New Start Physiotherapy – Chirnside Park

Vestibular Physiotherapy

Specialised treatment for dizziness in the Yarra Valley

Achini Navaratna is a physiotherapist with a special interest in vestibular physiotherapy and has been seeing patients with various vestibular conditions since 2015. She has completed both the basic and advanced Australian Physiotherapy (APA) Vestibular Rehabilitation Courses and the Susan Herdman Vestibular Rehabilitation Basic and Advanced Competency courses.

Whether it is your first experience with dizziness or you have been struggling with it for many years, we can help. We understand the impact of dizziness and balance dysfunction can have on your life and our assessment and treatment are individualised to help you get the best results.

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An early, accurate diagnosis and correct treatment plan can shorten your recovery!

The Balance System

The Balance system is composed of the inner ear, eye and specific areas of your brain.

Information is relayed between these areas to maintain an upright posture and maintain gaze stability whilst moving your head.

Symptoms of Vestibular Dysfunction:

Vertigo related to head movement

Imbalance

Dizziness related to head movement

Unsteadiness

An increased falls risk

Conditions that are treated by vestibular rehabilitation:

BPPV

Vestibular neuronitis/labyrinthitis

Post acoustic neuroma removal

Vestibular migraine

Ototoxity

Age related balance dysfunction and falls risk

Balance dysfunction resulting from MS, Stroke, Parkinsons disease

Post concussion Syndrome

By undergoing vestibular rehabilitation you can expect to:

Reduce vertigo and head movement related dizziness

Improve balance

Improve steadiness when walking

Reduce the risk of falls

Initial Vestibular Physiotherapy Assessment

The initial consultation involves taking a detailed history of your dizziness and balance as well as any past history of similar symptoms. A thorough assessment which will involve testing your balance, tests for specific vestibular conditions including canalith tests as well outcome measures to measure your progress will be done.

Individualised treatment and progression.

Depending on what is causing your symptoms a treatment plan will be made.

Vestibular Rehabilitation can involve:

Canalith repositioning: maneuver that uses different head position changes to move displaced otoconia(crystals). In BPPV these particles detach from the utricle a part of the inner ear to the semi-circular cannals another in the inner ear area where the movement of the head causes symptoms of vertigo.

Habituation exercises: repeated exposure to specific movements or visual stimuli that provoke dizziness.

Gaze stability exercise: exercises involving head movement whilst maintaining focus on a visual target.

Balance training: challenging the various components that are involved in maintaining an upright position.

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