Vestibular physiotherapy is aimed at treating vestibular disorders, which affect balance and spatial orientation. The vestibular system comprises components of both the inner ear and the brain that handle sensory information related to balance and eye movements. Vestibular rehabilitation therapy is designed to alleviate symptoms such as dizziness, vertigo, imbalance, and nausea that arise from vestibular dysfunction. Vestibular physiotherapy in Sherwood Park utilizes a combination of exercises and maneuvers aimed at improving balance, reducing dizziness, and enhancing overall function.

What is Mal de Débarquement Syndrome?

Mal de Débarquement Syndrome (MdDS) is a rare neurological disorder characterized by persistent sensations of rocking, swaying, or bobbing following a period of motion exposure, such as sea travel or air travel. The term “Mal de Débarquement” is French for “sickness of disembarkment,” reflecting the sensation that often occurs after getting off a boat or plane.

Individuals with de Débarquement syndrome typically experience symptoms of imbalance, dizziness, and a persistent sensation of motion, even when they are standing still on solid ground. These symptoms can be severe and greatly affect daily functioning, leading to difficulty with activities such as walking, driving, and concentrating.

Tips for Alleviating Rocking Sensations in MdDS Recovery:

Here are three vestibular physiotherapy tips for reducing rocking sensations in Mal de Débarquement Syndrome (MdDS) recovery:

1. Habituation Exercises: 

Engage in habituation exercises that gradually expose you to movements that trigger rocking sensations. These exercises aim to desensitize your vestibular system by repetitively exposing it to motion stimuli, helping it adapt and reduce sensitivity over time. Your vestibular physiotherapist can prescribe specific exercises tailored to your needs, gradually increasing in intensity as your tolerance improves. Here are some examples of habituation exercises commonly used:

Brandt-Daroff Exercises: 

Brandt-Daroff exercises involve a series of head and body movements designed to habituate the vestibular system to changes in position and motion. These exercises typically include sitting upright and then quickly lying down on one side, holding the position for a few seconds, and then returning to the sitting position. The process is repeated on the other side. Over time, these exercises can help reduce sensitivity to positional changes and improve tolerance to movement-related triggers.

Gaze Stabilization Exercises: 

These exercises aim to enhance the capacity to uphold visual focus and stability while moving the head or body. One example is the Visual Stability Drill, where the individual sits or stands and focuses on a stationary object while moving their head from side to side, up and down, and in diagonal directions. This exercise helps train the eyes to remain fixed on a target despite head movements, reducing visual disturbance and enhancing vestibular adaptation.

2. Balance Training: 

Incorporate balance training exercises to Enhance your core muscle strength and overall stability. Activities such as balancing on one leg, navigating uneven terrain, and performing dynamic balance drills can help enhance your proprioception and postural control, reducing feelings of imbalance and instability associated with MdDS. Your vestibular physiotherapist can guide you through a progressive balance training program tailored to your specific needs and abilities. Here are some examples of balance training exercises commonly used:

Walking on Uneven Surfaces: 

Practice walking on uneven surfaces such as foam pads, balance discs, or sand. These surfaces challenge your balance and proprioception, forcing your muscles to maintain stability with greater effort. Start with short walks and gradually increase the duration and difficulty of the surfaces.

Dynamic Balance Drills: 

Perform dynamic balance exercises that involve movements such as side steps, forward and backward walking, and turning while maintaining your balance. Use cones or markers to create a course and challenge yourself to navigate through it while staying balanced.

3. Manual Therapy:

Vestibular physiotherapy in Sherwood Park plays a valuable role in reducing rocking sensations and alleviating symptoms associated with Mal de Débarquement Syndrome (MdDS) recovery. Here are some manual therapy techniques commonly used:

Soft Tissue Mobilization: 

Soft tissue mobilization involves the application of gentle pressure and massage techniques to particular regions of tension or tightness within the muscles and soft tissues surrounding the neck, shoulders, and upper back. By releasing tension and promoting relaxation in these areas, soft tissue mobilization can help reduce muscular stiffness and discomfort associated with MdDS.

Joint Mobilization: 

Joint mobilization techniques target the joints of the cervical spine (neck) and thoracic spine (upper back), aiming to improve mobility and reduce stiffness. Gentle oscillatory movements or sustained stretches applied to these joints can help restore normal joint function, alleviate joint restrictions, and enhance proprioception, contributing to a reduction in rocking sensations and improvement in overall vestibular function.

Craniosacral Therapy: 

Craniosacral therapy involves a gentle manual therapy approach that focuses on releasing restrictions in the craniosacral system, encompassing the bones of the skull, spinal cord, and sacrum. By applying subtle manipulations to these structures, craniosacral therapy aims to improve cerebrospinal fluid flow, balance cranial rhythms, and promote relaxation and self-healing within the body. This therapy can help address underlying dysfunctions in the craniosacral system that may contribute to vestibular symptoms in MdDS.

Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Mobilization: 

Dysfunction of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), linking the jawbone to the skull, may impact vestibular symptoms and rocking sensations in MdDS. Manual therapy techniques aimed at mobilizing the TMJ, such as gentle jaw mobilizations and intraoral techniques, can help alleviate TMJ-related symptoms and improve overall vestibular function.

Navigating Stability:

Vestibular physiotherapy in Sherwood Park offers a comprehensive and effective method for managing the symptoms and challenges associated with vestibular disorders such as Mal de Débarquement Syndrome (MdDS). Through personalized treatment plans, ongoing support, and patient education, Emerald Hills Physiotherapy in Sherwood Park empowers individuals to regain confidence in their balance and movement, facilitating fuller participation in daily activities and striving toward their objectives with increased ease and comfort. With continued research and advancements in the field of vestibular rehabilitation, vestibular physiotherapy continues to evolve, offering hope and relief to those living with vestibular disorders.