Vestibular physiotherapy is a specialised form of physiotherapy that is focused on rehabilitation for problems with balance, vertigo, disequilibrium and chronic dizziness. Below are just some of the various ways The Dizziness Physio can help with vestibular conditions.

Vestibular Rehabilitation

Vestibular rehabilitation is the repeated practice of certain activities or movements that cause mild dizziness symptoms and or unsteadiness. This regular training can allow the brain and body to adapt to a chronic dizziness problem or recover from acute vestibular damage. It utilises neural plasticity, the ability of the brain to adapt itself, to promote stronger neural connections within the brain to better deal with vestibular information. It can also restore a persons confidence to move without fear of having a severe vertigo episode. It is appropriate for many forms of vestibular dysfunction and many of the exercises can be done safely at home. The most effective form of rehabilitation is an individually tailored program specific to the clients needs and goals. This is best formulated with a well-trained vestibular specialist such as The Dizziness Physio.

Canalith Repositioning Manoeuvres for BPPV

This form of treatment is specifically for a particular type of dizziness disorder, Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV). BPPV is the most common cause of dizziness in isolation and many people who say they have had vertigo before will be talking about this problem. It is characterised by extremely violent sensations of spinning associated with certain head movements. The exact head movement depends on which inner ear canal is affected, and it is believed to be caused by calcium carbonate particles that alter the normal nerve activity within the inner ear. Whilst most BPPV does eventually settle by itself, physiotherapy can drastically speed the process along, with people often reporting an 80-100% improvement within the first one or two sessions. Sometimes BPPV can be a bit stubborn, but the good thing is that there is treatment for stubborn BPPV (cupulolithiasis) too.

Balance, Strength and Functional Training

Balance and strength are so important for our ability to live the life we want. People can lose confidence in their ability to move and walk safely when they are suffering from a dizziness disorder. The Dizziness Physio is the ideal therapist to provide specific balance and strength training and address the issues of people suffering vestibular and mobility issues. A daily home strengthening and balance program can be created to help decrease falls, restore leg strength, improve walking safety and endurance, and probably the most important thing of all: Get you back doing the things you love.

Education

The Dizziness Physio is passionate about providing appropriate education to clients about their condition. Often they have had dizziness issues for months if not years without a proper diagnosis. Learning about your particular condition can set the mind at ease and restore your confidence in your body, and this is often the beginning of the recovery process.

Falls Prevention

Falls account for a huge percentage of total disability in older adults. As we age the risk of falling increases, as does the risk of serious complications from falls such as fracture, head trauma or other injury. The Dizziness Physio can give you important advice on how to decrease your risk of falls, minimise your risk of injury, and even teach you how to safely get up off the floor. Sometimes using an appropriate gait aid such as a walking stick or wheelie frame can get people back to their usual activities, The Dizziness Physio can recommend appropriate aids and when it is best to use them.