Have you been experiencing chronic dizziness, to the point where it is hard to keep your balance? Do you experience severe episodes of vertigo, sometimes referred to as “dizzy spells,” that inhibit your ability to engage in daily activities?
If you answered yes to any of the above, then you may be one of the 10 million people each year who suffer from chronic dizziness. Before you decide to pursue more invasive means of recovery, typically involving medication, you should consider a holistic approach to your condition, referred to as vestibular rehabilitation. Read on to learn more about this type of therapy and additional information surrounding dizziness.
Vestibular rehabilitation is an exercise-based form of therapy that is led by a trained professional in vestibular physiotherapy. The goal of this program is to improve your balance and eliminate symptoms through stability and strengthening exercises.
After consulting with your vestibular physiotherapist, you will both craft an exercise regimen that meets your needs and treatment goals. The exercise plan will be personalized to you based on your symptoms, the exercises include vision stability training, general fitness exercise, and walking exercises.
You may also undergo ergonomic training, wherein your physiotherapist will give you advice on certain improvements you could make to your home furnishings. For example, you may want to consider things such as standing desks and back support for your chairs.
If you suffer from chronic dizziness, then you are well aware of the symptoms that accompany it. However, the question of “what causes dizziness,” is a bit vaguer. Medical professionals know that inner ear problems typically cause dizziness, as your inner ear is composed of fluid-filled canals. This fluid helps regulate your overall balance, but a head or neck injury could disrupt the fluid. Some chronic conditions can alter the mechanical structure of the inner ear, leading to dizziness.
Side effects of certain medications can also cause dizziness, so it is important to understand how every medication you need to take may affect you. If you are on a daily medication for a certain condition, you may want to discuss this with your doctor to determine if dizziness is a side effect.
While vestibular rehabilitation is a proven solution to dizziness, several factors may impact your recovery. Increased age is the number one factor, as the older you get, the harder it will be for you to perform such exercises. Certain medications may also impact your recovery. If you have determined that a medication is causing your dizziness, then vestibular rehabilitation may be a daily part of your life.
Additionally, the severity of your symptoms will most likely impact your recovery. If you only experience mild dizziness a few times a week, then infrequent vestibular rehabilitation sessions will suffice. You may even be able to stop them after several weeks once your symptoms have come under control. However, more serious cases will require almost daily therapy and even then, symptoms may still flare-up.
Dizziness may not seem like a major health risk, but for those who live with it, it can severely diminish one’s quality of life. Not only are you unable to keep your balance, but an inability to focus on certain tasks and a decreased range of motion are common symptoms.
If you are ready to get your life back, and vestibular rehabilitation seems right for you, then it’s time to visit a professional. The certified vestibular physiotherapists at Emerald Hills Physio & Sports Clinic, located in Sherwood Drive, Alberta, are ready to meet with you and start rehabilitation as soon as you’re ready!
Give us a call at (587) 855-4831 or visit our website and fill out the contact form!
Emerald Hills Physio & Sports Clinic, located in Sherwood Park, AB, is a renowned physio and sports injury center. Our services encompass treatments for sports-related injuries, massage therapies, vestibular and nervous system issues, chronic pain, as well as pelvic floor physical therapy in Sherwood Park.
Emerald Hills Physio & Sport Clinic is a leading physio and sports injury clinic located in Sherwood Park, AB. We offer pain management solutions based on the intricate science of movement.
Emerald Hills Physio & Sport Clinic is a leading physio and sports injury clinic located in Sherwood Park, AB. We offer pain management solutions based on the intricate science of movement.