Vestibular rehabilitation

Vestibular Rehabilitation is an exercise-based program based on a detailed assessment by a trained vestibular Physiotherapist. Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT) is effective in reducing, dizziness, vertigo and balance problems. It minimizes the risk of falls and helps to improve the quality of life greatly in people with vestibular dysfunction. BPPV or the free-floating crystals in the inner ear is the common cause of Vertigo. The diagnosis is typically made with a test called Dix-Hallpike.

There is peripheral vestibular system which is in your inner ear. Central processing is done by vestibular nucleus and cerebellum which in your brain. The vestibular system receives input from the inner ear, joint position sensation, visual signals and movements. These inputs are integrated in the vestibular nuclear complex and produces necessary output to move your eyes and body. These complex processes are monitored by cerebellum.

Vestibular impairment is the cause of vertigo in as many as 45% of people complaining of dizziness. BBPV of free-floating crystals in one or more of the canals of the inner ear is the common cause of Vertigo. This is especially true in people over the age of 50yrs. The other factors which causes vestibular dysfunction are below:

1. Head trauma (whiplash /concussion)

2. Vestibular system degeneration

3. Vestibular neuritis

4. Meniere’s disease

5. Acoustic neuroma (benign tumour)

6. Barotrauma (trauma due to excessive pressure)

7. Ototoxicity.

Vestibular Rehabilitation – BPPV

Loss of vestibular function in both ears can result in poor balance. This includes difficulty walking in darkness, and uneven surface and also poor vision with head movements. These problems might result in social isolation and activity limitation. Vestibular rehabilitation in these cases can improve postural stability and vision during head movements, but there can be residual problems. Your vestibular physiotherapist will teach compensatory strategies to use in challenging situation. This includes gaze and postural stability exercises to help you manage your limitations. Typically, each patients receives a customized exercise program and progression.

Physiotherapy approach to Vestibular Rehabilitation

The initial screening includes collecting the below.

1. A detailed history of your problem

2. Tests for BPPV

3. Assessment of visual problems

4. Neurological test

5. Visual screening

6. Various balance tests.

Initial assessment will also help to differentiate between the vestibular problems due to dysfunction in your inner ear and dysfunction in the parts of brain which controls your balance and coordination.

Following your first assessment your Physiotherapist will develop personalised exercise-based treatment plans including clinic-based treatment and home exercise program. Your exercise will be reviewed during the follow up visits and progressed as needed to help you with the recovery. Some of the exercise may provoke your symptoms in the initial period. This is because these exercises target to encourage your brain to compensate for the problems in your inner ear. Your Physiotherapist will decide on the intensity and repetition of the exercise. It is very important to incorporate exercise in to your daily routine as advised by your Physiotherapist.

Physiotherapy treatment plan may include eye and head movement exercise. exercise to improve standing balance and walking, specific techniques performed in the clinic to reposition the loose crystals in your inner ear if you have BPPV, advice on falls prevention and education and advice on planning and pacing your activities of daily living to improve confidence and function.

Immediate Help through Physiotherapy for Vestibular Rehabilitation:

Have you been experiencing balance problems or dizziness?

Having trouble walking straight? Or is it more like losing balance while walking? Have you considered vestibular therapy?

Our Mississauga Physiotherapist and Oakville Physiotherapist teams at Curezone Physiotherapy aim to improve the vestibular condition through targeted exercises to bring back normalcy. If you are looking for the best physio Mississauga or Oakville has to offer for VRT or the best physiotherapist Oakville has to offer, or the best physiotherapy clinic Mississauga or Oakville, no further! We aim to be YOUR best physiotherapist in Mississauga and Oakville areas, and are here and ready to teach you the quickest way to relief. Our Mississauga Massage Therapy and Oakville Massage Therapy practitioners too can help with soothing your situation based on the level of the vestibular condition you present with.

We welcome you to call us or click below to book an appointment with one of our physiotherapists in Mississauga or Oakville to let us immediately start assisting you in your road to recovery.

Britannia and Mavis, Mississauga:

Physiotherapy Clinic Mississauga – Curezone Physiotherapy, Heartland Mississauga.

Platinum Drive, Mississauga:

Physiotherapy Clinic Erin Mills – Curezone Physiotherapy, Erin Mills Mississauga.

Rebecca and Burloak, Oakville:

Physiotherapy Clinic Oakville – Curezone Physiotherapy, Burloak Oakville.