WHAT IS VESTIBULAR PHYSIOTERAPY?
Vestibular physiotherapy is a type of physical therapy that focuses on treating balance and dizziness disorders related to the vestibular system, which is responsible for providing sensory information about motion, balance, and spatial orientation.
This therapy involves exercises and techniques aimed at improving the functioning of the vestibular system and enhancing the patient's ability to control their balance and movement. The therapy may include a variety of exercises such as gaze stabilization exercises, balance training, and habituation exercises that gradually expose the patient to the movements that trigger their symptoms. Vestibular physiotherapy can benefit people who experience dizziness or balance problems related to conditions such as vertigo, labyrinthitis, or vestibular neuritis. The therapy is typically performed by a trained physical therapist who specializes in vestibular rehabilitation.
IMPORTANCE OF VESTIBULAR PHYSIOTHERAPY
Vestibular physiotherapy is important because it can help people with vestibular disorders to improve their balance, reduce dizziness, and prevent falls. Vestibular disorders can be caused by a variety of conditions, such as inner ear infections, head injuries, or neurological disorders, and they can significantly affect a person’s quality of life.
Vestibular physiotherapy helps people with vestibular disorders to:
- Improve balance: Balance training exercises can help people to improve their balance and reduce their risk of falls. This is especially important for older adults, who are more susceptible to falls and the resulting injuries.
- Reduce dizziness: Vestibular rehabilitation can help to reduce the frequency and intensity of dizziness and improve the ability to tolerate movement-related activities.
- Increase independence: By improving balance and reducing dizziness, vestibular physiotherapy can help people to regain their independence and return to activities of daily living that they may have been avoiding due to their symptoms.
- Improve overall quality of life: Vestibular disorders can have a significant impact on a person’s quality of life. By reducing symptoms and improving function, vestibular physiotherapy can help people to feel more confident and in control, and improve their overall sense of well-being.
In summary, vestibular physiotherapy is important because it can help people with vestibular disorders to improve their balance, reduce dizziness, and regain their independence, ultimately improving their quality of life.
USES OF VESTIBULAR PHYSIOTHERAPY
Vestibular physiotherapy is used to treat a variety of conditions related to the vestibular system, which plays a crucial role in balance and spatial orientation. Some of the common uses of vestibular physiotherapy include:
- Vertigo and dizziness: Vestibular physiotherapy can be used to treat vertigo and dizziness caused by conditions such as benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), vestibular neuritis, and labyrinthitis. The therapy involves exercises to help the brain adapt to the vestibular system’s changes, improve balance and reduce dizziness.
- Falls prevention: Vestibular physiotherapy can help reduce the risk of falls in older adults or people with balance issues. Falls prevention exercises may include balance training, gait training, and strength training.
- Concussion and traumatic brain injury: Vestibular physiotherapy can be used to treat vestibular and balance issues resulting from a concussion or traumatic brain injury. The therapy may include gaze stabilization exercises, balance training, and habituation exercises.
- Motion sickness: Vestibular physiotherapy can be used to treat motion sickness, a condition that occurs when the brain receives conflicting signals from the eyes, inner ear, and other sensory systems. Treatment may include habituation exercises to help the brain adapt to the conflicting signals.
- Other vestibular disorders: Vestibular physiotherapy can also be used to treat other vestibular disorders, including Meniere’s disease, acoustic neuroma, and vestibular migraine.
In summary, vestibular physiotherapy can be used to treat a range of vestibular disorders and related symptoms, including vertigo, dizziness, falls, motion sickness, and more. The therapy can help improve balance, reduce symptoms, and improve overall quality of life.
TECHNIQUE TO USE
The specific techniques used in vestibular physiotherapy will vary depending on the patient’s condition and symptoms. However, here are a few common techniques that may be used:
- Gaze stabilization exercises: These exercises are designed to improve a patient’s ability to focus on objects while the head is moving. This can help reduce symptoms of dizziness and improve balance. A common gaze stabilization exercise involves fixing the gaze on a stationary object while moving the head from side to side.
- Balance training: Balance training exercises are designed to improve a patient’s ability to maintain their balance during everyday activities. These exercises may include standing on one leg, walking on uneven surfaces, and performing exercises on a wobble board or other unstable surface.
- Habituation exercises: These exercises involve gradually exposing the patient to movements or positions that trigger their symptoms. Over time, the patient’s brain learns to adapt to the movements, reducing symptoms and improving function.
- Canalith repositioning maneuvers: Canalith repositioning maneuvers, also known as the Epley maneuver or the Semont maneuver, are used to treat benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV). These maneuvers involve moving the head into specific positions to help dislodge calcium carbonate crystals in the inner ear, which can cause vertigo.
- Vestibular rehabilitation exercises: Vestibular rehabilitation exercises are designed to improve the functioning of the vestibular system and promote the brain’s ability to adapt to changes in the system. These exercises may include eye-head coordination exercises, gait training, and other exercises tailored to the patient’s specific needs.
In summary, vestibular physiotherapy uses a variety of techniques to improve balance, reduce symptoms of dizziness, and improve overall functioning. The specific techniques used will depend on the patient’s condition and symptoms, and will be tailored to meet their individual needs.
