Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy

Our Assessment:

A vestibular assessment is a series of tests that assess the function of your vestibular system, which is responsible for your sense of balance and spatial orientation. The specific tests included in a vestibular assessment can vary depending on the patient’s symptoms and medical history, but some common tests include:

Balance tests: These tests evaluate a patient’s ability to maintain balance in different positions, such as standing with their eyes closed or standing on one leg.
Video-oculography (VOG or VNG): This test involves using infrared cameras to track eye movements in response to different visual and positional cues.
Head impulse test: This test involves the clinician rapidly moving the patient’s head to test the function of the vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR), which helps maintain stable vision during head movements.
Cranial nerve testing: The results of these tests can help the clinician determine the nature and severity of the patient’s vestibular dysfunction and develop an appropriate treatment plan.

Our Treatment:

Once an accurate diagnosis of your vestibular condition is made, your physiotherapist will develop a tailored treatment plan to address your specific needs.

Our Technology

One of the best technologies we use at PhysioActive is the iLS (Integrated Listening System), which retrains the brain. It uses specific sounds (air vibrations) and skull vibrations to retrain the vestibular system. Many conditions can be related to a vestibular disorder.

Vestibular Rehabilitation

Vestibular rehabilitation is a physiotherapy treatment designed to help people who have vestibular disorders and are suffering from dizziness, vertigo, or balance problems. Vestibular rehabilitation is an exercise-based program that helps alleviate symptoms of vestibular dysfunctions, such as motion sensitivity (where quick movements of the head cause dizziness) and problems with gaze stability, or, most commonly, BPPV (Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo). The treatment includes training and integrating your eyes and ears with the rest of your body, particularly your neck and upper back.

Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) is one of the most common causes of vertigo. It is a sudden sensation that makes you feel as if you are spinning or that the inside of your head is spinning.

BPPV causes brief episodes of mild to intense spinning or dizziness. It is usually triggered by turning your head, most commonly when rotating or turning in bed. This vertigo can occur when you tip your head up or down, lie down, turn over, or sit up in bed.

Although BPPV can be a bothersome problem, it is rarely serious. You can receive effective and immediate results with a simple repositioning technique in our office. Some people can also try to reposition the ear crystals on their own using Epley’s manoeuvre.

Although the treatment for BPPV is simple and quick, there are many other causes of dizziness. Our trained physiotherapists are trained to assess all the systems responsible for balance and isolate the areas that are working suboptimally and create a personalized rehabilitation program for each client that is specifically suited for them.

Vestibular treatment is one of the components of the PACT Concussion Care Program

Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo causes brief episodes of mild to intense spinning or dizziness. It is usually triggered by turning your head most commonly rotation or turning in bed. This vertigo can occur when you tip your head up or down, when you lie down, or when you turn over or sit up in bed.

Although benign paroxysmal positional vertigo can be a bothersome problem, it is rarely serious. You can receive effective and immediate results with a simple repositioning technique in our office. Some people can also try to reposition the crystals in their ear on their own using Epley’s maneuver.

Although the treatment for BPPV is simple and quick, there are many other causes of dizziness. Our trained physiotherapists are trained to assess all the systems responsible for balance and isolate the areas that are working suboptimally and create a patient-specific rehabilitation program for each client that is specifically suited for them.

Vestibular treatment is one of the components of the PACT Concussion Care Program

Our treatments include:

Balance retraining exercises
We include effective technologies such as iLS (integrated listening systems), laser, focus builder and others to enhance recovery and repair
Eye exercises including saccades, fixation, pursuits, optikinetics
Neck and craniovertebral and/or craniosacral therapy
Specific vestibular exercises
Specific neuroplasticity exercises designed to first balance the brain (cerebellum, brainstem, and its interconnections) and then strengthen its function
Supervised therapy session to monitor progress and continually challenge the vestibular, visual and balance systems

Symptoms

The signs and symptoms of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) may include:

Dizziness or feeling light-headed
A sense that you are spinning or the world is moving (vertigo)
A loss of balance or unsteadiness
Nausea and/or Vomiting
Abnormal rhythmical eye movements are known as nystagmus usually accompany the symptoms of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo and will be assessed by your therapist.

The symptoms of BPPV can come and go, with symptoms usually lasting less than one minute. Episodes of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo can disappear and then come again with specific movements.

Activities that bring about the signs and symptoms of BPPV can vary. Some people also feel out of balance or do not feel still when standing or walking.

