Vestibular Rehab
Vestibular Rehab
Vestibular Rehab is an evidence-based treatment for inner ear and balance disorders. In fact, there are many different types of inner ear problems that can develop. Each problem is approached differently. Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy can involve repositioning movements, eye exercises, inner ear exercises, head and body movement exercises, and balance exercises.
Physiotherapy for vestibular rehab is mainly exercise-based. It is often used to bring on symptoms. This is so that your brain is forced to adapt to whatever problems you are experiencing. In some cases, a repositioning movement may be able to help your dizziness quickly. However, in other cases, you may need to complete a consistent home program for months. Therefore everyone’s program is different. We will guide you every step of the way.
What to Expect During Vestibular Rehab
- History Review – We’ll start by discussing your symptoms, medical history, and any factors that may be contributing to your dizziness or balance issues.
- Screening for Serious Conditions – Your physiotherapist will rule out any underlying medical concerns that may require further medical attention.
- Neck Assessment – Since the neck plays a key role in balance and dizziness, we may assess your neck mobility and function.
- Eye Movement & Inner Ear Testing – We’ll evaluate how your eyes and inner ear are working together, as they play a crucial role in balance and spatial awareness.
- Balance Assessment – We’ll test how well you maintain stability in different positions and environments to identify any weaknesses.
- Motion & Position Sensitivity – Your response to head movements, positional changes, and motion will be assessed to determine triggers and guide treatment.
Your treatment plan will be based on these findings, focusing on exercises and techniques to improve balance, reduce dizziness, and restore confidence in movement.
How To Prepare For Your Vestibular Rehab Assessment
- Take Your Medications – If you have medication for dizziness, take it as usual before your appointment. This won’t affect our ability to assess your condition.
- Nausea Precautions – If nausea is an issue, avoid a big meal before your visit. If your doctor allows Gravol, taking it beforehand may help.
- Consider a Ride – If dizziness is severe, we recommend arranging a ride to and from your first visit.
- Allow Time to Recover – The assessment may temporarily bring on symptoms. If needed, plan for extra rest afterward, especially if you have an active day ahead.
Vestibular Rehab Treatments
Repositioning Maneuvers
For conditions like BPPV (Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo), we use gentle head movements to reposition crystals in your inner ear, reducing dizziness quickly.
Eye & Head Coordination (Gaze Stabilization)
Exercises that train your eyes and brain to work together, helping to reduce dizziness, improve focus, and stabilize vision during movement.
Motion Tolerance Training (Habituation Exercises)
If certain movements trigger dizziness, we use gradual exposure exercises to retrain your brain and reduce sensitivity to motion.
Balance & Stability Training
From simple standing balance exercises to dynamic movement drills, we help improve balance and confidence in different positions and activities
Neck Treatment
The neck plays a big role in dizziness and balance. If needed, we’ll release tension, improve mobility, and address any posture-related issues that may be contributing to your symptoms.
