What is vestibular rehabilitation?
Vestibular rehabilitation promotes improvement of (and compensation for) problems caused by balance disorders (dizziness or vertigo). The aim of vestibular rehabilitation is to reduce your symptoms so that you can have as full and normal a life as possible.
Why have I been referred to physiotherapy?
You have been referred to physiotherapy by your doctor to help you manage the symptoms related to your balance disorder. Research shows that a customized exercise program, designed to provoke your symptoms in a controlled way will reeducate your balance system. This allows your body to adapt, reducing your symptoms. The symptom type, severity and effect is different for everyone. The physiotherapist needs to assess you to plan a rehabilitation program that will work for you.
What will a physiotherapist do?
The Physiotherapist will teach you exercises designed to help alleviate problems. These exercises require daily practice to be fully effective. The physiotherapist may also give exercises to improve:
- Vision
- Balance
- Muscle flexibility
- Muscle strength
- Co-ordination
- Relaxation
- Exercise tolerance
The Physiotherapist will give you education and advice to help you return to as normal a lifestyle as possible.