What is vestibular rehab?

At Vaughan Physiotherapy Clinic, we understand dizziness and concussion cases can be complex and frustrating. Often misdiagnosed or left untreated, these conditions can significantly impact your life.

Vestibular rehab is a specialized form of therapy intended to alleviate problems caused by vestibular disorders, primarily vertigo and dizziness, gaze instability, and/or imbalance and falls. A customized exercise plan is developed from the findings of the clinical assessment, laboratory testing and imaging studies, and input from patients. Different factors can impact the potential for recovery including activity level, pain, other medical conditions, medications, and emotional concerns.

How Can Vestibular Rehabilitation Help Balance Disorders

Even mild to moderate levels of dizziness can be hugely debilitating.
Research has shown that many types of vestibular conditions benefit from vestibular rehabilitation.
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There are many causes of balance problems, such as medications, ear infections, a head injury, or anything else that affects the inner ear or brain. Low blood pressure can lead to dizziness when you stand up too quickly. Problems that affect the skeletal or visual systems, such as arthritis or eye muscle imbalance, can also cause balance disorders. Your risk of having balance problems increases as you get older.

Unfortunately, many balance disorders start suddenly and with no obvious cause.

With this thorough assessment and clinical reasoning, some cases of vestibular dysfunction can be treated conservatively and effectively within a few sessions. Once the underlying problem has been treated, home exercises can be done to control symptoms and improve balance in a graded manner so you return to your usual way of life.

What are some symptom of vestibular dysfunction?

What patients can expect from VR in Vaughan PT clinic?

Patients are seen by a licensed physical or occupational therapist with advanced post-graduate training

Your First Session:
Detailed History: We'll work closely with you to understand your symptoms, triggers, medical history, and how dizziness has affected your daily life.
Neurological Testing: Simple and painless tests help us pinpoint the root cause of your dizziness by assessing your nervous system and reflexes.
Eye Movement Analysis: We look at eye movement patterns, providing valuable insights into your vestibular system's function.
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Outcomes:
Accurate Diagnosis: We aim to understand your problem, identify any contributing factors, and arrive at a clear diagnosis.
Personalized Treatment Plan: We'll develop a treatment plan tailored to your specific needs and limitations.
Treatment may begin during your initial session depending on the complexity of your case.
Follow-Up Sessions: The number of sessions will vary based on your diagnosis and progress.

Your initial assessment will provide your physiotherapist with the information needed to discuss your expected recovery timeline.
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What Can You Expect During Treatment?
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Repositioning Maneuvers (for BPPV):
Specific movements of your head and body may be used to stimulate the inner ear and relocate displaced crystals if your diagnosis is Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV).
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Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT) Exercises:
We will prescribe personalized exercises, often including eye and head stabilization, visual tracking, balance and coordination training, and gait retraining.
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Activity Modifications and Education:
You'll receive guidance on modifying your daily activities to optimize recovery, including recommendations for work, school, and leisure activities.

Don't let dizziness hold you back! Our experienced physiotherapists at Vaughan Physiotherapy Clinic are here to guide you towards a life free from dizziness and regain control of your well-being. Schedule an appointment today and take the first step on your journey to recovery.