Vertigo and Vestibular Rehabilitation

What is it? 

Vertigo is a symptom, rather than a condition itself. Vertigo is a type of dizziness that is often described as feeling that you are spinning or that the world is spinning around you, particularly if you change position. Vestibular rehabilitation therapy (VRT) is an exercise-based treatment program designed to promote vestibular adaptation and substitution.

What is the cause? 

Vertigo has many different causes. Your physiotherapist at Sports and Spine Physiotherapy  will conduct an in-depth physical examination to assess you, develop a treatment plan that is specifically created for you, and make recommendations for any home exercises or consultations required.

Not all types of vertigo can be treated with physical exercises. The most common cause of vertigo is benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), which can be treated with the help of your physiotherapist. Furthermore, vertigo is often purported to be a symptom of BPPV.  Other issues that can cause vertigo can include middle ear infections, vestibular neuritis, or head injuries. 

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The inner ear is indicated in our ability to maintain balance and sense the position of our body within space. It contains fluid which signals to your brain the direction, speed, and angle of movements you are making or experiencing. These signals adjust your eyes to maintain clear and steady vision. This is called the vestibular system. If you have a problem with your vestibular system, your ability to steady yourself and maintain your balance is compromised and can cause vertigo.  

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The most common inner ear problem is BPPV. BPPV can occur when there is a problem with the inner ear, usually this problem occurs when the part of the inner ear’s physiology, that determines the body’s position and movement, becomes dislodged and the signals sent to the brain are incorrect.

Signs & Symptoms

• Dizziness

• Nausea 

• Headaches 

• Ringing in the ears 

• Loss of hearing 

• Balance problems 

• Hearing loss

What can we do about it? 

Physiotherapy for vertigo is a very effective way to help people who are suffering symptoms. Your physiotherapist will assess, treat you and also give you home exercises which are essential as part of your recovery from vertigo.

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At Sports and Spine Physiotherapy, helping our clients is our number one priority. Our physiotherapists will work with you to understand the problem and your symptoms, developing the best rehabilitation plan to help minimise your symptoms of vertigo. 

One of the most common treatment plans for vertigo is vestibular rehabilitation. Vestibular rehabilitation is sometimes called balance training and helps to fortify the vestibular system to reduce the symptoms of vertigo.

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1. Head-Eye coordination exercises.

This helps with improving focus and minimising dizziness. 

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2. Neck mobility and strengthening. 

Sometimes, poor neck posture can increase the risk of dizziness. If you have weak neck muscles, over time you will likely experience increased poor posture. When the neck muscles are strengthened, it can help to improve posture which helps the head position and blood flow. 

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3. Visual stability 

Vision is one of the most important factors to help maintain your stability. Exercises to improve your visual stability will help you manage your balance, which can decrease the symptoms. 

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4. Balance training 

Balance can be improved with training. It is important to keep up with activities or exercises that maintain good balance, as they help improve your stability. 

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5. Habituation exercises. 

Repetitive movements can help your brain and body overcome the feeling of dizziness. These exercises help desensitise the vestibular system to dizziness, which aim to reduce symptoms of dizziness.