Vestibular Physiotherapy

Vestibular Physiotherapy

As health care shifts to a more inclusive, whole body approach, there has been a realization that we are lacking information and treatment for the vestibular system.

The vestibular system is one of the smallest systems in our body – there are two symmetrical organs that sit deep in each ear that make up the hardware of the vestibular system. This system is responsible for providing our brain with sensory information about our surroundings including where we are located in space and how gravity is affecting our body. Additionally, the vestibular system communicates with several areas of the brain to mediate reflexes including the cerebellum (control of the limbs and muscles of head and trunk in relation to gravity), the cranial nerves (control of the eyes in relation to visual stability during movement and visual focus when the head is moving), the reticular formation (control of posture and postural control), and the spinal cord (control of limb movement to maintain balance).

Due to the number of reflexes that rely on a healthy vestibular system, it is easy to understand how vestibular dysfunction can present with a diverse group of seemingly unrelated symptoms. Even more so, it is important that any dysfunction of the vestibular system is properly assessed and treated in a timely manner such that the brain does not learn how to compensate with maladaptive (unhelpful) strategies.