Vestibular Rehabilitation

  WHAT IS THE VESTIBULAR SYSTEM ?

The vestibular system includes the parts of the inner ear (the organs of balance), the pathways that lead to the brain, and the brain itself that help control balance and eye movements. If the system is damaged by disease, aging, or injury, vestibular disorders or balance difficulties can result.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF A VESTIBULAR PROBLEM ?

The numbers of symptoms associated with vestibular dysfunctions are as varied as the number of causes. Some of the typical symptoms include dizziness, vertigo, lightheadedness, imbalance, difficulty concentrating, blurry vision, nausea, and fluctuating hearing.

WHAT IS VESTIBULAR REHAB ?

Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT) is an exercise-based program designed to promote central nervous system re-training for inner ear deficits. VRT can help with a variety of vestibular problems, including: Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) Unilateral or bilateral vestibular hypofunction (reduced inner ear function on one or both sides) Ménière's disease Labyrinthitis Vestibular neuritis **The primary goal with VRT is to retrain the brain to coordinate information from the inner ear balance organs, vision and the proprioceptive system (sensory receptors that are sensitive to stretch or pressure). VRT is grounded in evidence-based medicine and has been extensively researched. **

WHAT WILL MY FIRST VISIT FOR VESTIBULAR REHAB INVOLVE ?

One of our qualified Physiotherapists will perform a thorough evaluation that begins with a medical history to understand the severity & frequency of your symptoms, your triggers, and the impact your symptoms have on your life. The assessment includes evaluating your balance and gait, motion sensitivity, severity of vertigo, and the musculoskeletal system involved, to determine the source of the dizziness or balance problem. The duration of your assessment may be up to 45-60 minutes.

WHAT CAN I EXPECT ON SUBSEQUENT VISITS ?

All of our treatments are one-on-one with a qualified Physiotherapist and are up to 30-45 mins in duration. Treatments may include manual therapy on the vestibular balance organs or the neck, education about the balance system, and instruction on safe exercises appropriate for YOU and your recovery from a vestibular concern. All of our treatments are INDIVIDUALIZED and are tailored to YOUR NEEDS.

OUR PHYSIOTHERAPISTS, CORI HANAN, KAYLA COMSTOCK and CHERYL WITTER ARE QUALIFIED VESTIBULAR REHAB THERAPISTS