Can a Physiotherapist Treat Vertigo?

Do you ever feel as though the world is spinning? Does it feel like you are constantly off balance or swaying back and forth, even when standing still?

If so, you may suffer from vertigo – a condition characterized by intense dizziness or physical unsteadiness. But can physiotherapy help to treat these symptoms?

In this blog post, we will explore the benefits of seeing a physiotherapist for vertigo treatment, how they can diagnose and understand your symptoms better, and provide suggestions for specific exercises that could help relieve those annoying signs associated with vertigo. So, scroll down to know more!

What is Vertigo? 

Vertigo is caused by an imbalance in the inner ear which affects the brain’s ability to process signals sent by the eyes. 

This results in feelings of dizziness and motion sickness, as well as nausea, loss of balance, and even vomiting. 

Although vertigo can be caused by other medical conditions, such as Meniere’s disease, it is often caused by head trauma or whiplash injuries. 

How Can Physiotherapy Help? 

Physiotherapy is one of the most effective ways to treat vertigo symptoms, as it focuses on restoring movement and balance to the affected area. 

By targeting the affected muscles and joints through manual therapy techniques such as mobilization, manipulation, massage and stretching exercises, a physiotherapist can help alleviate pain and reduce inflammation associated with vertigo symptoms. 

Additionally, by strengthening weak muscles around the neck and shoulders that may contribute to the problem, a physiotherapist can also help improve posture, which will further reduce symptoms of vertigo. 

Lastly, a physiotherapist may also recommend specific exercises that improve balance and coordination while controlling vertigo-induced dizziness. 

These exercises may include walking in circles or standing up from lying down slowly while focusing on something stationary to retrain the body’s sense of balance. 

What is VRT?

VRT is a physical therapy geared towards helping people manage their vertigo. 

It involves exercises that help retrain your body to maintain proper balance and stability while dealing with dizziness-related symptoms. 

An experienced physiotherapist can tailor the exercises according to individual needs to be done safely and effectively at home and during in-office visits.

Who Should Take VRT?

VRT should be recommended for those struggling with chronic vertigo or dizziness who have not found relief through conventional treatments like drugs and lifestyle modifications.

People who have suffered from traumatic brain injury or strokes may also benefit from this therapy as part of their post-injury recovery process.

Common Exercises Used in VRT

The types of exercises used in VRT vary depending on each person’s specific needs; however, some commonly used ones include:

• Gaze Stabilization: This exercise helps improve coordination between the eyes and neck muscles important for maintaining balance when dealing with dizziness-related symptoms.

• Balance Re-Education: This exercise involves standing on different surfaces (e.g., foam pads) while focusing on a stationary object to help build strength in the core muscles required for balancing.

• Habituation Exercises: This type of exercise consists of repetitive movements while focusing on an object, such as turning your head back and forth while looking at something fixed until your body adapts itself to the stimulus, causing less discomfort over time.

Conclusion

If you are looking for an effective solution for managing vertigo symptoms, then vestibular rehabilitation therapy (VRT) provided by a qualified physiotherapist may be worth considering.

Numerous exercises are used depending on what each person needs most. Still, all are designed to reduce any associated discomfort levels by retraining one’s body to maintain proper balance and stability during activities despite any previous medical conditions/events that may have caused such disorientation problems in the first place.

Don’t hesitate to book an appointment for physiotherapy for vertigo VRT works for you.