Seek emergency care

It is uncommon for the dizziness to signal a serious illness, but you should see your doctor immediately if you experience dizziness or vertigo along with any of the following as this may indicate something more serious:

A severe headache that progressively is getting worse
A fever
Double vision or loss of vision
Hearing loss
Trouble speaking
Leg or arm weakness
Loss of consciousness
Numbness or tingling especially if in the chest or in more than one limb

Causes of Dizziness and Vestibular Disorders Treatable by Physiotherapy and Osteopathy

At PhysioActive, our skilled physiotherapists and osteopathic practitioners are experienced in treating a wide range of conditions that cause dizziness and balance issues. Here are some of the common causes we effectively address:

Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV): Caused by displaced crystals in the inner ear, BPPV can lead to sudden, intense episodes of dizziness.
Vestibular Neuritis and Labyrinthitis: Inflammation of the inner ear or the vestibular nerve can disrupt your balance and cause ongoing dizziness.
Ménière’s Disease: This chronic condition can cause vertigo, hearing loss, and a feeling of fullness in the ear due to fluid buildup in the inner ear.
Cervicogenic Dizziness: Dizziness caused by neck issues, such as muscle tension, joint dysfunction, or whiplash, can affect your balance.
Migraines: Vestibular migraines can cause dizziness, vertigo, and balance problems, often accompanied by typical migraine symptoms.
Post-Concussion Syndrome: After a concussion, lingering dizziness and balance issues can occur as the brain heals from the injury.
Anxiety and Panic Disorders: Anxiety can lead to dizziness and a sensation of imbalance, often exacerbated by stress or panic attacks.
Chronic Ear Infections: Repeated ear infections can affect the inner ear’s function, leading to balance disturbances.
Age-Related Vestibular Decline: As we age, changes in the inner ear and vestibular system can lead to balance issues and an increased risk of falls.
Autoimmune Inner Ear Disease: Autoimmune conditions can cause inflammation in the inner ear, leading to dizziness and hearing loss.
Central Nervous System Disorders: Conditions affecting the brain or spinal cord, such as multiple sclerosis, can disrupt balance and coordination.
Medication Side Effects: Certain medications can cause dizziness as a side effect, impacting your balance and daily activities.
Inner Ear Structural Abnormalities: Structural issues within the inner ear can lead to chronic dizziness and balance problems.
Blood Pressure Fluctuations: Sudden drops in blood pressure, especially when standing up, can cause dizziness and lightheadedness.
Dehydration: Insufficient hydration can affect your body’s equilibrium, leading to dizziness.

At PhysioActive, we take a comprehensive approach to treating these conditions, focusing on identifying the root cause of your symptoms and providing targeted therapies to restore your balance and well-being. We’re here to support you on your journey to feeling steady and secure again.

FAQs for Vestibular Rehabilitation at PhysioActive

What is Vestibular Rehabilitation, and how can it help me?

Vestibular rehabilitation is a specialized therapy designed to alleviate symptoms related to inner ear disorders, such as dizziness, vertigo, and balance issues. It helps retrain your brain to compensate for vestibular deficits, improving your stability and overall quality of life.
How does physiotherapy treat vestibular conditions?

Physiotherapy for vestibular conditions includes exercises aimed at improving balance, gaze stability, and coordination. These exercises help reduce dizziness and enable you to perform daily activities with greater confidence and less fear of falling.
What role does craniosacral therapy (CST) play in vestibular rehabilitation?

Craniosacral therapy focuses on the gentle manipulation of the cranial bones and the central nervous system. For vestibular conditions, CST can relieve tension in the head and neck, improve cerebrospinal fluid flow, and reduce symptoms like dizziness and headaches.
Can osteopathy help with vestibular disorders?

Osteopathy takes a holistic approach, treating not just the vestibular system but the entire body. By addressing the spine, joints, and nervous system, osteopathy can help alleviate the root causes of vestibular issues, providing long-term relief and improved overall health.
How is PhysioActive different in treating vestibular conditions?

At PhysioActive, we offer a comprehensive approach that combines physiotherapy, cranial therapy, primitive reflex assessment, and full-body treatment. We address not only your vestibular symptoms but also underlying issues within the spine, dura, and nervous system, ensuring a holistic and effective treatment plan tailored to your needs.
How does Epley’s Maneuver help with BPPV, and why is a thorough assessment important?

Epley’s Maneuver is a specific technique used to treat Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) by repositioning displaced crystals in the inner ear. It’s crucial to assess which side and which canal are affected, as well as any contributing factors like vestibular neuritis. This precise approach ensures fast and lasting results, helping you recover quickly and effectively.
Is acupuncture effective for treating vestibular conditions?

Acupuncture can be a valuable addition to your vestibular rehabilitation program. By stimulating specific points in the body, acupuncture helps regulate energy flow, reduce stress, and improve overall balance and well-being.
How long does it take to see improvement with vestibular rehabilitation?

The timeline for improvement varies depending on the severity of your condition. Some patients notice changes within a few sessions, while others may require more time. Our team will create a personalized treatment plan to help you achieve the best results as quickly as possible. If it is a simple BPPV our clients tend to resolve immediately or within the first 24 hours.