Unilateral Vestibular Hypofunction_ Rehabilitation Strategies

1. This can lead to a range of disorienting and often debilitating symptoms, including persistent dizziness, vertigo, imbalance, difficulty with gaze stability (blurred vision during head movements), and a heightened risk of falls. While the brain possesses an incredible capacity for adaptation, a compromised vestibular system on one side requires targeted rehabilitation to effectively compensate for the deficit. For individuals in Grande Prairie struggling with these challenges, Junction Point Physical Therapy offers specialized Vestibular Physiotherapy Grande Prairie strategies designed to restore equilibrium and improve quality of life. The vestibular system, located in the inner ear, acts as the body's internal gyroscope, constantly sending information to the brain about head position and movement. When one side is compromised, the brain receives conflicting signals, leading to the characteristic symptoms of UVH. Common causes include vestibular neuritis (inflammation of the vestibular nerve), labyrinthitis (inflammation of the inner ear), Meniere's disease, or trauma. Without proper rehabilitation, individuals often develop compensatory strategies that, while seemingly helpful in the short term, can lead to long-term issues and limit full recovery. At Junction Point Physical Therapy in Grande Prairie, our approach to unilateral vestibular hypofunction begins with a thorough and comprehensive assessment. Our experienced physiotherapists will delve into your medical history, analyze your symptoms, and conduct a series of specialized tests to evaluate your balance, gaze stability, gait, and overall functional limitations. This detailed evaluation allows us to accurately diagnose the extent of your UVH and develop a highly individualized treatment plan. Gaze Stabilization Exercises (Adaptation): When one vestibular system is compromised, the vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR), which helps stabilize your vision during head movements, is

2. affected. These involve moving your head while keeping your eyes focused on a stationary target (e.g., an "X" on the wall). Over time, this repetitive exposure helps the brain adapt and improve the coordination between head and eye movements, reducing visual blurring and dizziness with head turns. Balance and Postural Stability Exercises (Substitution): When the vestibular system is impaired, the brain relies more heavily on other sensory inputs, such as vision and somatosensory (touch and proprioception) information, to maintain balance. Balance exercises encourage the brain to substitute these alternative strategies. This involves a progression of activities that challenge your balance in various ways, such as standing on unstable surfaces, performing tandem walking, or navigating obstacles. Exercises may also incorporate head movements to further challenge your balance in dynamic situations. Beyond these core exercises, our physiotherapists at Junction Point Physical Therapy will also provide: Education: Understanding your condition is vital for effective self-management. We educate you about UVH, the mechanisms behind your symptoms, and the rationale behind your treatment plan. Activity Modification and Safety Strategies: We help you identify and modify activities that exacerbate your symptoms, while also providing strategies to minimize the risk of falls and safely engage in daily tasks. Addressing Secondary Issues: UVH can sometimes lead to muscle tension in the neck and shoulders due to compensatory strategies. We may incorporate manual therapy techniques, stretching, and strengthening exercises to address these secondary musculoskeletal issues. Home Exercise Program: A consistent home exercise program is paramount for success in vestibular rehabilitation. We provide clear instructions and support to ensure you can confidently continue your exercises outside of the clinic. At Junction Point Physical Therapy in Grande Prairie, our commitment is to empower you to regain control over your balance and reduce dizziness, helping you return to your desired activities and improve your overall quality of life. If you're experiencing symptoms consistent with unilateral vestibular hypofunction, contact us today to schedule an assessment and begin your journey towards a more stable and symptom-free future. #vestibularphysiotherapygrandeprairie #vestibularphysiotherapy #vestibularphysiotherapynearme #vestibularphysiotherapy #gppainphysicaltherapy #grandeprairiephysiotherapy #physiotherapynearme #physiotherapygrandeprairie #physicaltherapygrandeprairie #physicaltherapynearme #physicaltherapy #physiotherapistclinic #physiotherapytclinic #physicaltherapyclinic #vestibularrehabilitation #vestibularrehabilitationtherapy #vertigophysiotherapy #dizzinessphysiotherapy