IN WHAT CASES WE USE
Vestibular physiotherapy may be used in a variety of cases, including:
- Vertigo and dizziness: Vestibular physiotherapy is often used to treat vertigo and dizziness caused by conditions such as BPPV, vestibular neuritis, and Meniere’s disease.
- Balance issues: Vestibular physiotherapy can be used to treat balance issues caused by conditions such as Parkinson’s disease, stroke, and traumatic brain injury.
- Falls prevention: Vestibular physiotherapy can be used to prevent falls in older adults or people with balance issues.
- Concussion and traumatic brain injury: Vestibular physiotherapy can be used to treat vestibular and balance issues resulting from a concussion or traumatic brain injury.
- Motion sickness: Vestibular physiotherapy can be used to treat motion sickness, a condition that occurs when the brain receives conflicting signals from the eyes, inner ear, and other sensory systems.
- Other vestibular disorders: Vestibular physiotherapy may also be used to treat other vestibular disorders such as acoustic neuroma, vestibular migraine, and perilymph fistula.
In summary, vestibular physiotherapy may be used to treat a variety of vestibular disorders and related symptoms, including vertigo, dizziness, balance issues, falls prevention, concussion, motion sickness, and more. The therapy can be tailored to meet the individual needs of each patient, depending on their specific condition and symptoms.
WHERE NOT TO USE
While vestibular physiotherapy is generally considered safe and effective, there may be certain situations where it is not appropriate or should be used with caution. These include:
- Severe medical conditions: Patients with severe medical conditions such as heart disease or uncontrolled hypertension may need to be monitored closely during vestibular physiotherapy to ensure their safety.
- Active inflammation or infection: Patients with active inflammation or infection in the ear may need to wait until the condition has resolved before undergoing vestibular physiotherapy.
- Acute vestibular disorders: In some cases of acute vestibular disorders, such as vestibular neuritis, the patient may need to rest and avoid physical activity until the acute phase has passed.
- Recent head or neck injury: Patients with recent head or neck injury may need to wait until the injury has healed before undergoing vestibular physiotherapy.
- Severe vertigo: In some cases of severe vertigo, the patient may need medication to help manage their symptoms before they can begin vestibular physiotherapy.
It’s important to note that these situations may not necessarily rule out vestibular physiotherapy completely, but rather require careful consideration and close monitoring by a trained healthcare professional. It’s important to discuss any concerns or medical conditions with your healthcare provider before beginning vestibular physiotherapy.
CONTRAINDICATIONS
There are several contraindications or situations where vestibular physiotherapy may not be appropriate. These include:
- Acute migraine: Patients with acute migraine attacks may not be suitable for vestibular physiotherapy until the symptoms have subsided.
- Active Meniere’s disease: Patients with active Meniere’s disease may not be suitable for vestibular physiotherapy as it may exacerbate their symptoms.
- Acute ear infection: Patients with acute ear infections may not be suitable for vestibular physiotherapy until the infection has resolved.
- Severe neck pain: Patients with severe neck pain may not be suitable for vestibular physiotherapy until the pain has been treated or managed.
- Severe vertigo: Patients with severe vertigo may not be suitable for vestibular physiotherapy until the symptoms have been stabilized with medication or other treatments.
- Recent head or neck injury: Patients with recent head or neck injury may not be suitable for vestibular physiotherapy until the injury has healed or been treated.
It’s important to note that these contraindications may vary depending on the individual patient and their specific medical condition. A trained healthcare professional will be able to determine if vestibular physiotherapy is appropriate for the patient and make any necessary adjustments to the treatment plan.
PRECAUTION
There are several precautions that should be taken into consideration when undergoing vestibular physiotherapy. These include:
- Dizziness and falls: Some patients may experience dizziness during vestibular physiotherapy, which may increase their risk of falls. Patients should be careful when standing up and moving around to avoid falls.
- Nausea and vomiting: Some patients may experience nausea and vomiting during vestibular physiotherapy, especially during certain exercises. Patients should inform their healthcare provider if they experience these symptoms.
- Fatigue: Some patients may experience fatigue during or after vestibular physiotherapy. Patients should take breaks and rest as needed to avoid overexertion.
- Blood pressure changes: Some exercises used in vestibular physiotherapy may cause changes in blood pressure. Patients with high or low blood pressure should inform their healthcare provider before undergoing vestibular physiotherapy.
- Other medical conditions: Patients with other medical conditions, such as heart disease or diabetes, should inform their healthcare provider before undergoing vestibular physiotherapy to ensure their safety.
- Medications: Patients taking certain medications, such as blood thinners or sedatives, may need to adjust their medication schedule or dosage before undergoing vestibular physiotherapy.
It’s important to discuss any concerns or medical conditions with your healthcare provider before beginning vestibular physiotherapy. A trained healthcare professional will be able to determine if vestibular physiotherapy is appropriate for the patient and make any necessary adjustments to the treatment plan.
Contact at KURE CLINIC today to arrange a session with a senior physiotherapist to discuss a targeted treatment plan.