve standing balance
- Education and advice on activities of daily living to improve confidence and function
- Advice on falls prevention
Click here to listen to a BBC Radio 4 clip on ‘The Uncommon Senses’ – ‘How do you keep your sense of balance’ – explaining balance, proprioception, vestibular systems.
For more information, to speak to one of our experts or to book an appointment, please contact our Reception Team:
Page updated: 30/03/2017
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