Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy

What is Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy?

Vestibular rehabilitation therapy helps strengthen the bond between the body, the eyes, the brain and the inner
ear for most patients. During vestibular rehabilitation the symptoms are intentionally
provoked in a safe and controlled manner to work towards getting the brain used to what
makes one uncomfortable. The overall goal is to increase the patient’s quality of life by adapting to the
disorder, decreasing the symptoms and improving overall function. 
Vestibular rehabilitation includes treatment for benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, vestibular
neuritis, post traumatic (post MVA) vertigo. These disorders often lead to symptoms such as
vertigo, balance dysfunction and dizziness.
Research suggests that vestibular physiotherapy is most effective when they are customized.
The type, frequency, and intensity of effective exercises varies from person to person.

Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy offered at Curezone Physiotherapy

Physiotherapists at Curezone Physiotherapy specialize in the assessment and treatment of
vestibular disorders. The first visit includes a full assessment that allows the therapist to
identify the type of vestibular disorder that the patient is suffering from followed by the setting up of a suitable
rehabilitation program.
Patients don’t need a doctor’s referral to see a physiotherapist. For many Canadians, health insurance
providers cover all of the cost or a portion of the cost. Some extended health insurance plans may
require a doctor’s referral to claim reimbursement for treatment.

Will Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy make one dizzy?

The exercises should cause a mild to moderate increase in dizziness for only a few seconds. This
slight increase in symptoms in the short term is what helps the brain make permanent changes
and decreases dizziness in the long term. Gradually the brain overcomes dizziness.
One must be careful not to overdo it. It is not helpful to push through the symptoms. The
therapist should be made aware if nausea or headache develops during the exercises, or if the

symptoms do not decrease to their earlier level within 15-20 minutes. The therapist will
change the exercises to be sure the patient can tolerate them better. If the patient does an exercise and feels
no increase in dizziness, the therapist might be able to make it a little harder or may not
need to do that exercise anymore.

How long to continue with Vestibular Rehabilitation
Therapy?

Vestibular rehabilitation and balance retraining exercises do not usually continue
indefinitely. Patients are advised to set goals for their rehabilitation program with their
Vestibular Physical therapist. Once these goals are achieved a maintenance plan can be put in
place. This should include finding a level of physical activity that is suitable for the patient and one that
continues to stimulate and challenge the vestibular system enough to maintain a healthy
balance.

What type of recovery outcome should be expected?

Reduced Dizziness symptoms.

Decreased nausea and vomiting.

Improved focus, concentration and memory.

Better balance while sitting and standing

Eliminate risk of fall

Neck mobility increase and stiffness reduction

Immediate Help through Physiotherapy for Vestibular Rehabilitation:

Curezone Physiotherapy has specially trained Registered Physiotherapists that serve to provide Vestibular Rehabilitation therapy at any of our 3 locations. If you are looking for Vestibular Physiotherapy, click below to book an appointment with one of our expert physiotherapists to let us immediately start assisting you in getting you back and better.

Mississauga:

Physiotherapy Clinic Mississauga – Curezone Physiotherapy, Heartland Mississauga.

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

Oakville:

Physiotherapy Clinic Oakville – Curezone Physiotherapy, Burloak Oakville.