Vestibular rehabilitation addresses dizziness and vertigo. These are the most common causes of falls, and people with severe balance disorders often cannot live independently. Paramount Physiotherapy & Sports Injuries Clinic is one of the few clinics in Brampton that offers vestibular physiotherapy, and if you have balance issues, we are prepared to help. Here is an overview on the importance of vestibular rehab therapy and how it works.
Importance of vestibular rehabilitation
Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) is a disorder of the inner ear that results in severe dizziness if you make certain head movements. Other triggers include medication or alcohol, as well as brain injuries like concussion, stroke or cerebellar degeneration. Symptoms include dizziness, vertigo, lightheadedness, balance issues and nausea.
Unfortunately, this is a widespread and limiting condition. Nearly one in four adults over 65 report issues with dizziness or vertigo that cause job difficulties or unemployment. Only 25 percent of sufferers receive treatment. As a result, 20 percent of those with BPPV avoid leaving the house, and 41 percent constantly take sick leave.
It also increases the risk of injury as you get older. Over 38 percent of those age 85 and above fall at least once every year. Half of these people suffer with dizziness and blackouts, indicating untreated BPPV. Unless this is addressed, your chances of living independently drop, and you face an increased risk of disabling injury.
What it involves
Vestibular rehabilitation in Brampton is exercise-based. The goal is to help the central nervous system make up for the problems with your inner ear. Your initial consultation will determine what triggers the dizziness, and from there, a therapist designs a personalized exercise program.
Your exercises address head and eye movement, standing balance, walking and the position of the inner ear fragments. You will learn how to manage your activities of daily living to reduce episodes, including education on movement and environmental triggers. The program also includes fall reduction and prevention so danger decreases and you’re able to function with confidence.
The results of this therapy are encouraging. Eighty percent of patients with BPPV improve after one treatment session. Even stroke patients show some improvement after they start vestibular rehabilitation. If you need therapy after a concussion, migraine or non-specified balance loss, vestibular rehabilitation offers improved mobility and confidence that is unlikely with other treatment options.
Your best course of action is to screen early and often for BPPV. Never accept vertigo as an inevitable consequence of growing older. Seeing your doctor and getting a referral to a physiotherapist who specializes in vestibular physiotherapy in Brampton can greatly improve your quality of life and allow you to continue in your favorite activities.
If you believe vestibular physiotherapy may work for you, it is a good idea to seek out a specialist. Paramount Physiotherapy & Sports Injuries Clinic is one of the few facilities in Brampton that offers vestibular rehab therapy. Call us today for a consultation if you believe vestibular rehabilitation will help you reclaim your life.