Vestibular Rehabilitation
The cause of Vertigo can be over-looked with traditional testing. In many cases, vestibular dizziness is attributed to a small structure of the inner ear called the “Vestibular Organ”. The vestibular organ processes the senses controlling balance and eye movements. When they become imbalanced as in the crystal displacement, it can lead to dizziness, vertigo, imbalance, vision problems, nausea, among other disruptions to your daily life.
Many patients are diagnosed with “Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo” which is caused by an imbalance of the inner ear, and your treatment options can be discussed with your doctor. Other common causes are: labyrinthitis (inflammation) and vestibular neuritis (swollen nerve), secondary endolymphatichydrops (autoimmune disorder) and perilymph fistula (tear or defect). Vestibular disorders also include superiorcanal dehiscence (causing hearing and balance problems), acoustic neuroma (tumor in the inner ear), ototoxicity (poisoning in the inner ear), and enlarged vestibular aqueduct syndrome (enlargement or deformity of the inner ear). All of which are treatable illnesses either medicinally, therapeutically, surgically or in a combination.
Vestibular rehabilitation is a specialized branch of physiotherapy that focuses on treating disorders of the vestibular system, which is responsible for maintaining balance and spatial orientation. Through targeted exercises and therapies, vestibular rehabilitation aims to alleviate symptoms such as dizziness, vertigo, and imbalance, helping individuals regain their quality of life and independence. At Dundas 427 Physiotherapy Mississauga, we offer comprehensive vestibular rehabilitation services in Mississauga and Etobicoke area, providing effective treatment for a wide range of vestibular conditions.
At DUNDAS 427 PHYSIOTHERAPY our compassionate staff and licensed physiotherapists are here to listen and help identify the roots of the problems. Some of our physiotherapists are certified in Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT) – an exercised based therapy to reduce your symptoms naturally.
Once assessed and the cause of your illness identified, treatment protocols are developed, including evidence-based and clinically proven techniques, customized for each patient. They and could be relatively simple requiring shorter recovery times. Although the treatment will depend on the findings, it is important to tell your doctor if you are taking any prescription or over the counter medications, as well as if you have done any previous tests such as MRIs, hearing analysis, or have been treated for other illnesses that could contribute to your current condition.
Let the healing process begin by calling us now: 647-812-3885.
Understanding Vestibular Disorders
Vestibular disorders can result from various factors, including inner ear infections, head injuries, aging, and certain medical conditions. These disorders can manifest as dizziness, vertigo (a spinning sensation), unsteadiness, difficulty with coordination, and problems with concentration and vision.
You may not even notice or experience the severity of it until it happens, and that would be anytime of the day. So, don’t let unsteadiness, frequent falls, or dizziness come in your way of playing sports, driving and being able to complete your daily chores.
Common vestibular conditions include:
- Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV): Characterized by brief episodes of vertigo triggered by specific head movements. Just like the name, it is relative to the position or sudden movements. It may happen while playing, driving, or dancing or even when you least expect it.
- Ménière’s Disease: Involves recurring episodes of vertigo, hearing loss, tinnitus, and a feeling of fullness in the affected ear.
- Vestibular Neuritis and Labyrinthitis: Resulting from inflammation of the vestibular nerve or inner ear structures, causing sudden vertigo and imbalance.
- Concussion-Related Vestibular Dysfunction: Concussions can disrupt the vestibular system, leading to symptoms like dizziness and imbalance. Even the mildest concussions should be addressed be either your healthcare provider or a physiotherapist, to rule out any serious conditions.
- Vestibular Migraine: Migraine headaches accompanied by vestibular symptoms like dizziness, vertigo, and sensitivity to motion. Migraines may require regular attention and massage for migraine can help you with that, contact us today to book a massage therapy in Mississauga for migraine.
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How 427 Dundas Physiotherapy Mississauga Helps in Vestibular Rehabilitation
Our highly trained physiotherapists specialize in vestibular rehabilitation and employ evidence-based techniques to address vestibular disorders. The treatment typically includes:
We conduct a thorough assessment to identify the specific vestibular problem and understand its impact on your daily life.
Based on the assessment results, we create a personalized treatment plan tailored to your needs, targeting the underlying causes and symptoms of your vestibular condition.
For BPPV, specific maneuvers are performed to reposition displaced calcium crystals (otoconia) in the inner ear, alleviating vertigo and dizziness.
