Physiotherapy for Vertigo: Exercises, Benefits, and Treatment Options
Vertigo is a common sensation experienced by many individuals, especially in their adult years. It is characterized by the feeling of the room spinning or an imbalance in one’s surroundings, often accompanied by visual disturbances.
Although vertigo is not life-threatening, it can significantly impact a person’s quality of life. Vertigo can be caused by inner ear disorders like Meniere’s disease or cranial nerve dysfunction. Fortunately, physiotherapy is effective in reducing cervicogenic vertigo and other similar symptoms.
The physiotherapy treatment of positional vertigo has been proven to decrease the occurrence of falls by 64% – according to a study from the Journal of Vestibular Research.
Understanding the basics of vertigo and the benefits of physiotherapy can help individuals take control of their health and take steps toward managing and reducing central vertigo symptoms.
In this article, we will delve into physiotherapy for vertigo, exploring various exercises that can be easily done at home, the benefits of physiotherapy, and treatment options.
What is Vertigo, and How Do You Treat It?
Vertigo is a type of dizziness that is often characterized by a spinning or whirling sensation. Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) is the most common type of vertigo, caused by small calcium crystals that become dislodged in the inner ear, creating a disturbance in the fluid that leads to the feeling of movement.
Physiotherapists can diagnose BPPV through positional testing, in which they carefully move the patient’s head into different positions to try and elicit vertigo symptoms; the process is also known as the canalith repositor procedure. The benefits of physiotherapy for vertigo include improved balance, reduced dizziness, and a decreased risk of falls. Physiotherapy for Vertigo.
It is important to seek medical attention from a qualified healthcare provider such as Pro-Motion Healthcare, such as a physiotherapist, to receive a proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
Physiotherapy Exercises for Vertigo
Physical therapy exercises for vertigo are designed to help the brain and inner ear compensate for the abnormal signals that cause vertigo. These exercises aim to improve balance, reduce dizziness, and prevent falls.
Here are three exercises that can help improve symptoms of vertigo –
- Brandt-Daroff Exercises
Brandt-Daroff exercises are a form of physiotherapy that is commonly used to treat vertigo. These exercises involve a series of head movements that are designed to help the brain adapt to changes in the position of the head, which can reduce the severity and frequency of vertigo symptoms.
While the effectiveness of Brandt-Daroff exercises is still debated among healthcare professionals, they are a popular and widely used treatment option for individuals with vertigo.
- Gaze Stabilization Exercises
Gaze stabilization exercises are a key component of physiotherapy for vertigo, a condition affecting millions worldwide. These exercises aim to improve the ability of the eyes to maintain focus on a stationary object while the head is moving, which is often impaired in individuals with vertigo.
Through a series of carefully designed movements and visual cues, gaze stabilization exercises help to retrain the brain and improve overall balance and coordination.
- Balance Training Exercises
Balance training exercises are an essential component of physiotherapy for individuals experiencing vertigo. Balance training exercises aim to improve an individual’s balance, coordination, and ability to adjust to changes in position and movement. Physiotherapy for Vertigo.
This includes vestibular rehabilitation, which is a specialized form of physiotherapy that focuses on treating disorders of the vestibular system, which can cause symptoms such as vertigo, dizziness, and imbalance.
Benefits of Physiotherapy for Vertigo
The benefits of physiotherapy for vertigo include improved balance, reduced symptoms, increased functional ability, and reduced fall risk. There are both long-term and short-term benefits to physical therapy, which include –
- Improved Balance and Coordination
For those suffering from vertigo, balance and coordination training can be the best treatment option for those significantly impaired, leading to feelings of dizziness and unsteadiness.
Physiotherapy is an effective treatment option for vertigo, with one of its key benefits being the improvement of balance and coordination.
- Reduced Dizziness and Vertigo Symptoms
One of the key benefits of physiotherapy for vertigo is the reduced dizziness and vertigo symptoms it provides.
Through targeted exercises and techniques, physiotherapists can help patients improve their balance, reduce dizziness, and alleviate vertigo symptoms. This helps them regain their independence and lead a more fulfilling life.
- Increased Confidence in Daily Activities
As patients undergo physical therapy treatment and learn to manage their symptoms, they often feel more comfortable and secure in their movements, allowing them to resume normal daily activities with greater ease and reduced anxiety.
Physiotherapy Treatment Options for Vertigo
Physiotherapists are trained to assess the underlying causes of vertigo and develop customized treatment plans to address specific patient needs. Here are three types of physiotherapy treatment options for Vertigo –
- Individualized Treatment Plans
A physiotherapist may use various techniques to develop a customized treatment plan, such as a comprehensive assessment of the patient’s medical history, symptoms, and physical capabilities. This plan may include exercises, manual therapy, and education to manage symptoms and improve the overall quality of life.
- Frequency and Duration of Treatment Sessions
The frequency and duration of treatment sessions can play a crucial role in the overall success of the therapy.
The exact frequency and duration of these sessions can vary depending on factors such as the severity of vertigo, the individual’s response to treatment, and the therapist’s recommendations.
- Combination Therapy with Medication and/or Surgery
Physiotherapy offers a range of treatment options for vertigo, including combination therapy with medication and/or surgery.
This approach involves using both pharmacological interventions and surgical procedures in conjunction with physiotherapy to address the underlying causes of vertigo.
Key Takeaways
With the guidance of a qualified physiotherapist, patients can perform exercises to alleviate symptoms and improve their balance and coordination.
At Pro-Motion Healthcare in Barrie, our team of experienced physiotherapists can provide personalized treatment plans to help manage vertigo and its associated symptoms. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and explore how we can help you overcome vertigo.