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Evidence-based vestibular rehabilitation for vertigo, BPPV, and vestibular
dysfunction.
The vestibular system, located in the inner ear and connected to the brain, controls balance, spatial orientation, and gaze stability. When this system is damaged, the results can include debilitating dizziness, vertigo, imbalance, nausea, and a negative impact on daily activities.
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Neck dysfunction often coexists with vestibular disorders and can contribute to dizziness.
Evaluating eye movement control and visual dependence, which affect balance.This comprehensive assessment identifies the specific vestibular pathology and guides treatment selection.
Expect to feel worse temporarily. Vestibular exercises intentionally provoke symptoms to promote adaptation. This is normal and necessary. Symptoms typically subside within 30-60 minutes after exercise.
As your brain adapts, exercises that initially caused significant symptoms will become tolerable. This indicates successful compensation. Your physiotherapist will advance exercises to maintain appropriate challenge.
Complete symptom resolution isn't always achievable for chronic conditions, but significant functional improvement is. The goal is managing symptoms well enough to resume valued activities.
These symptoms should gradually resolve. If they persist beyond a few hours or worsen significantly, contact your physiotherapist.
Vestibular rehabilitation success depends on home exercise adherence. You'll receive:
Your physiotherapist monitors your home program adherence and adjusts exercises based on your progress and tolerance.
Vestibular physiotherapy is billed as clinical physiotherapy. To book, select "Clinical Physiotherapy" from our online platform.
All assessment, manual treatments (including BPPV repositioning), and exercise prescription are included in session fees.
Most extended health plans cover vestibular physiotherapy. Direct billing available.
Typical treatment course:
Vestibular therapy uses a combination of exercise routines to improve patient balance and reduce the effects of dizziness or vertigo. Exercises are mandated at regular intervals, often 2-3 times per day. At first, it may seem that the exercises make your symptoms worse, but with practice and consistency, these symptoms should decrease and improve. All vestibular treatment plans are customized to meet the needs of the patient and are often paired with at-home programs to improve results.
An initial assessment will be completed and therapy goals will be jointly set with your therapist. Typically (depending on the reason for visit) you will be seen weekly for 3-4 sessions, then check-ins every 4-6 weeks thereon, until goals are met. Every client is different and your program will be designed with your recovery in mind. Exercises may include vision stability training, posture training, walking exercises, stretching, and balance retraining. In the case of BBPV, manual therapy will be needed to guide the patient’s head into various positions to move calcium crystals.
Prior to the session, please read and sign the consent form emailed out to you. Whenever starting a new physiotherapy program, bring a list of any medications to your first appointment, along with any relevant X-rays and MRIs. If you’re experiencing pain symptoms beforehand, make a note of them and be sure to tell your therapist ahead of time.
Masks are manditory for in-person treatment, in compliance with BC's mask mandate. Please read our Covid-19 procedures for more information.
It’s important to stay consistent with your vestibular practice even while at home. Exercises and advice will be emailed to you directly from your therapist. If you have any additional questions, you can contact them directly via email.
View our Resources
To book, please select Clinical Physiotherapy from our online booking platform. To maximize your session’s value, and take advantage of our diverse treatment options, fees are inclusive of all treatments used during your session. Your physiotherapist will work with you to help assess which treatments will be most beneficial during your visit.
VanCity Physio offers direct billing.
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