Vestibular Rehabilitation Assessment and Screening
Effective vestibular rehabilitation requires thorough screening and assessment. Recommended tests include:
- Patient history review
- Rapid Head Thrust Test
- Dix-Hallpike Test
Research shows that only about 11% of providers regularly use the Dix-Hallpike test in standard clinical settings. Without proper testing, vestibular impairments may be underdiagnosed, delaying effective treatment.
At Curezone Physiotherapy in Heartland – Mississauga, our licensed physiotherapists are trained to provide comprehensive vestibular assessments and tailored treatment plans. They utilize alternative testing and treatment methods when standard approaches are contraindicated, for example in cases of vertebrobasilar insufficiency (VBI), restricted back mobility, or hip issues.
Causes of Dizziness and Vertigo
Dizziness and vertigo may result from various underlying conditions, including:
- Cardiovascular issues
- Neurological disorders, such as multiple sclerosis (MS)
- Visual impairments
- Vestibular system dysfunction
- Head trauma, including whiplash or concussion
- Neuritis or labyrinthitis
- Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV)
- Meniere’s Disease
- Vestibular system degeneration
Meniere’s Disease
Meniere’s Disease is caused by abnormal absorption of endolymph in the inner ear, resulting in pressure fluctuations. Symptoms may include:
- Ear fullness
- Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
- Fluctuating hearing loss
- Provide guidance on posture, ergonomics, and at-home stretches
- Vertigo and imbalance lasting hours to days
Dietary adjustments—such as reducing salt, caffeine, nicotine, and alcohol intake—may help minimize dizzy spells, although vestibular rehab is generally more effective when there is preserved vestibular function.
Types of Vestibular Rehabilitation
Treatment of BPPV includes:
- Epley Maneuver
- Gans Maneuver
- Barbecue Roll
- Gufoni’s Maneuver
The goal of vestibular rehabilitation therapy (VRT) is to repeatedly expose the patient to movements that trigger vertigo or dizziness. This helps the brain compensate and reduce symptoms more quickly over time.
Other exercises may include:
- Vestibular Adaptation Exercises
- Substitution Exercises
- Static and Dynamic Postural Stability Training
- Walking Exercises to Improve Dynamic Stability
Our physiotherapists create individualized programs based on diagnosis and prognosis. Patients are also provided with home exercise programs to reinforce therapy between sessions.
Why Choose Vestibular Rehabilitation at Curezone Physiotherapy in Heartland – Mississauga
At our Heartland – Mississauga clinic, our vestibular physiotherapists provide:
- Comprehensive assessment of vestibular function
- Tailored exercise programs to reduce dizziness, vertigo, and imbalance
- Guidance for home exercises to support long-term stability
- Safe, evidence-based treatment techniques for all ages
Whether your dizziness or vertigo is caused by BPPV, Meniere’s Disease, head trauma, or vestibular degeneration, our team offers professional care to restore balance, confidence, and daily mobility.
Schedule Your Consultation
To learn more about our vestibular physiotherapy program in Heartland – Mississauga, including assessment, treatment plans, and home exercises, schedule a phone or in-person consultation with our licensed physiotherapist today.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Vestibular Physiotherapy in Heartland
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 Heartland – Mississauga, 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 Heartland – Mississauga 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 Heartland – Mississauga 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