If you are someone who has struggled with vertigo, you know firsthand how frustrating it can be from an unclear diagnosis to receiving multiple treatments with no avail. Vertigo is challenging for physicians to diagnose because the causes are not clear and symptoms can be hard to describe. Vertigo is one of many physical symptoms that affect our vestibular sensory system. Our vestibular receptors are located in our ears and provide our brains with spatial orientation. When this communication has been disrupted, health issues can arise and negatively impact our lives. Healthy vestibular systems are essential for human equilibrium.
Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) is one of the most common causes of vertigo. BPPV is a problem in the inner ear that leads to episodes of unsteadiness and a false sensation of spinning. Other common causes of vertigo and dizziness include medication effects, migraines, anemia, or neurological problems. There are so many reasons someone might feel vertigo sensations and while it’s usually nothing to be concerned about, it’s important to seek medical attention in case these symptoms are being caused by something serious. If you are experiencing one or more of these symptoms, it’s recommended to contact your doctor or visit a physiotherapy clinic.
The sensation of vertigo can come on at any time, for no reason, and can affect people of all ages, although it is more common in older individuals. The term vertigo is not a condition itself, but a symptom or feeling. Many patients experiencing vertigo will complain of feeling like they are spinning or tilting, loss of hearing or ringing in the ears, problems focusing, nausea, or an overwhelming illusion of dizziness. Vertigo can present itself as just one of these feelings, or many in conjunction. For some, vertigo is barely noticeable, while for others it can make completing even a simple everyday take unbearably.
Treatment for vertigo ranges, there are approaches from both holistic and traditional medicine industries. Physical therapy is a great option for those who are suffering from vertigo or dizziness and many physiotherapy clinics in Kitchener offer specialized vestibular therapy.
In the physiotherapy practice, vestibular therapy involves specialized exercises and treatment plans that focus on managing vertigo symptoms and imbalance issues. Exercises often vary depending on the severity and symptoms that patients are experiencing. Examples of vestibular therapy exercises include gaze stabilization, balance training, head movements, and many other combinations of physical maneuvers. Exercises are done in repetitions and are encouraged to take slowly and with breaks to prevent dizziness. Treatment plans will usually include a combination of balance and vision exercises those patients are encouraged to practice at home.
If you are visiting a physiotherapy clinic for vertigo treatment, your physician may suggest canalith repositioning to treat your vertigo symptoms. During canalith repositioning, physiotherapists gently guide patients through head and body positions that work to move blocked fluid in ears that may be causing the symptoms.
Vestibular rehabilitation therapy is not a quick process as the treatment takes time and requires dedication from the patient. As a general rule, you should build up your exercises gradually with the help of a physiotherapy clinic. Some may find instant relief, while others may need to practice methods for 4-6 weeks before they start to feel better. This is not to discourage you- physiotherapy can be a life-changing treatment for people who suffer from vertigo and other vestibular disorders.
Highland Physio & Rehab is a professional and knowledgeable physiotherapy clinic in Kitchener that offers vestibular therapy rehabilitation. We are a knowledgeable team who focuses on personalized treatments tailored to each patient’s needs. Book an appointment today.
