Physiotherapy Clinic based in the centre of St. Albans
Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy:
Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy is an exercise-based program designed to help people with vertigo, dizziness and balance problems.
What is the vestibular system?
The vestibular system resides in the inner ear and provides crucial information to our brain about:
- Motion
- Head position
- Spatial orientation
Vestibular disorders can result in vertigo, dizziness, nausea, visual disturbance and loss of balance.
What is Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT)?
Vestibular rehabilitation therapy (VRT) is a specialized form of physiotherapy designed to improve the inner ear and brain’s ability to control balance and spatial orientation. It involves specific exercises to address dizziness, vertigo and other vestibular disorders.
VRT is a progressive program that helps the brain adapt to the damage and learn to use other senses to maintain balance. The exercises in VRT are designed to gradually expose the brain to different stimuli that can trigger dizziness, such as head movements, changes in posture, and visual disturbances. Over time, the brain learns to ignore these stimuli and improve balance.
VRT is often used to treat conditions such as:
- Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV): BPPV is a common condition that causes brief episodes of dizziness and vertigo. It is caused by small crystals that become dislodged in the inner ear. The dizziness is often provoked by specific movements, such as lying on one side in bed or looking upwards. BPPV is usually not a threat to your health but can be quite uncomfortable.
- Ménière’s disease: Ménière’s disease is a chronic condition that causes episodes of dizziness, hearing loss, and tinnitus (ringing in the ears).
- Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS): POTS is a condition that causes an abnormally fast heart rate when standing up.
VRT can be an effective treatment for balance problems caused by damage to the vestibular system. In most cases, VRT can help to reduce dizziness and improve balance.
What does Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy involve?
After a thorough examination, your specialized Physiotherapist will provide a personalized home exercise program for you. Components of the program may include:
- Eye and head movement exercises.
- Balance and walking exercises.
- Techniques to reposition crystals in the inner ear (used for BPPV).
- Education on daily activities to improve confidence and function.
- Advice on falls prevention.
However, VRT is not a cure-all, and it may take several weeks or months to see results.
At Orchard Clinic our Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy may include Cawthorne-Cooksey exercises and we offer the Epley manoeuvre to treat BPPV.
What are Cawthorne-Cooksey exercises?
Cawthorne-Cooksey exercises are a set of specialized exercises designed to help individuals with balance problems, particularly those experiencing vertigo or dizziness.
They were developed in the 1940s to help soldiers who had suffered injuries that resulted in balance problems.
The exercises work by retraining the brain to compensate for the damaged balance system. The more consistently and diligently you perform these exercises, the faster your symptoms may improve.
Cawthorne-Cooksey exercises include:
- Eye movements: These exercises involve moving your eyes in different directions, such as up and down, side to side, and diagonally.
- Head movements: These exercises involve moving your head in different directions, such as nodding, shaking, and turning.
- Trunk movements: These exercises involve moving your torso in different directions, such as bending forward, backward, and sideways.
- Gaze stabilization exercises: These exercises involve focusing your gaze on a moving object while keeping your head still.
What is the Epley manoeuvre?
The Epley manoeuvre is a treatment method used for benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV). BPPV is a common cause of dizziness. It occurs when tiny crystals inside your ear (called otoconia) become dislodged from their normal position.
The Epley manoeuvre is designed to reposition the dislodged crystals. By moving your head through a series of specific positions, gravity helps guide the crystals back to where they belong.
It’s recommended to have someone professionally trained assist you initially. The Epley manoeuvre should be performed on the side where you experience symptoms. Here are the steps:
- Sit up on your bed with your head turned 45 degrees to the right.
- Quickly lie down on your back, keeping your head at the same angle.
- Turn your head to the left (90 degrees) while keeping your body in place.
- Roll onto your left side, maintaining the head position.
- Slowly sit up, keeping your head turned to the left.
- Repeat these movements a few times.
Benefits of Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy:
- Reduce dizziness and vertigo.
- Improve balance and coordination.
- Decrease anxiety and fear of falling.
