Dizzy Spells? How Physiotherapy Can Help with Vertigo & Vestibular Disorders
Ever felt like the world is spinning, even when you're standing still or lying in bed? Or maybe you experience unsteadiness, lightheadedness, or a general sense of imbalance? These are common symptoms of vertigo and other vestibular disorders, which affect your inner ear and brain's ability to process balance and spatial orientation. Here in Kelowna, many people experience these disruptive symptoms, but the good news is that physiotherapy offers highly effective solutions!
What Exactly Are Vertigo and Vestibular Disorders?
Your vestibular system is a complex network in your inner ear that works with your eyes and brain to maintain balance and tell you where your head is in space. When this system isn't functioning correctly, you can experience a range of symptoms:
Vertigo: This is the sensation of spinning or the illusion of environmental movement. It's often triggered by head movements and can be accompanied by nausea. The most common cause is Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV), where tiny calcium crystals in your inner ear get dislodged.
Dizziness and lightheadedness
Imbalance and unsteadiness
Nausea and vomiting
Visual disturbances
Fatigue and difficulty concentrating
Vestibular Disorders: This is a broader term encompassing various conditions that affect the inner ear and brain, including:
Vestibular Neuritis and Labyrinthitis
Vestibular Migraine
Meniere’s Disease
Acoustic Neuroma
Persistent Postural Perceptual Dizziness (PPPD)
Mal de Débarquement Syndrome
These conditions can significantly impact your daily life, making simple tasks like walking, driving, or even reading feel challenging and anxiety-provoking.
How Can Physiotherapy Help?
The good news is that many vestibular disorders are treatable, and vestibular rehabilitation physiotherapy is a leading evidence-based approach. Our physiotherapist, Anthony Malbrecht, in Kelowna is specially trained to assess and treat these conditions. Here's how we can help:
Accurate Diagnosis: We start with a thorough assessment to pinpoint the specific cause of your dizziness or imbalance. This often involves specific head and eye movement tests. For example, for BPPV, we can identify which inner ear canal is affected.
Repositioning Maneuvers (for BPPV): If BPPV is the culprit, we use specific, gentle head movements, like the Epley maneuver, to guide those dislodged crystals back into their correct position in your inner ear. This can provide immediate and often dramatic relief from vertigo.
Customized Exercise Programs: For other vestibular disorders, we design personalized exercise programs that include:
Gaze Stabilization Exercises: To improve your ability to keep your vision clear during head movements.
Balance Training: To enhance your stability and reduce your risk of falls.
Habituation Exercises: To reduce dizziness triggered by specific movements or visual environments by gradually exposing you to them.
Walking and Gait Training: To improve your confidence and coordination when moving around.
Education and Self-Management Strategies: We'll teach you about your condition, how to manage your symptoms, and strategies to prevent future episodes.
Don't Let Dizziness Hold You Back!
Living with vertigo or a vestibular disorder can be frustrating and even debilitating. Our physiotherapist at the Genius Wellness Clinic in Kelowna, Anthony Malbrecht, is here to help you regain your balance, reduce your dizziness, and get back to enjoying life to the fullest. If you're experiencing symptoms of dizziness, vertigo, or imbalance, don't hesitate to reach out.
Book an appointment with us today and take the first step towards a steadier, clearer future!
Contact Us
778-738-3266
201-2755 Tutt Street, Kelowna BC