Physiotherapy for Vertigo

Introduction

Vertigo is a troubling condition that can cause dizziness and imbalance, associated with feelings of spinning or swaying. Physiotherapy for vertigo is an effective way to treat this debilitating condition, as it provides relief from symptoms through canalith repositioning maneuvers (CRP), vestibular rehabilitation exercises (VRE), and physical therapy techniques such as soft tissue massage, manual therapy and neuromuscular re-education. In this blog post, we will explore the causes and treatments of physiotherapy for vertigo in more detail.

Causes of Vertigo

Inner Ear Disorders

Inner ear disorders can cause vertigo due to inflammation, infection or an irregularity in the inner ear. It can also be caused when the nerves in the inner ear become damaged or weakened, resulting in a disruption to our sense of balance.

Vestibular Neuritis

Vestibular neuritis is an inflammatory condition of the vestibular nerve which is located in the inner ear and responsible for sending signals to the brain about our body’s position, movement and balance. Symptoms may include dizziness, lightheadedness, nausea and vomiting.

Migraines and Headaches

Migraines and headaches are often linked with vertigo as they can affect our brain’s circuitry which controls balance. Migraine-related vertigo usually occurs before a headache, during a headache or after a headache has passed. The intensity of vertigo can range from mild to severe and may last anywhere from minutes to hours.

Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV)

Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) is a type of vertigo that is triggered by changes in head position such as sitting up quickly or turning your head suddenly. BPPV occurs because of tiny calcium particles that build up in the ears’ fluid-filled canals causing them to become sensitive to changes in head movements. Symptoms include severe dizziness coupled with a loss of balance and disorientation lasting anywhere from 10 seconds up to 1 minute after changing postures.

Meniere’s Disease

Meniere’s disease is an intermittent disorder that causes episodes of fullness or pressure in one ear along with fluctuating hearing loss, tinnitus and vertigo. Episodes occur without warning and can last minutes to hours at a time depending on their severity.

Physiotherapy Treatments for Vertigo

Vestibular Rehabilitation

Vestibular rehabilitation is a type of physical therapy that helps to reduce the symptoms of vertigo. The goal is to retrain the brain by introducing exercises and activities that help the body adjust to changes in movement, position and balance. This can include activities such as head movements, balance exercises and eye tracking.

Manual Therapy

Manual therapy can help to improve circulation and relieve muscle tension to provide relief from vertigo symptoms. It involves massage, joint mobilizations and other forms of soft tissue work.

Posturography

Posturography is used to assess an individual’s balance responses under different postural conditions with or without visual input. This technique helps to identify abnormal patterns of posture and movement due to vestibular dysfunction which can then be corrected using specific exercises.

Canalith Repositioning Maneuvers

Canalith repositioning maneuvers are a series of exercises developed to treat benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV). They involve the patient performing specific head and body movements while lying down, sitting or standing. These maneuvers help to move any loose particles out of the inner ear canals which helps to reduce vertigo episodes.

Take Action Today

If you’re experiencing any signs and symptoms of vertigo, don’t hesitate to contact Bergin Motion. Our physiotherapists are specially trained to provide vestibular rehabilitation, manual therapy and posturography treatments for vertigo and other conditions related to balance and dizziness. Don’t let vertigo affect your quality of life – call us today!

Conclusion

Suffering from vertigo? Healthcare providers can help! Physiotherapy treatments are a reliable, efficient way to provide long-term relief for patients experiencing vertigo. From vestibular rehabilitation and manual therapy to canalith repositioning maneuvers, these evidence-based practices have been proven successful in reducing the severity of symptoms. Don’t delay – talk to your healthcare provider today about available treatment options!

Additional Resources

Vertigo:symptoms, causes and treatment from Cleveland clinic

Vestibular Rehabilitation Training from Cleveland clinic

About the Author

Alex Bergin PT  is a certified physiotherapist and one of the owners of Bergin Motion. Bergin Motion is a family-run Barrie Physiotherapy Clinic located in Barrie’s Southend. Alex specializes in acquired brain injury rehabilitation. Alex is a certified NDT practitioner. Neuro Development Therapy is a specialized hands-on treatment technique that promotes mobility, balance, core strength and gross motor skills in a playful and fun and dynamic way. Alex is part of a team at Bergin Motion in Barrie, Ontario that works with all kinds of neurological issues.

Bergin Motion

Is a family owned physiotherapy company built by the Bergin family. Our family has served as physiotherapists in the Barrie area for over 30 years, spanning two generations. We are passionate about this community and helping people achieve their highest potential. Book with us now!