What is Vestibular Rehabilitation?

Have you ever felt dizzy or off-balance for no apparent reason? If so, you may have experienced vestibular neuritis. Vestibular rehabilitation is a form of physical therapy that can help alleviate symptoms associated with these disorders. This guide will cover everything you need to know about vestibular rehabilitation, including the common conditions it can treat, the treatment method, goals, benefits, prognosis, and outcomes. We also discuss some patient tips, common manoeuvres, and exercises carried out during therapy.

 

Understanding Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy

Vestibular rehabilitation is a specialised form of physical therapy that helps people with the inner ear or vestibular disorders. The vestibular system is responsible for controlling balance and spatial orientation. When this system is damaged or not functioning correctly, it can lead to symptoms such as dizziness, vertigo, and loss of balance. Vestibular rehabilitation can help improve these symptoms and help individuals return to their normal daily activities.

 

Common Conditions That Can Be Helped by Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy in Singapore

There are several vestibular disorders that can be helped by vestibular rehabilitation. Some of the most common conditions include

1. Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV): a disorder that causes brief episodes of vertigo when the head is moved in certain positions.
2. Vestibular neuritis: an inflammation of the vestibular nerve, which can cause severe vertigo and dizziness.
3. Labyrinthitis: an infection of the inner ear that can cause vertigo, hearing loss, and tinnitus.
4. Meniere’s disease: a disorder that causes episodes of vertigo, tinnitus, and hearing loss.
5. Concussion: a type of traumatic brain injury that can cause dizziness, vertigo, and balance problems.

 

Treatment Method

During vestibular rehabilitation, a physical therapist will perform a thorough evaluation to assess the patient’s symptoms, medical history, and balance. They will then develop an individualized treatment plan based on the patient’s needs. Treatment may include

1. Canalith repositioning manoeuvres: a series of head and body movements that help move displaced calcium carbonate crystals in the inner ear.
2. Habituation exercises: exercises that help patients gradually become desensitized to the movements that cause their symptoms.
3. Gaze stabilization exercises: exercises that help patients improve their ability to focus their eyes on a stationary object while moving their head.
4. Balance training: exercises that help patients improve their balance and reduce their risk of falls.
5. Cardiovascular exercise: exercises that improve cardiovascular fitness and overall physical health.

 

Goal and Benefits

The goal of vestibular rehabilitation is to reduce symptoms of dizziness, vertigo, and loss of balance, and to improve the overall quality of life. Benefits of vestibular rehabilitation may include

1. Improved balance and coordination
2. Reduced dizziness and vertigo
3. Increased confidence in performing daily activities
4. Reduced risk of falls and related injuries
5. Improved ability to focus and concentrate

 

Prognosis and Outcomes

The prognosis for vestibular rehabilitation depends on the underlying condition and the severity of symptoms. In general, most patients will see improvement in their symptoms with regular therapy sessions. Patients should expect to attend therapy for several weeks or months, depending on the severity of their condition. The outcomes of vestibular rehabilitation may include

1. Improved quality of life
2. Reduced symptoms of dizziness and vertigo
3. Improved balance and coordination
4. Reduced risk of falls and related injuries

 

Patient Tips

Here are some tips to help patients make the most of their vestibular rehabilitation experience:

1.   Attend all scheduled therapy sessions.
2.   Practice exercises regularly at home.
3.   Stay active and maintain a healthy lifestyle.
4.   Be patient and persistent, as progress may take time.
5.   Communicate with your physical therapist about any concerns or questions you may have.

 

Common Maneuvers and Exercises

There are several common manoeuvres and exercises that may be used during vestibular rehabilitation. These include

1. Epley manoeuvre: a canalith repositioning manoeuvre used to treat BPPV.
2. Brandt-Daroff exercises: a series of exercises used to treat BPPV.
3. Cawthorne-Cooksey exercises: a series of exercises used to improve balance and reduce dizziness.
4. Eye tracking exercises: exercises that help improve the ability to focus and track moving objects.
5. Standing balance exercises: exercises that help improve balance while standing.

 

Regain Your Balance with Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy at River Physio

If you are experiencing dizziness, vertigo or balance problems, don’t let them interfere with your daily life. Seek help from our team of experienced physiotherapists at River Physio, a leading physiotherapy clinic in Singapore. With our expertise in vestibular rehabilitation, we can help you alleviate your symptoms and improve your quality of life.

Physiotherapists In Singapore are highly trained and certified professionals who specialize in treating patients with vestibular and balance disorders. At River Physio, our team of experienced physiotherapists will provide you with a personalized treatment plan that is tailored to your specific needs and goals. We use a combination of manoeuvres and exercises to help you improve your balance, reduce dizziness and vertigo, and ultimately enhance your overall quality of life. Contact us today to schedule your vestibular rehabilitation therapy session with our skilled physiotherapists in Singapore.

Don’t suffer in silence any longer. Contact us today to schedule your vestibular rehabilitation therapy session at River Physio. Let us help you regain your balance and get back to living your life to the fullest.