About Vestibular Physio (Dizziness & Headaches)
Headaches are often a by-product of muscle tightness and joint stiffness through the cervical (neck) area. This can be due to many reasons; most commonly; stress, jaw dysfunction, muscle tension, workstation set-up (for office workers), postural issues, or injuries like whiplash. Our physiotherapists will use their experience to accurately identify the source of your headache or neck ache and treat it accordingly, along with giving you techniques you can use at home to keep headaches at bay.
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Vestibular physiotherapy focusses on assessment of the function of the vestibular apparatus in your inner ear and it's connections with your brain and your neck. When this system isn't working properly you may experience symptoms of dizziness, imbalance or vertigo (illusion of spinning or rotation).
There are many well-known causes for such vestibular problems and happily Vestibular Physiotherapy can often help.
What to Expect at Your Initial Consult
During your initial assessment with our Vestibular Physiotherapist, you will be asked to share a detailed history of your symptoms, including any dizziness, vertigo, or imbalance you've been experiencing. The physiotherapist will take the time to understand how these symptoms affect you and gather all the important details to guide your treatment.
Following this, a series of specific tests will help identify the most likely cause of your symptoms. Based on these results, your physiotherapist will create a personalized treatment plan aimed at helping you feel better. Effective treatment can significantly reduce or even eliminate symptoms, depending on the underlying cause. Please note that some tests may temporarily reproduce dizziness, but they are essential for determining the right approach. While it's not always necessary, you may find it helpful to bring a friend or relative for support during your appointment.
Our Team
Gareth Bell
Here at Physiotas we are proud to have as part of our team, Gareth Bell, a Physiotherapist with over 25 years of experience in private practice and a Watson Headache® Certified Practitioner. Gareth will carefully assess your headache symptoms. The Watson Headache approach consists of patient-centred, non-manipulative, gentle and precise assessment of the upper joints in your neck. These upper neck joints can be associated with production of headaches and migraine.
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​Gareth also has a special interest in the assessment and treatment of the various causes of dizziness and vertigo. Gareth completed Vestibular Education Australia's, Vestibular Dysfunction & Management: Clinical Competency Course, held at Bond University on the Gold Coast in 2019.