- Increase spatial awareness.
- Enhance overall quality of life.
If you are experiencing dizziness or balance problems, you should see a doctor to rule out any underlying medical conditions. If your doctor determines that your balance problems are caused by damage to the vestibular system, they may refer you to a physiotherapist who specializes in VRT such as ourselves.
Suffering Aches and Pains?
If you are suffering from a physical health condition, sports injury or general pain and discomfort then we are here to help you.
Our goal is to treat your symptoms, reduce your pain, increase your range of motion, improve your flexibility and help you return to your optimal function. Our physiotherapists are able to treat a range of complaints, such as a bad backs, sore necks, muscle and joint pain, tennis elbow, sciatica, knee pain, hip problems, as well as many more conditions.
VRT Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who can perform Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy?
VRT should be performed by a qualified healthcare professional trained in vestibular rehabilitation, such as a physiotherapist.
How long does VRT last?
The duration of VRT varies depending on the severity of your condition and your progress. Treatment typically lasts for several weeks, with sessions occurring 2-3 times per week. Improvement may be noticeable within six weeks of regular exercise. The most significant improvement usually occurs within the first six months.
Will VRT hurt?
VRT exercises should not be painful. However, you may experience some mild discomfort initially, especially if your symptoms are severe. Your therapist will adjust the exercises to ensure they are safe and comfortable for you.
What should I wear to VRT sessions?
Wear loose-fitting, comfortable clothing and shoes that allow for easy movement.
Physiotherapy treatments provided by Orchard Physio:
Here are some of the more popular physiotherapy services we offer:
Manual Therapy
Hands-on treatment to improve movement and function includes soft tissue release and massage, Joint mobilisation and manipulation, Taping and strapping, Mobilisations with movement (MWMs) and Myofascial release.
Acupuncture
Fine needles are inserted into specific points of the body for therapeutic or preventative purposes. Effective treatment used for relieving the pain, inflammation and muscle tension that arises with many injuries.
Core Muscle Ultrasound Scanning
A diagnostic imaging technique using ultrasound to visualize the core muscles of the abdomen and pelvis. It can be used to help your core training, post pregnancy diastasis recti rehabilitation and ease back pain.
Vestibular Rehab Therapy
An effective exercise-based programme designed to reduce vertigo, dizziness, visual disturbance, and/or imbalance and falls.
Electrotherapy
Electrotherapy treatment provided by therapeutic ultrasound used to reduce inflammation, increase blood flow, breakdown scar tissue and promote healing in conditions such as Achilles tendinopathy, tennis elbow and muscle tears.
Exercise Prescription
Home exercise programmes are extremely effective in assisting patients to recover. A tailored exercise programme will be structured for you by the Physiotherapist, based on their findings from your clinical assessment.
Postural Education and Ergonomics Advice
Due to the postures we adopt at work or in our leisure time activities, e.g. driving or sitting looking at monitors / screens, many of us suffer with aches and pains. We will identify the imbalance causing the pain and will address this through a variety of treatments.
Sports Massage
Sports massage is effectively used to treat all levels of athletes and all types of sports injuries. We have experience of working with elite athletes and dancers. Anybody suffering from muscle soreness or tension or joint pain will find this treatment beneficial. We will diagnose your problem taking into account factors such as footwear, equipment and skill-specific technique.
Clinical Pilates
Clinical Pilates developed by Physiotherapists with the emphasis on controlled movements, strengthening the core muscles of the trunk to support your spine.
Orchard Physio Clinic hold a variety of Clinical Pilates classes throughout the week. 1:1 Clinical Pilates is also available by appointment.
Suffering Aches and Pains?
If you are suffering from a physical health condition, sports injury or general pain and discomfort then we are here to help you.
Our goal is to treat your symptoms, reduce your pain, increase your range of motion, improve your flexibility and help you return to your optimal function. Our physiotherapists are able to treat a range of complaints, such as a bad backs, sore necks, muscle and joint pain, tennis elbow, sciatica, knee pain, hip problems, as well as many more conditions.