Vestibular Physiotherapy : Understanding it

How the Vestibular System Affects Your Balance, and how vestibular physiotherapy can help

Vestibular Physiotherapy

If you’ve ever experienced dizziness, vertigo, or balance issues, you may have encountered a problem with your vestibular system—the part of your inner ear and brain that helps control balance and eye movements. At GM Physiotherapy, we offer vestibular physiotherapy to help patients on the Gold Coast who suffer from these debilitating symptoms.

Here’s a closer look at what vestibular physiotherapy is and how it can make a difference in your life.

What Is Vestibular Physiotherapy?

Vestibular physiotherapy is a specialised form of therapy designed to address conditions related to the vestibular system. This system is responsible for helping you maintain your balance, stabilise your vision, and orient yourself in space. When it’s not functioning properly, you may feel dizzy, unsteady, or even experience nausea and disorientation.

The goal of vestibular physiotherapy is to improve balance, reduce dizziness, and restore normal function through targeted exercises and treatments. Our therapists at GM Physiotherapy are trained to assess and treat a variety of vestibular disorders, helping you regain your confidence and improve your quality of life.

Common Vestibular Conditions Treated by Physiotherapy

Vestibular physiotherapy can help with several conditions that affect balance and coordination, including:

Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV): This is one of the most common causes of vertigo, where small crystals in the inner ear become dislodged and cause dizziness. A specific set of head and body movements, guided by a physiotherapist, can help reposition these crystals and reduce symptoms.
Vestibular Neuritis: Inflammation of the vestibular nerve can cause severe dizziness, balance problems, and nausea. Vestibular rehabilitation can help retrain the brain to compensate for the imbalance.
Labyrinthitis: This inner ear infection can lead to dizziness, hearing loss, and vertigo. Physiotherapy can aid in managing symptoms and promoting recovery.
Meniere’s Disease: This chronic condition can cause vertigo, tinnitus, and hearing loss. Vestibular therapy can help patients manage symptoms and reduce the impact on their daily lives.
Post-Concussion Syndrome: After a head injury, balance and dizziness problems are common. Vestibular physiotherapy can be an effective part of a broader rehabilitation plan.

How Vestibular Physiotherapy Works

The first step in vestibular physiotherapy is a thorough assessment by one of our experienced physiotherapists. We’ll evaluate your symptoms, medical history, and perform physical tests to determine the cause of your balance issues.

Once the assessment is complete, your physiotherapist will create a personalised treatment plan. This may include:

Balance and Gaze Stabilisation Exercises: These exercises are designed to improve your stability and reduce dizziness by helping your brain adapt to changes in balance.
Canalith Repositioning Maneuvers: For conditions like BPPV, these specific head and body movements are used to reposition crystals in your inner ear.
Habituation Exercises: These involve repeated movements or actions that provoke your symptoms, helping your body become less sensitive over time.
Strength and Coordination Training: Exercises to improve muscle strength and coordination, particularly for those who’ve lost mobility or strength due to a vestibular condition.
Education and Self-Management Techniques: We’ll provide you with tips and exercises to manage your symptoms at home, giving you the tools you need to maintain your progress between appointments.

How Vestibular Physiotherapy Can Benefit You

Living with balance issues or vertigo can severely impact your quality of life, but vestibular physiotherapy offers an effective solution. By targeting the underlying cause of your symptoms, we can help you:

Reduce Dizziness and Vertigo: With the right exercises, many patients experience a significant reduction in dizziness and vertigo.
Improve Balance and Coordination: Strengthening your body’s ability to maintain balance can reduce your risk of falls and make daily activities easier.
Restore Confidence: Being unsteady on your feet can lead to a fear of falling or a lack of confidence in your ability to move around. Physiotherapy can help rebuild that confidence.
Manage Symptoms at Home: Our team will provide you with self-management techniques to continue your progress outside of your physiotherapy sessions.

Why Choose GM Physiotherapy?

At GM Physiotherapy, we specialise in mobile physiotherapy services, meaning we come to you—whether at home or another convenient location on the Gold Coast. This allows us to provide personalised care in a comfortable environment, where you can focus fully on your recovery.

Our team of highly trained physiotherapists is dedicated to helping you regain your balance and return to your normal activities. We use evidence-based treatments tailored to your specific needs, ensuring the best possible outcomes.

Get in Touch Today

If you’re struggling with dizziness, balance problems, or vertigo, vestibular physiotherapy could be the answer you’ve been searching for. Contact GM Physiotherapy today to learn more about how we can help you on your road to recovery.