Vertigo and Vestibular Physiotherapy
Vestibular Physiotherapy treats a range of conditions relating to balance, dizziness and vertigo (the sensation of spinning).
Vestibular conditions arise in a variety of ways from a sudden onset of spinning or disequilibrium, to a gradual worsening of balance, to a feeling of motion sickness when you move your head.
Vestibular symptoms often feel worse at times of high stress or after you’ve been unwell.
There are two main things a Vestibular Physiotherapist will look for, 1) if it is a positional vertigo called Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV), and 2) if it is a dysfunction in the Vestibular apparatus within your inner ear.
Do you suffer from;
- A sensation of the whole room spinning when you roll over in bed or if you get up too quickly – sometimes with nausea or vomiting (BPPV)
- Dizziness – unrelated to blood pressure.
- A recent sudden/progressive change to your balance – almost like you can’t walk in a straight line.
- Feeling lightheaded with head motion, or when you change direction.
- Managing the symptoms of diagnosed Meniere’s.
- Motion sickness when looking from near to far, watching cars or trains pass, or even when watching television.
- Managing dizziness after a cochlear implant surgery.
- Dizziness after a Vestibular Neuritis.
If your BPPV hasn’t resolved by itself, the only way to treat it is with a re-positioning manoeuvre. You may be given some medications that help to manage the nausea or other symptoms of the BPPV, however, this won’t actually treat the cause of the problem.
BPPV most often affects the posterior semi-circular canal, but can also affect the horizontal canal. If it does, this requires a completely different manoeuvre. Therefore, it is very important to see a Vestibular Physiotherapist with experience in diagnosing all presentations of this condition.
Tara has worked with many clients suffering from BPPV and Vestibular Dysfunctions. She has a special interest in this area and has completed a Vestibular Rehabilitation: Advanced Management course through the Australian Physiotherapy Association
Tara will complete an initial assessment with you to diagnose exactly what is causing your dizziness/ spinning/ balance problems, explain what is happening, and treat you in accordance with the best evidence.