Vestibular Physiotherapy Edmonton
VESTIBULAR PHYSIOTHERAPY: Rediscover Stability
Vestibular Physiotherapy at In Step Physical Therapy: Rediscover Stability
Vestibular disorders, characterized by symptoms such as dizziness, imbalance, and vertigo, can significantly affect an individual’s quality of life. At In Step Physical Therapy, we are committed to addressing these challenges through our comprehensive Vestibular Physiotherapy Rehabilitation program. Our experienced team consists of registered physiotherapists- Giri Srinivasan, a Vestibular Rehabilitation therapist from Emory University Competency-based course, Atlanta, Muthuukaruppan Muthiah, Kamal Janakiraman, Pranjali Khairmode, Amee Bhavsar.
Why Choose In Step Physical Therapy for Vestibular Physiotherapy?
State-of-the-art Facilities: Our clinic is equipped with advanced Vestibular Rehabilitation tools and equipment, providing a safe and comfortable environment for therapy. The neuro-gym has two parallel bars, a low mat and several neuro-rehabilitation enhancing equipment.
Holistic Approach: We believe in comprehensive care, often collaborating with other healthcare professionals to ensure that all aspects of the patient’s health are addressed. This includes physiotherapists, personal trainers, massage therapists, speech therapists, nutritionists, and psychologists.
Patient Education: We provide resources and education to help patients understand their condition and manage their symptoms effectively.
Comprehensive assessment plan: Ensuring a thorough analysis
At In Step Physical Therapy, we employ a detailed and comprehensive assessment plan for Vestibular Physiotherapy, as understanding the unique nuances of each patient’s condition is crucial in formulating an effective treatment plan. Our assessment plan includes the following steps:
- Patient History: Our therapists initiate the assessment process by taking a thorough patient history. This includes understanding the patient’s medical background, the onset and duration of symptoms, any triggers, and the impact of these symptoms on the patient’s daily life.
- Physical Examination: A physical exam helps us assess balance, gait, coordination, and eye movements (nystagmus). Tests like the Romberg test, Fukuda stepping test, and tests of skew are used to detect abnormalities in the patient’s balance and spatial orientation.
- Vestibular Testing: Specific vestibular tests are conducted to examine the functioning of the inner ear and its ability to maintain balance. These include the Dix-Hallpike test and the Horizontal Head Shaking test.
- Functional Mobility Assessment: We evaluate the patient’s ability to perform daily tasks such as walking, standing from a seated position, or climbing stairs. This gives us insights into how the vestibular condition affects the patient’s daily life and mobility.
- Fall Risk Assessment: Patients with vestibular disorders often have an increased risk of falls. We evaluate this risk using specific tools like the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test.
6. Visual Dependency Evaluation: This involves assessing how much a patient relies on visual input for maintaining balance. Greater reliance may exacerbate symptoms of dizziness and imbalance.
Our Treatment Approach:
Based on the comprehensive assessment, we develop a personalized treatment plan for each patient, considering their needs, goals, and lifestyle. The sessions may include a combination of the following strategies:
- Habituation Exercises: Exercises designed to lessen the body’s reaction to movements that cause dizziness or imbalance.
- Gaze Stabilization Exercises: Exercises designed to improve the brain’s ability to maintain a steady gaze during head movement, enhancing balance and minimizing dizziness.
- Balance Training: This focuses on improving overall balance and mobility, enhancing confidence in performing daily activities and reducing the risk of falls.
- Repositioning Techniques: For patients with Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV), our therapists perform techniques like the Epley maneuver to help reposition tiny particles in the inner ear.
- Home Exercise Program: In addition to the in-clinic treatment, a home exercise program is also created. These exercises complement the in-clinic treatment and help continue the progress at home.
- Progress Monitoring and Plan Adjustment: Consistent progress monitoring throughout the treatment and adjustment of the plan as needed. We aim to ensure you’re always moving forward in your recovery.
Our primary goal at In Step Physical Therapy is to help you regain control over your symptoms and improve your quality of life. Trust us to guide you through your Vestibular Rehabilitation journey with professional care and personalized attention.
Conditions caused by Vestibular Disorder treated at In Step
We specialize in treating a variety of vestibular disorders. Below is a list of conditions, along with the methods we employ to treat them:
- Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV): Characterized by brief episodes of mild to intense dizziness. We use repositioning maneuvers like the Epley or Semont maneuvers to shift the tiny calcium carbonate crystals to a part of the ear where they don't cause symptoms.
- Meniere's Disease: It causes vertigo, tinnitus (ringing in the ear), hearing loss, and a feeling of pressure in the ear. We provide personalized vestibular rehabilitation exercises to help manage vertigo and balance issues and teach coping strategies for managing tinnitus.
