Services

Dizziness and vertigo can occur for several different reasons. Some conditions are best treated by doctors, whereas some conditions can be treated by specially trained Vestibular Physiotherapists. Vestibular physiotherapy focuses on the assessment and treatment of dizziness, vertigo and balance disorders stemming from issues within the inner ear (peripheral vestibular system) or brain (central vestibular system).

Common Vestibular Symptoms Include:

• Dizziness / vertigo or feelings of imbalance – present or worsening with head movements

• Headaches

• Blurred vision particularly with head movement

• Nausea and/or vomiting

• Reduced balance which may be associated with falls

• Hearing disturbances

Common Vestibular Conditions I treat:

• Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) / post-traumatic BPPV

• Vestibular Neuritis and Labyrinthitis

• Uni or bilateral hypofunction

• Vestibular migraines

• Persistent Postural Perceptual Dizziness (3PD - Chronic dizziness)

• Post concussion syndrome (vestibular dysfunction)

• Aging, dizziness and imbalance

• Pre / post-surgery for Vestibular Schwannoma / Acoustic Neuroma

• Post stroke / head injury

• Meniere’s Disease

Indications for Referral:

Dizziness / vertigo can occur for a variety of reasons. The symptoms below are usually indicative of a vestibular disorder and warrant an assessment by a trained vestibular physiotherapist:

• A feeling that things are spinning or moving around (vertigo / dizziness) and/or feeling of imbalance 

• Symptoms present or worse with movements - moving head side to side, bending over, looking up, lying down, turning in bed. 

What to Expect:

An initial appointment involves a thorough vestibular and balance assessment to determine the likely cause of your symptoms and determine what rehabilitation strategies are required. If your symptoms are a result of a vestibular dysfunction, an individualised exercise program will be developed to help you return to your full life.

The purpose of the assessment is to try to reproduce your symptoms to determine what the cause may be and how to best treat it. At the conclusion of the assessment you may feel dizzy, imbalanced or nauseous. A benefit of my service is that I offer in home assessment and rehabilitation to hopefully assist in making you feel more comfortable in your recovery.

The number of sessions required is determined by the cause of your symptoms and how you respond to Vestibular Rehabilitation. Most conditions are very treatable and respond well when provided with the appropriate therapy.

I have over 15 year’s experience in the rehabilitation of a wide variety of conditions including:

• Neurological – Stroke, Parkinson’s Disease, Traumatic or Acquired Brain Injury, Motor Neuron Disease, Multiple Sclerosis, Functional Neurological Disorder, Myopathies

• Amputee – Upper Limb and Lower limb amputee’s, pre and post prosthetic rehabilitation

• Age related decline and general physical decline

• Orthopaedic – pre/post orthopaedic surgeries

I have worked with clients in all stages of their journey (acute, subacute and chronic) so I have a good understanding of how to best achieve your goals no matter what stage you are at. 

Appointments can be arranged in your home or community. I have completed post-graduate study in hydrotherapy and can offer both sessions in the pool and gym.

I am currently offering the following services: 

• In-home and community based sessions 

• Mobility, transfers and functional assessments and retraining 

• Strength, balance and mobility rehabilitation including community based access such as the beach or shops 

• Respiratory assessments and management

• Spasticity assessments and management 

• Carer and support worker training 

• Home exercise programs and gym exercise programs 

• Hydrotherapy 

• Mobility aid and equipment prescription

• Pre/post prosthetic rehabilitation

• Amplitude based therapy