Vestibular Rehabilitation in Burloak – Oakville – People experiencing vestibular disorders often face vertigo, dizziness, imbalance, or visual disturbances, which can affect daily life and overall quality of life. Vestibular rehabilitation is an exercise-based program designed to reduce dizziness and vertigo, improve gaze stability, enhance balance, and prevent falls.
The most common symptoms addressed in vestibular physiotherapy are dizziness and vertigo. Dizziness may feel like lightheadedness, swaying, or disorientation, whereas vertigo is a specific type of dizziness defined by the sensation that the environment is moving.
Vestibular Rehabilitation Assessment and Screening
Effective vestibular rehabilitation requires proper screening and assessment, including:
- Patient history review
- Rapid Head Thrust Test
- Dix-Hallpike Test
Research shows that only about 11% of providers routinely use the Dix-Hallpike test in standard clinical settings, which can result in underdiagnosis or delayed treatment of vestibular impairments.
At Curezone Physiotherapy in Burloak – Oakville, our licensed physiotherapists provide thorough vestibular assessments and individualized treatment plans. Alternative testing and treatment methods are available for patients with conditions such as vertebrobasilar insufficiency (VBI), limited back mobility, or hip restrictions when standard testing is contraindicated.
Causes of Dizziness and Vertigo
Dizziness and vertigo may result from multiple underlying causes, including:
- Cardiovascular disorders
- Neurological dysfunction (e.g., multiple sclerosis)
- Visual system impairments
- Vestibular system disorders
- Head trauma, including concussions and whiplash
- Neuritis or labyrinthitis
- Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV)
- Meniere’s Disease
- Vestibular system degeneration
Meniere’s Disease
Meniere’s Disease occurs due to abnormal absorption of endolymph in the inner ear, causing pressure fluctuations. Common symptoms include:
- Ear fullness
- Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
- Fluctuating hearing loss
- Vertigo and imbalance lasting hours to days
Dietary changes, such as reducing salt, alcohol, caffeine, and nicotine, may help minimize dizzy episodes. Vestibular rehabilitation, however, is most effective when vestibular function is preserved.
Types of Vestibular Rehabilitation
BPPV Treatment Techniques:
- Epley Maneuver
- Gans Maneuver
- Barbecue Roll
- Gufoni’s Maneuver
The purpose of vestibular rehabilitation therapy (VRT) is to safely expose patients to movements that trigger vertigo or dizziness. Repeated exposure helps the brain adapt, promoting faster compensation for vestibular deficits.
Other vestibular rehabilitation exercises include:
- Vestibular Adaptation Exercises
- Substitution Exercises
- Static and Dynamic Postural Stability Training
- Walking Exercises to Improve Dynamic Balance
Our physiotherapists create personalized programs based on assessment results and prognosis. Patients are also given home exercises to support progress between sessions.
Why Choose Vestibular Rehabilitation at Curezone Physiotherapy in Burloak – Oakville
Our Burloak – Oakville clinic offers:
- Comprehensive vestibular assessments
- Tailored exercise programs to reduce dizziness, vertigo, and imbalance
- Home exercise guidance to maintain long-term balance and stability
- Safe, evidence-based treatment techniques for patients of all ages
Whether symptoms are caused by BPPV, Meniere’s Disease, vestibular degeneration, or head trauma, our team provides professional care to restore balance, confidence, and daily mobility.
Schedule Your Consultation
To learn more about our vestibular physiotherapy program in Burloak – Oakville, including assessments, treatment plans, and home exercises, schedule a phone or in-person consultation with our licensed physiotherapist today.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Vestibular Physiotherapy in Burloak
What is vestibular rehabilitation therapy?
Vestibular rehabilitation therapy (VRT) is an exercise-based program designed to reduce symptoms of dizziness and vertigo, improve balance, enhance gaze stability, and prevent falls. At Curezone Physiotherapy in Burloak, our licensed physiotherapists create individualized treatment plans that include specific exercises to help your brain compensate for vestibular dysfunction and restore your quality of life.
What conditions can vestibular physiotherapy treat?
Vestibular physiotherapy effectively treats a range of conditions including Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV), Meniere's Disease, vestibular neuritis or labyrinthitis, post-concussion syndrome, whiplash-related dizziness, and balance disorders caused by vestibular system degeneration. Our physiotherapists conduct comprehensive assessments to identify the underlying cause and develop targeted treatment strategies.
How long does vestibular rehabilitation take to work?
The duration of treatment varies depending on your specific condition and severity of symptoms. Many patients with BPPV experience significant improvement after just one or two sessions using maneuvers like the Epley technique. For other vestibular disorders, you may need several weeks of consistent therapy and home exercises. Your physiotherapist will provide a personalized timeline based on your assessment and progress.
What happens during a vestibular physiotherapy assessment?
During your initial assessment at our Burloak clinic, your physiotherapist will review your medical history, perform specialized tests such as the Rapid Head Thrust Test and Dix-Hallpike Test, and evaluate your balance and gaze stability. These comprehensive screening methods help accurately diagnose your vestibular impairment and determine the most effective treatment approach for your specific needs.
Will vestibular exercises make my dizziness worse?
It's common to experience mild dizziness during vestibular exercises, as the therapy works by exposing you to movements that trigger symptoms. This controlled exposure helps your brain adapt and compensate more quickly over time. Your physiotherapist will carefully monitor your response and adjust exercises accordingly to ensure safe, effective treatment that gradually reduces your symptoms.
Can I do vestibular rehabilitation exercises at home?
Yes, home exercises are an essential component of successful vestibular rehabilitation. After your assessment and initial treatment sessions, your physiotherapist at Curezone Physiotherapy will provide you with a customized home exercise program. Consistent practice between clinic visits helps reinforce therapy and accelerates your recovery, though it's important to follow the specific instructions provided by your therapist.
Is vestibular rehabilitation covered by insurance?
Most extended health insurance plans in Canada cover physiotherapy services, including vestibular rehabilitation. Coverage varies by provider and individual plan, so we recommend checking with your insurance company regarding your specific benefits. Our team at Curezone Physiotherapy in Burloak can provide you with the necessary documentation and receipts for insurance claims.
- Clinic Hours: 9:00 AM - 8:00 PM (Monday to Saturday)
- (905) 997-4333
- info@curezonephysiotherapy.com