- Vestibular Neuritis: This is an inner ear inflammation that causes sudden onset vertigo. Treatment usually includes balance exercises and gaze stabilization exercises to help the brain adapt to the changes in the inner ear.
- Labyrinthitis: Similar to vestibular neuritis, it can lead to loss of balance, vertigo, and hearing loss. Treatment may include habituation exercises, balance training, and medications for symptom management.
- Bilateral Vestibular Loss: Characterized by a reduction or absence of vestibular function on both sides, leading to issues with balance, gait, and visual stability. We utilize balance retraining, gait training, and an exercise-based program to improve stability.
- Vestibular Migraine: Vestibular migraines cause problems with balance and dizziness but may or may not involve a headache. Our approach includes lifestyle modification advice, stress management techniques, and a personalized exercise program.
- Superior Canal Dehiscence Syndrome (SCDS) causes vertigo, imbalance, and auditory symptoms. Treatment typically involves balance, gait training, and specific exercises for habituation and gaze stabilization.
- Mal de Debarquement Syndrome (MdDS): Most commonly triggered by motion events such as sea travel, causing a feeling of chronic imbalance. Our therapists will work on developing a comprehensive set of balance exercises and relaxation techniques to manage symptoms.
- Persistent Postural-Perceptual Dizziness (PPPD): PPPD causes persistent dizziness or unsteadiness. Treatment often involves cognitive-behavioural techniques and balance training exercises to manage symptoms.
- Age-related Balance Disorders: These disorders involve a decline in balance and increased dizziness due to aging. We provide balance retraining, strength training, and fall prevention strategies to manage these conditions.
Benefits of Vestibular Physiotherapy at In Step Physical Therapy
- Improved Balance and Coordination: Vestibular rehabilitation therapy helps enhance your balance and coordination, reducing the risk of falls and injuries.
- Reduced Dizziness and Vertigo: The therapy often significantly decreases episodes of dizziness and vertigo, enhancing your comfort and daily functioning.
- Better Physical Fitness: Through targeted exercises, vestibular physiotherapy can help improve muscle strength, endurance, and overall physical health.
- Increased Confidence: Overcoming balance issues can dramatically improve confidence, making everyday activities enjoyable and less stressful.
- Enhanced Independence: By improving balance, reducing dizziness, and strengthening physical abilities, vestibular physiotherapy can significantly increase your independence, enabling you to perform daily tasks more easily.
- Professional Guidance: Our skilled physiotherapists guide you through every step, providing professional advice and ensuring the exercises are performed correctly for maximum benefit.
- Prevention of Future Issues: By addressing the root cause of your vestibular issues, physiotherapy can help prevent future episodes and promote long-term health and well-being.
- Improved Quality of Life: Overall, vestibular physiotherapy can significantly improve your quality of life by reducing symptoms, improving function, and promoting greater health and wellness.
- Evidence-Based Practice: Our treatment plans are based on scientific evidence, ensuring you receive the most effective and up-to-date treatment.
Potential Problems Faced on the Road to Recovery
While Vestibular Physiotherapy is generally safe and effective, patients may face a few challenges during treatment:
- Initial Increase in Symptoms: In the beginning, exercises may provoke symptoms, causing temporary discomfort. However, with time and repetition, these symptoms usually decrease.
- Persistence of Symptoms: Some patients may experience persistent symptoms despite regular therapy. The treatment plan may need to be reassessed and adjusted in such cases.
- Motivation: Sticking to the therapy regimen requires motivation and commitment, which can sometimes be challenging for patients experiencing distressing symptoms. Our therapists work closely with patients to ensure they stay motivated and engaged.
We prioritize patient well-being and provide dedicated care to address any setbacks faced during the treatment. We aim to guide patients back to balance, helping them regain control over their lives.
FAQ:
Vestibular disorder is a significant global issue, with 80 percent of people aged over 65 years experiencing dizziness. The severity, frequency and prevalence increase with age. Individuals with vestibular impairment generally have problems with gaze and motion stability, balance and postural control dysfunction, visual blurring, lightheadedness and disorientation.
Vestibular rehabilitation is an evidence-based approach to managing the issues. The first session begins with a detailed evaluation. Our therapists analyze the nature and frequency of dizziness, vertigo, or balance issues and examine how these symptoms affect a patient’s day-to-day life.
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At In Step Physical Therapy, our commitment is to provide the best possible care to help our patients navigate the challenges of their vestibular condition and enhance their quality of life. Your wellness is our priority; with our expert Vestibular Physiotherapy, we’ll guide you back to a balanced life. Contact us.
