Vestibular Rehabilitation
Vestibular rehabilitation is a specialised form of physiotherapy designed to alleviate symptoms related to inner ear disorders, such as dizziness, vertigo, and balance issues. These symptoms often arise from problems in the vestibular system, which includes parts of the inner ear and brain that help control balance and eye movements.
How Does Vestibular Rehabilitation Work?
Vestibular rehabilitation aims to reduce dizziness, improve balance, and stabilise vision through conservative and gentle treatments. This type of rehabilitation can be beneficial for people with various conditions and typically involves three main types of exercises:
Habituation Exercises: These involve repeated exposure to movements or visual stimuli that provoke dizziness, helping the brain gradually adapt to these triggers and reduce symptoms over time.
Gaze Stabilisation Exercises: These exercises help improve control of eye movements, especially when the head is moving, which is vital for maintaining clear vision and preventing dizziness.
Balance Training: Balance exercises aim to improve stability and coordination, enhancing the patient’s ability to perform daily activities safely.
At Brisbane Physiotherapy and Podiatry, our physiotherapists have experience in vestibular rehabilitation and understand the complexities of vestibular disorders. We provide individualised treatment plans that are specifically tailored to your symptoms and goals. Our approach is hands-on, with a focus on gradual progress to ensure the best possible outcomes for our patients.
Common Conditions Treated by our Physiotherapists
Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV): A common cause of dizziness triggered by specific head movements.
Vestibular Neuritis or Labyrinthitis: Inflammation of the inner ear causing sudden onset vertigo and imbalance.
Meniere’s Disease: An inner ear disorder characterised by episodes of vertigo, tinnitus, and hearing loss.
Concussion or Head Trauma: Damage to the brain or inner ear can lead to vestibular dysfunction and balance problems.
Chronic Dizziness or Balance Issues: Some individuals experience persistent dizziness or unsteadiness, which can often be helped with a tailored vestibular rehabilitation program.