I was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes five years ago, and I've had to make considerable changes to my lifestyle to maintain my health since I was diagnosed. I started this blog to share my experience of coming to terms with having type 2 diabetes and what I've learned on my personal journey. I share details of the lifestyle changes I've made, including giving up smoking and eating more wholefoods, and my personal experience of using alternative treatments, such as acupuncture and herbal medicine. I also post about new treatments that are becoming available for type 2 diabetes. I hope you find my blog useful and informative.
BPPV, or benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, is a debilitating condition that can cause dizziness, light-headedness and nausea. It often occurs when the tiny calcium crystals in your inner ear become displaced, disrupting your balance. While medication is an option, many people wonder if physiotherapy can treat BPPV. But what exactly is BPPV, how can physiotherapy help and what exercises can you do at home to treat your symptoms?
What Is BPPV?
BPPV can occur due to age-related changes in the inner ear, head injury or even prolonged bed rest. When the calcium crystals in your inner ear become dislodged, they can migrate to different parts of the ear canal, causing you to feel dizzy and disoriented. Many common medications work by reducing the severity of your symptoms, but physiotherapy can address the root cause of BPPV.
How Can Physio Help?
Physiotherapy can help treat BPPV by a process known as particle repositioning. This process involves moving your head through different positions to help the dislodged crystals return to their original location in the inner ear. Your physiotherapist will generally use the Epley manoeuvre technique, which involves tilting your head and rotating it in different directions to help reposition the calcium crystals.
What Else Could Work?
In addition to particle repositioning, your physiotherapist may also use exercises to help improve your balance and strengthen your inner ear muscles. One of the most common exercises used in physiotherapy is called the Brandt-Daroff exercise. This exercise involves sitting up quickly and then moving into a lying down position with your head tilted. Your physiotherapist may also have you stand on a foam pad to improve your balance.
Can DIY Help?
If you're unable to see a physiotherapist, there are also several exercises you can do at home to help treat BPPV. One of the most effective exercises is called the modified Epley manoeuvre. This exercise involves lying on your back and turning your head to the side before bringing it back to the centre. You should repeat this exercise three times a day for several days until your symptoms improve.
What to Remember
While medication can help reduce your symptoms, physiotherapy is an effective and long-lasting treatment for BPPV. With techniques such as particle repositioning and exercises to improve balance and muscle strength, physiotherapy can help you overcome the debilitating effects of BPPV. Remember, if you're experiencing symptoms of BPPV, it's important to see a medical professional and a licensed physiotherapist to start your treatment.
For more information, contact a company like Physiophix Toukley.
Share