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What is vestibular system?

The vestibular system is a complex series of connections that is responsible for some aspects of balance, visual control and movement. The vestibular system is comprised of the central nervous system (brain), inner ear, neck and eyes.  These systems work together to allow for smooth control of balance, vision and movement. If something goes awry with this system it can manifest in several different ways, including;

• Dizziness with/ without head movements
• Giddiness
• Vertigo (world spinning)
• Falls
• Problem balancing
• Tinnitus (ear ringing)

What is vestibular physiotherapy?

Vestibular physiotherapy is concerned with the treatment/ assessment and diagnosis of disorders and/ or diseases of the vestibular system. The aim of these sessions will be to ascertain the root causes of your dizziness, giddiness, pain, recurrent falls, vertigo and/ or poor balance.

In a vestibular physiotherapy session, your physiotherapist will conduct subjective examination, vestibular, oculomotor, cervical, CNS and balance examination. Depending on the results of the initial examination treatment may comprise; otoconia repositioning maneuvers, exercises, manual therapy, education or letter recommending onward specialist medical referral.

What conditions can vestibular physiotherapy treat?

• Dizziness
• Begin positional paroxysmal vertigo (BPPV)
• Cervicogenic dizziness (dizziness related to neck pain/ dysfunction)
• Central vestibular disorders (for rehabilitation)
• Peripheral vestibular disorders
• Oculomotor dysfunction (eye movement problems)
• Balance dysfunction
• Chronic falls
• Post-acute vestibular neuritis (infection/ inflammation of the vestibular nerve)
• Labyrinthitis (infection/ inflammation of the inner ear, labyrinth)
• Vestibular Hypofunction

How does it work?

Vestibular physiotherapy works in several different ways depending on your condition. In BPPV an otoconia repositioning manoeuvre is used to place the otoconia back in position to alleviate the symptoms and any residual neck dysfunction will be assessed and managed by the physiotherapist.  In other cases tailored exercise programs will retrain the vestibular system to alleviate symptoms. If indicated dry needling and manual therapy will be used to reduce neck pain and dysfunction as an adjunct to the exercise program.

Book your Enhance Experience online, or call us today to find out if vestibular physiotherapy can help you.

The Benefits of Pregnancy Massage

• Increased relaxation and reduced stress/anxiety:

     Stress and anxiety have a draining effect on the body, especially one that is going through the number of physical changes associated with pregnancy. Massage has the ability to relax and restore balance to the nervous system which results in lower stress hormone levels, reduced heart rate and blood pressure and alleviation of muscular pain. It provides a calm and quiet time out from what is usually a busy life, resulting in a relaxed and feel-good state.

• Improved sleep pattern and quality

     The restorative power of quality sleep has been known for centuries. Massage helps to soothe and relax tension within the body allowing the mother-to-be to sleep more easily and deeply resulting in more energy during the day.

• Reduced swelling:

                    Sore and swollen hands and feet are common during pregnancy, especially in later stages.   

               Massage improves circulation by redistributing fluid from the hands and feet into the

               lymphatic system, as well as easing the load on the mother’s heart and keeping her blood

               pressure in check. Massage also increases blood circulation in general resulting in greater

               vitality and less fatigue.

• Relief of muscular and joint pain:

                    The many physical changes that occur during pregnancy to accommodate a growing baby

               can cause back, neck, shoulder, legs and joint pain. This muscular discomfort can result in

               headaches, restricted movement and increase fatigue. Massage during pregnancy can

               alleviate this pain and restriction by gently stretching the muscles and releasing tension,

               improving muscular flexibility.   

• Stabilizes hormonal changes and blood pressure:

                    There are a number of hormones present during pregnancy that assist the body in

               nurturing and accommodating a growing baby, but these can have less than desirable

               effects on the mother. Morning sickness, muscular pain and mood swings

               can be eased as massage stimulates glandular secretions, assisting in stabilizing these

               hormones and improving circulation to ease blood pressure.