Exercises that focus on improving balance, coordination, and proprioception are prescribed to enhance stability and reduce the risk of falls.
Eye-head coordination exercises help improve visual focus during head movements and reduce dizziness and disorientation.
By gradually exposing you to specific movements that trigger symptoms, habituation exercises aim to reduce sensitivity and increase tolerance to motion.
We provide guidance on adapting your daily activities and implementing strategies to minimize triggers and manage symptoms effectively.
We empower you with knowledge about your condition, offering strategies for self-management, symptom control, and prevention of future episodes.
BPPV Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy can be highly beneficial for individuals suffering from Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV). BPPV is a condition that causes dizziness and vertigo due to the displacement of calcium crystals in the inner ear. Physiotherapy treatment for BPPV involves specific head and body movements to help reposition the displaced crystals.
This treatment is called the Canalith Repositioning Maneuver (CRM) or Epley Maneuver. The physiotherapist will guide the patient through these movements, which can help alleviate the symptoms of BPPV and prevent future episodes. Physiotherapy can also include exercises to improve balance and coordination, which can be affected by BPPV. Overall, physiotherapy can be an effective and non-invasive treatment option for individuals with BPPV.
What Happens During Vestibular Therapy?
After your initial assessment and diagnosis have been established, during vestibular rehabilitation therapy at 427 Dundas Physiotherapy Mississauga, our trained and passionate physiotherapists will guide you through a series of exercises and treatments designed to target your specific vestibular condition.
Here’s what you can expect during your vestibular therapy sessions:
- Initial Assessment: The therapy begins with a comprehensive assessment to evaluate your symptoms, medical history, and functional limitations. This assessment helps us determine the most appropriate treatment approach for your condition.
- Individualized Treatment Plan: Based on the assessment findings, we develop a customized treatment plan that addresses your unique needs and goals. The plan may include a combination of exercises, manual therapy techniques, and education.
- Exercise-Based Rehabilitation: Exercises play a vital role in vestibular rehabilitation. Your physiotherapist will guide you through a series of exercises that aim to improve balance, coordination, and visual stability. These exercises may involve head movements, balance exercises, and eye exercises to strengthen the vestibular system.
- Manual Therapy Techniques: Depending on your specific needs, your physiotherapist may incorporate manual therapy techniques to address musculoskeletal issues associated with your vestibular condition. These techniques can help relieve muscle tension, improve joint mobility, and enhance overall function. In collaboration with manual therapy, our physiotherapists can also apply electrotherapy including shockwave therapy, laser therapy or even massage therapy if they deem fit for
- Education and Self-Management: Throughout the therapy process, we provide educational resources and guidance to help you better understand your condition and manage your symptoms effectively. This includes tips on lifestyle modifications, strategies for coping with dizziness or imbalance, and advice on preventing future episodes. This will also help you when you don’t have support or are outside alone.
- Progress Tracking: Regular progress assessments are conducted to monitor your improvements and make necessary adjustments to your treatment plan. Your physiotherapist will closely track your progress and modify the exercises and treatments accordingly. We don’t just do our work, we love our work and that’s why our physiotherapists keep close tracking on your progress.
- Continuity of Care: We believe in providing continuous support and guidance even after completing your therapy sessions. We offer recommendations for home exercises and strategies to help you maintain and further improve your vestibular function
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The duration of vestibular rehabilitation varies depending on the individual and the nature of the vestibular condition. While some individuals experience improvement within a few sessions, others may require several weeks or months of treatment.
Yes, vestibular rehabilitation can benefit individuals of all ages, including children, adults, and seniors. The treatment is tailored to address specific needs and considerations for each age group.
Yes, vestibular rehabilitation has proven effective in managing chronic dizziness and imbalance. By addressing the underlying vestibular dysfunction and improving compensatory mechanisms, it can significantly reduce symptoms and improve quality of life.
In most cases, a referral from a physician is not required to receive vestibular rehabilitation. However, it is advisable to consult with your healthcare provider to ensure an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment plan.
The exercises in vestibular rehabilitation are tailored to each individual's abilities and gradually progress as you gain strength and confidence. Your physiotherapist will ensure that the exercises are appropriate and safe for your level of comfort.
At 427 Dundas Physiotherapy Mississauga, our experienced vestibular rehabilitation team is dedicated to helping you overcome the challenges posed by vestibular disorders. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and start your journey toward restored balance and improved well-being.
