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As people age, balance and coordination often decline, an increased risk of falls and injuries. Vestibular disorders are a significant contributor to balance problems, particularly in older adults. At Next Step Physiotherapy , Vestibular physiotherapy Edmonton plays a crucial role in helping seniors manage these issues, improve their balance, and regain their independence.

Understanding Vestibular Disorders in Older Adults

In older adults, the function of this system can deteriorate due to age-related changes, to a variety of vestibular disorders. Common conditions include:

Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV): A condition where small crystals in the inner ear become dislodged, causing dizziness and vertigo when the head moves.

Labyrinthitis and Vestibular Neuritis: Infections or inflammation of the inner ear can disrupt vestibular function, sudden bouts of dizziness, nausea, and imbalance.

Meniere’s Disease: A chronic condition that affects the fluid balance in the inner ear, causing episodes of vertigo, hearing loss, and tinnitus.

Age-related Vestibular Decline: As the body ages, the sensitivity of the vestibular system decreases, resulting in slower reflexes and a diminished ability to maintain balance.

These conditions can be debilitating, fear of falling, loss of mobility, and reduced quality of life in older adults.

The Role of Vestibular Physiotherapy in Geriatrics

Vestibular physiotherapy focuses on restoring balance and minimizing the symptoms of vestibular disorders. For seniors, this therapy is particularly beneficial as it targets both the vestibular system and other aspects of mobility, such as strength and coordination.

At Next Step Physiotherapy, our therapists provide a comprehensive approach to vestibular physiotherapy, addressing the unique challenges faced by older adults. The treatment involves a combination of manual therapy, exercises, and education, designed to improve balance and reduce dizziness.

Key components of vestibular physiotherapy for geriatrics include:

Vestibular Rehabilitation Exercises Exercises specifically tailored to improve the brain’s ability to compensate for vestibular dysfunction are central to vestibular rehabilitation. These include:

Gaze Stabilization Exercises: These exercises train the eyes to focus on an object while the head moves, helping improve visual tracking and reduce dizziness.

Balance Retraining: A series of exercises aimed at improving coordination and balance, often using different surfaces or movements to challenge the body’s stability.

Habituation Exercises: These exercises involve repeated exposure to movements that provoke dizziness, gradually reducing the intensity of symptoms over time.

Strength and Conditioning Since balance is also influenced by muscle strength, vestibular physiotherapy includes exercises that target the lower body and core muscles. Strengthening these areas can significantly reduce the risk of falls, particularly for older adults who may experience muscle weakness as they age.

Education and Fall Prevention Preventing falls is a critical component of care for seniors with vestibular disorders. Our therapists at Next Step Physiotherapy educate patients on strategies to reduce fall risks at home and in their daily routines. This includes improving home safety, such as removing tripping hazards, and advising on proper footwear and assistive devices.

Manual Therapy In some cases, manual repositioning techniques like the Epley maneuver may be used to treat BPPV. This technique involves specific head movements that help relocate the crystals in the inner ear, reducing vertigo symptoms.

Conclusion

Vestibular physiotherapy is a highly effective treatment for older adults suffering from balance problems, dizziness, and vestibular disorders. At Next Step Physiotherapy in Edmonton, our experienced team is dedicated to helping seniors improve their balance, reduce their risk of falls, and enhance their overall quality of life. If you or a loved one is struggling with a vestibular disorder, we’re here to provide the support and treatment needed to restore balance and confidence.

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