Vestibular Rehabilitation
Vestibular and Headache Treatment in Oshawa
If you suffer from balance problems related to the inner ear, such as vertigo, or have chronic headaches or migraines, vestibular rehab at Swift Care Wellness Centre in Oshawa could significantly reduce your symptoms. Our experienced team of physiotherapists has extensive expertise and experience in treating balance and gait disorders, and vertigo using vestibular rehab.
What is vestibular rehab?
Vestibular disorders affect the inner ear and its role in maintaining balance. Yes, problems with the ear, who thought of that tiny organ is responsible for our balance control apart from the hearing, right? Problems with the inner ear can cause dizziness, visual disturbances, and balance issues. Vestibular rehab also aims to treat chronic migraines and headaches. Using pain medication as your resort, is not the answer, vestibular rehabilitation can help, contact us to learn more. For balance and gait disorders, read more here.
How do I know if I need Vestibular Rehabilitation?
Have you been feeling dizzy or experiencing vertigo in Oshawa? Do you feel unsteady or “off” after standing? Does lying flat cause the room to spin? These symptoms are common in vestibular disorders and can be effectively treated with vestibular therapy at Swift Care Wellness Centre in Oshawa.
- Do I feel unsteady?
- Do I feel as if the room is spinning around me?
- Do I feel as if I’m moving when I know I’m sitting or standing still?
- Do I lose my balance and fall?
- Do I feel as if I’m falling?
- Do I feel lightheaded or as if I might faint?
- Do I have blurred vision?
- Do I ever feel disoriented, losing my sense of time or location?
Other symptoms include fatigue, difficulty thinking clearly, and nausea. Vestibular rehab aims to help patients manage these symptoms and regain a better quality of life.
Where Do Dizziness and Vertigo Come From?
Well, firstly understand that dizziness and vertigo are different and that they can occur independently or together. Both are often caused by issues in your inner ear and vision-tracking system. Dizziness results from a “disconnect” between your vision tracking systems and your joints or muscles while vertigo occurs when tiny crystals in your inner ear become dislodged, causing extreme disorientation, especially when you move your head, sometimes even the slightest movement can make the room spin.
The exact cause of inner ear disturbances leading to dizziness and vertigo is not always clear. However, head injuries are the most common cause of these inner ear issues. Fortunately, our physiotherapists are experienced in identifying the root cause of your discomfort and recommend you the vestibular exercises that can alleviate and treat your symptoms. If you’re experiencing dizziness or vertigo in Oshawa, contact Swift Care Wellness Centre for our physiotherapists for evaluation and treatment.
What kind of vestibular condition might affect me?
Vertigo is a common vestibular disorder characterized by a sensation of rocking or rotating while at rest. Vertigo can last for several hours or days and may develop due to central (spinal cord or brain) or peripheral (inner ear) causes.
- Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV): Often develops after an illness or displacement of inner ear crystals.
- Meniere’s Disease: Caused by fluid buildup in the inner ear.
- Other Causes: Headaches, head injuries, stroke, tumors, multiple sclerosis, alcohol consumption, and certain medications (antidepressants, aspirin, blood pressure pills, anti-seizure drugs).
If you experience vertigo symptoms, consult your primary care provider. They can perform a comprehensive neurological exam to determine the cause and whether it’s peripheral or central.
Strengthening Your Vestibular System in Oshawa
Just like strengthening a muscle when it’s weak, there are ways to strengthen your vestibular system. During your evaluation, we will assess and measure your reflexes, strength, gait, and balance to determine the best treatments for your vestibular therapy.
Effective Treatment for Vertigo in Oshawa
One specific vertigo diagnosis is Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV), where inner ear crystals become displaced and affect your balance. This causes dizziness when changing positions. At Swift Care Wellness Centre in Oshawa, we perform a highly effective, non-invasive physical therapy intervention for BPPV. Our therapist will use specific maneuvers to reposition the crystals in your inner ear, restoring your vestibular system.
Comprehensive Vestibular Therapy in Oshawa
Other vestibular therapy interventions we offer include:
- Gait training on compliant surfaces
- Balance performance training
- Vestibuloocular reflex training
What does vestibular rehab involve?
Our physiotherapists deeply care for our patients. After your thorough assessment and understating your situation, our physiotherapist will curate a rehabilitation plan that addresses your issues. As you know we are a strong proponent of patient education, our physiotherapists will take time to explain the what and why of the exercises and treatment plan so you understand the importance of each and every treatment and procedure.
Diverse Causes, One Solution in Oshawa
Comprehensive Dizziness and Vertigo Treatment in Oshawa
Whether it’s BPPV, hypofunction, concussion-related, or other underlying causes, our mission at Swift Care Wellness Centre in Oshawa is to swiftly identify and address the root of your dizziness and vertigo. Our skilled physical and occupational therapists are dedicated to restoring your balance, preventing falls, and eliminating the underlying causes of your discomfort. We’re here to provide effective, personalized care to help you feel steady and secure again.
For peripheral vertigo, the most effective treatments include the canalith repositioning procedure or the Epley maneuver. Specific head movements help move the inner ear crystals causing vertigo.
Your physiotherapist may also use Cawthorne head exercises, involving a series of head and eye movements to decrease nerve sensitivity and improve vertigo. Regularly performing these exercises can be highly effective and is proven to reduce the occurrence of vertigo.
Most patients with peripheral vertigo find substantial relief with physiotherapy. The Epley maneuver can benefit around 90% of patients within just a few sessions.
If you’re dealing with dizziness, vertigo, headache, or balance issues in Oshawa, contact Swift Care Wellness Centre for effective vestibular therapy and start feeling better today.
