What Is Vestibular Therapy and Who Needs It?
Balance is something most of us take for granted — until it starts to falter. Vestibular therapy in Calgary is a specialized treatment that targets disorders of the vestibular system, the part of your inner ear and brain that controls balance and spatial orientation. When this system malfunctions, symptoms like dizziness, vertigo, or unsteadiness can disrupt everyday life.
If you’re experiencing frequent bouts of dizziness or trouble keeping your balance, vestibular therapy in Calgary offers a way to address the root causes. Through a series of guided exercises and techniques, this therapy helps retrain the brain and body to work together again, reducing symptoms and improving stability.
Why Do Balance Problems Occur? Exploring the Root Causes
Balance problems can arise from various issues affecting the vestibular system or related structures. Knowing the underlying cause helps therapists create a targeted treatment plan. Vestibular therapy in Calgary often focuses on five leading causes of balance disturbances:
How Vestibular Therapy in Calgary Helps You Regain Control
Vestibular therapy is not a one-size-fits-all approach. It involves carefully designed exercises and movements that encourage your brain to adapt to changes or damage within your vestibular system. These exercises improve eye movement control, posture, and walking stability.
Therapists also provide education on managing symptoms and preventing falls. Over time, vestibular therapy in Calgary helps patients reclaim their independence and Confidence.
1. Displaced Inner Ear Crystals: Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV)
BPPV is the most common cause of vertigo and balance disruption. It happens when tiny crystals in the inner ear become loose and move into areas where they shouldn’t be. This sends confusing signals to the brain, causing sudden dizziness when you change head positions.
Vestibular therapy in Calgary utilizes repositioning manoeuvres, such as the Epley manoeuvre, to gently relocate these crystals to their correct position, providing Relief from spinning sensations.
2. Inner Ear Infections: Vestibular Neuritis and Labyrinthitis
Vestibular neuritis and labyrinthitis are inflammatory conditions of the inner ear or the nerves connecting it to the brain, usually triggered by viral infections. These cause severe dizziness and imbalance, often accompanied by nausea.
Therapists employ vestibular rehabilitation techniques to help the brain compensate for the altered signals, reducing symptoms gradually. Vestibular therapy in Calgary is essential in restoring balance after such infections.
3. Chronic Inner Ear Disorder: Meniere’s Disease
Meniere’s disease is characterized by episodes of vertigo, fluctuating hearing loss, and a sensation of fullness in the ear. It’s linked to abnormal fluid accumulation in the inner ear, though the exact cause remains unclear.
While vestibular therapy in Calgary cannot cure Meniere’s disease, it assists patients in managing balance symptoms and minimizing the impact of vertigo attacks through tailored exercises and coping strategies.
4. Head Injuries: Concussions and Traumatic Brain Injury
Concussions and other traumatic brain injuries often disrupt the vestibular system’s function, leading to ongoing dizziness and balance challenges. These issues can interfere with recovery and quality of life.
Vestibular therapy in Calgary targets specific deficits caused by injury, such as gaze instability and poor posture control. Custom exercise plans retrain the brain and body, improving balance and reducing dizziness over time.
5. Natural Changes with Age: Vestibular Decline in Older Adults
Age-related changes in the vestibular system, vision, and muscle strength contribute to an increased incidence of balance problems among seniors. This decline raises the risk of falls and injuries.
Vestibular therapy supports older adults by providing exercises that enhance balance, coordination, and walking safety, helping maintain independence and Confidence.
What to Expect When You Try Vestibular Therapy in Calgary
During your initial assessment, a vestibular therapist will perform detailed balance and vestibular system testing to identify the cause of your symptoms. From there, the therapist creates a personalized therapy plan that focuses on exercises designed to retrain and stabilize your balance system.
Sessions may include exercises that involve head and eye movements, balance training, and techniques to enhance walking and posture. Therapists regularly monitor progress to adapt therapy as needed.
If balance issues are interfering with your life, consider consulting professionals who offer vestibular therapy in Calgary. Early treatment can reduce symptoms and prevent falls or injury.
Miracure Physiotherapy and Massage Clinic provides experienced care and customized programs to help you regain balance and move with Confidence again.