Balance is essential for our daily activities, but we definitely take it for granted! When it goes wrong, it can lead to a range of symptoms affecting our stability and overall well-being. It can be disorienting and challenging, but with the right treatment, you can regain control and get back to normal. So, what is the vestibular system and how can we treat balance and dizziness issues?
What Is The Vestibular System?
The vestibular system, located in the inner ear, plays a crucial role in maintaining balance and spatial orientation. It comprises intricate structures like the semi-circular canals and otolith organs, working together to send signals to the brain about head and body movements.
What Happens When The Vestibular System Goes Wrong?
Vestibular issues can manifest in various ways, including dizziness, vertigo, imbalance, and spatial disorientation. These symptoms can significantly impact your ability to perform daily activities, affecting your independence and overall quality of life.
What Causes Vestibular Disorders?
Vestibular disorders can arise from various causes, such as inner ear infections, head injuries, aging, or other medical conditions. Identifying the root cause is crucial for devising an effective treatment plan.
How Physiotherapy Can Help With Vestibular Problems?
1. Comprehensive Assessment:
We will conduct a thorough assessment to identify the specific nature of your vestibular dysfunction. This may include balance tests, canal assessments, eye movement assessments, and a detailed medical history review.
2. Customised Exercise Programs:
We design personalised exercise programs tailored to address the specific needs of the individual. These exercises aim to improve stability, enhance co-ordination, and retrain your brain to adapt to vestibular challenges.
3. Gaze Stability Exercises:
Eye movement plays a crucial role in vestibular function. Gaze stabilisation exercises improve eye co-ordination, helping you maintain focus and reduce symptoms like dizziness and vertigo.
4. Balance Training:
We use balance training exercises to enhance proprioception and stability. This may involve practicing standing on one leg, walking on uneven surfaces, or using specialised equipment to challenge and improve balance.
5. Education and Lifestyle Modifications:
Our sessions include education on managing symptoms and making lifestyle modifications to minimise triggers. This allows you to take an active role in your recovery and prevent future episodes.
How Can We Help You?
1. Specialised Expertise:
Vestibular rehabilitation is a relatively new area of physiotherapy, and there aren’t many clinics that offer it. But here at Byron Health, we are very lucky to have Max Molyneaux, who is a Vestibular Rehab Specialist, who trained at the MOD National Rehab Centre working with patients following head injury and trauma.
2. Patient-Centred Approach:
There are multiple reasons why you may be getting your symptoms. With our in-depth initial assessment, not only will we find out where the symptoms are originating from, but how they are affecting your everyday life. With both these pieces of the puzzle, we will tailor a programme of treatment to you.
3. Unsure If We Can Help?
At the clinic we offer a no obligation FREE 15 minute How to Overcome Balance & Dizziness Problems and Enjoy Life Again consultation. If you or someone you know is suffering from episodic vertigo, balance deficit, or dizziness (just to name a few symptoms) that won’t go away, book now online or give us a call on 0116 216 2333 to see if we can help.
In short, vestibular symptoms can be challenging, but with the right guidance and physiotherapeutic interventions, you can regain control over your balance and enjoy an improved quality of life. Vestibular physiotherapy plays a key role in helping you navigate the complexities of vestibular disorders and embark on a journey towards recovery.
