Physiotherapists can conduct thorough vestibular assessments to help determine the cause of someone’s dizziness. They can then assist in treating many causes of the dizziness.
How can physiotherapy help treat dizziness?
Repositioning Manoeuvres
If you are suffering from BPPV, physiotherapy can be used to assess and immediately treat this using specific repositioning manoeuvres. The most common is the Epley manoeuvre, which involves a series of guided head and body movements. If you require ongoing management, your physiotherapist can also teach you techniques to perform at home.
Vestibular Rehabilitation
Vestibular rehabilitation is tailored to your symptoms and may involve exercises such as:
- Gaze-stability exercises
- Habituation exercises
- Balance training
These exercises help stabilise the vestibular system and encourage more appropriate responses to specific movements or activities.
Head and Neck Treatment
This may involve hands-on manual therapy to address structures in the neck that could be contributing to your dizziness. This is often followed by exercises to maintain these improvements and help prevent future episodes.
Education
Education is a vital part of treatment and long-term management. Understanding your condition and the factors that may trigger symptoms helps you regain confidence. Your physiotherapist will also explain how other health professionals may assist, so you can benefit from a multidisciplinary approach.
A number of these techniques are most effective and beneficial in reducing the length of a dizzy episode when seen to early. There is no need to wait for symptoms to subside before booking an appointment.
No referral is needed. Physiotherapists are trained to be a first line point of contact for episodes of dizziness. Contact us for further information on (03) 59831021.
