Common Conditions Treated by Vestibular Physiotherapy in Edmonton

When you feel things around you spinning even when you are standing still or if you have problems keeping your balance while walking, you may wonder what the problem is. These symptoms may indicate problems with your Vestibular system - a system that helps control balance and movement.

Many people struggle with vestibular system disorders while shrugging off the symptoms. Fortunately, vestibular physiotherapy can help. This treatment involves targeted treatment techniques like balance therapy to address symptoms such as dizziness and vertigo. With the right treatment, you can regain your balance and return to normal activities without fearing falling.

In this article, we’ll explore common conditions treated by vestibular therapy in Edmonton, how the therapy works, and why it’s an important part of recovery for many people.

What is the Vestibular System?

The vestibular system is located inside your inner ear, and it works with your brain, eyes, and muscles to help you stay balanced. When you move your head, tiny organs in your ear send signals to your brain to keep your vision steady and help you move without feeling dizzy.

Whenever there is a problem with the vestibular system, the brain gets mixed-up signals. This can lead to symptoms like dizziness, balance problems, and loss of concentration.

Common Conditions Treated by Vestibular Physiotherapy

Vestibular physiotherapy primarily targets problems with the Vestibular system to relieve uncomfortable symptoms and improve your quality of life. Some of the conditions that need vestibular physiotherapy in Edmonton include;

1. Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV)

The inner ear has tiny crystals that send signals about your position in space to your brain. Unfortunately, when these crystals move out of place into other places on your ear, it can lead to BPPV. 

Symptoms of BPPV include sudden dizziness when you change positions, a spinning sensation, and nausea.

2. Vestibular Neuritis and Labyrinthitis

The vestibular nerve connects your inner ear to your brain. When this nerve becomes inflamed or infected, it can lead to neuritis or labyrinthitis. Unfortunately, the common cold or flu can trigger this condition. 

The symptoms of vestibular neuritis or labyrinthitis include sudden dizziness or vertigo, trouble walking, nausea, and vomiting.

3. Meniere’s Disease

A buildup of fluid in your inner ear can lead to Meniere’s disease. This extra fluid can affect your hearing and balance. You are likely to experience a fluid imbalance in your inner ear if you have allergies, head injury, viral infections, or autoimmune disorders. 

If you experience ringing in your ears, severe vertigo, hearing loss, or feel pressure in your ear, you probably have Meniere’s disease.

4. Motion Sensitivity 

Motion sensitivity occurs when there is an imbalance in the motions your eyes perceive and the motions your Vestibular system perceives. This imbalance can lead to symptoms like nausea, dizziness, sweating, and fatigue. 

You may experience motion sensitivity when riding in a car or a boat, walking in crowded places, or looking at moving objects. 

5. Stroke or Neurological Conditions 

Neurological conditions like stroke or Parkinson’s disease can weaken the muscles and affect coordination, leading to balance problems. These conditions can cause symptoms like walking difficulties, unsteadiness when standing, and difficulty when turning.

How Does Vestibular Physiotherapy Work?

Vestibular physiotherapy is not a one-size-fits-all treatment. Your treatment will start with a thorough assessment and end with lifestyle adjustments for long-term results. Let’s look at this in depth.

Initial Assessment

When you visit your physiotherapist in Edmond about your condition, they will ask about your symptoms, medical history, and daily routine. You may also undergo balance and coordination tests, eye movement tests, and positional tests. Your physiotherapist may also analyze how you walk and how your body responds to different motions.

Personalized Treatment Plan

After identifying the cause of your symptoms, your physiotherapist will design a customized treatment plan tailored to your condition. The goal of this treatment is to help your brain and body adapt and also restore balance. A vestibular physiotherapy treatment plan may include several treatment techniques that we will discuss later in this article.

The treatment plan will include both in-clinic and at-home sessions. The exercises you will do at home will be simple. However, ensure you consistently do the exercises to speed up your recovery.

Progress Tracking and Adjustments

Vestibular therapy takes time, and your physiotherapist will track your progress over several sessions. They will monitor your balance and coordination improvements and adjust your treatment plan based on your progress and tolerance levels. Your therapist in Edmonton will also teach you coping strategies to manage your symptoms.

Lifestyle Adjustments

Your physiotherapist will advise you on how to prevent dizziness and maintain balance. You may receive recommendations on adjusting your diet, increasing your hydration, and managing stress.  You may also learn how to modify your home to reduce the risk of falls.

Vestibular Physiotherapy Techniques

Vestibular physiotherapy techniques can help improve balance and coordination and reduce symptoms like vertigo and dizziness. Your therapist may use the following techniques during your treatment;

1. Gaze Stabilization Exercises

These exercises help improve one's ability to focus one's eyes while moving one's head. They are especially beneficial for people who experience dizziness when reading, using screens, or looking around quickly.

During treatment, your therapist may ask you to stare at a fixed object (like a letter on a wall) while slowly moving your head from side to side or up and down. This helps your brain learn to process movement without triggering dizziness.

2. Balance Training

You may struggle to stand or walk, especially on uneven surfaces. Fortunately, balance exercises help to improve your stability and prevent falls. 

A popular balance training exercise involves standing on one foot or walking in a straight line. Your therapist may also ask you to walk on different surfaces, such as grass or foam pads, to challenge your balance.

3. Habituation Exercises

Habituation exercises help reduce dizziness triggered by movement. For instance, if you experience dizziness whenever you turn your head too fast, your therapist may gradually expose you to the motion. During treatment, you may move your head slowly to help your brain adapt over time. 

4. Canalith Repositioning Maneuvers

This treatment technique specifically works for patients with loose crystals in their inner ear. Your physiotherapist will use special head and body movements to move the crystals back into their position.

Techniques like the Epley maneuver involve tilting your head and body in specific positions to shift the loose crystals in your ear canal, providing immediate relief from vertigo.

5. Strength and Coordination Exercises

If you experience balance issues that have resulted in falls or injuries, your physiotherapist will incorporate strength-building exercises into your treatment routine. This helps to improve your stability and muscle control.

Squats, step-ups, and leg lifts are strengthening exercises that can strengthen your legs and core, improving your balance.

Conclusion

Experiencing dizziness and balance problems, especially to the point where they interfere with your daily activities, can be frustrating and scary. Fortunately, the right treatment can help you regain control and stability. With vestibular physiotherapy, you can experience improved balance, reduced dizziness, and return to your normal routines.  

You can get this treatment in Edmonton. Balance therapy in Edmonton uses a personalized approach to address your symptoms and help you regain confidence. 

Don’t let dizziness become a part of your life. Seek treatment today!