Dizziness is a common symptom that arises from various sources, but when anxiety is the underlying cause, it can be particularly debilitating. Anxiety-induced dizziness can create a feeling of unsteadiness, a sense of spinning, or lightheadedness, making it difficult to focus and carry out daily tasks. Vestibular therapy in Edmonton can help manage and treat dizziness caused by anxiety.
Understanding Anxiety-Induced Dizziness
Anxiety can significantly impact the body, especially the vestibular system, which controls spatial orientation. When anxiety levels are high, the body’s fight-or-flight response activates the delicate workings of the vestibular system. As a result, the individual may experience dizziness, vertigo, or feeling off-balance. This dizziness is often triggered by specific situations, such as crowded spaces, public speaking, or even the anticipation of stress, and it can make daily life overwhelming.
The good news is that anxiety-induced dizziness can be effectively managed through dizziness treatment and vertigo therapy, which target balance disorders and help restore stability and confidence.
How Vestibular Therapy Helps Anxiety-Induced Dizziness
Vestibular therapy in Edmonton is a structured program designed to help individuals with balance disorders manage their symptoms. For anxiety-induced dizziness, Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT) focuses on retraining the vestibular system to respond correctly to anxiety triggers. Our physiotherapists use a variety of strategies to reduce dizziness and alleviate anxiety symptoms, including balance therapy in Edmonton.
Gaze Stabilization Exercise: Targeting Anxiety-Related Dizziness
- First, sit in a comfortable chair and focus on an object straight ahead at eye level. The object could be a stationary item on the wall, such as a clock or a letter.
- Begin gently moving your head side to side or up and down while keeping your eyes fixed on the object.
- Then, start with slow head movements and increase the speed as you become more accustomed to them. Perform this for about 30 seconds, then rest for a few seconds. Repeat three sets.
- Over time, the complexity of the exercise is increased by performing it while standing or even walking around.
For anxiety-induced dizziness, this exercise helps retrain the brain’s visual and vestibular systems to stabilize and coordinate better, reducing dizziness during head movements.
Habituation Exercise: Reducing Anxiety Triggers Gradually
- Identify movements or situations that commonly trigger dizziness when you’re anxious, such as turning your head quickly or sudden changes in body posture (e.g., standing up too fast).
- Start with the least intense version of these movements. For example, if turning your head causes dizziness, begin by turning your head slowly in one direction, then back to the center.
- Gradually increase the speed or angle of head turns over time. You can also try performing head tilts or looking in different directions that cause discomfort.
- Perform the exercise for 10-15 repetitions and do it multiple times daily.
This technique helps reduce the body’s exaggerated anxiety response by gradually desensitizing the vestibular system to dizziness triggers, improving tolerance to these movements.
Proprioceptive Training: Rebuilding Balance for Anxiety Relief
- We ensure a safe environment for your proprioceptive training session. Our physiotherapists will set up tools like foam pads or wobble boards and use safety measures like handrails or spotters to ensure you feel secure. We’ll guide you into a comfortable stance and explain the exercises clearly.
- We start with simple balance exercises and gradually increase the challenge as your confidence and ability improve. Our physiotherapists will introduce variations, such as closing your eyes or adding upper body movements, to allow you to maintain your balance progressively.
- Our physiotherapists will offer real-time feedback throughout your session, correcting your form and adjusting the exercise as necessary. We focus on providing continuous support to ensure you perform the exercises safely and effectively, optimizing your recovery.
Benefits of VRT
- Addresses the Root Cause: Vestibular therapy targets the underlying cause of dizziness related to anxiety by retraining and improving the vestibular system’s function.
- Reduces Frequency and Severity: VRT can decrease the frequency and intensity of dizziness episodes, offering relief for individuals with anxiety and dizziness.
- Enhances Control Over Symptoms: By improving the vestibular system’s function, VRT gives individuals greater control over their dizziness symptoms, which is crucial for managing anxiety.
- Improves Balance and Coordination: VRT enhances overall balance and coordination, helping individuals feel more stable and confident in their movements.
- Restores Confidence in Daily Activities: With improved balance and reduced dizziness, individuals can go about their daily routines without fearing dizziness interfering with their activities.
- Psychological Benefits: VRT helps reduce emotional distress linked to dizziness and anxiety, improving overall mental well-being.
Restore Your Balance with Turning Point’s Vestibular Therapy
If you’ve been struggling with dizziness caused by anxiety, it’s time to take control of your recovery. Vestibular therapy in Edmonton helps you regain balance, improve coordination, and reduce anxiety-related dizziness. At Turning Point Physiotherapy Edmonton, we’re here to help you through every step of your recovery. Contact us today and start your journey to a more stable, confident life. Our team will work with you to create a personalized treatment plan to address your unique symptoms and help you live without the constant fear of dizziness.
