Vestibular Rehabilitation
Vestibular rehabilitation is an exercise-based program, designed by a physiotherapist with specialized training, to improve balance, visual disturbances and problems related to dizziness.
Following an episode of vertigo or a concussion, the nervous systems may need to be re-trained so that all the messages going to the brain are synchronized. This is where a physiotherapist can help. Often the vestibular system goes into a state of hypofunction, which can leave lingering symptoms such as dizziness, fatigue, vision issues and balance deficits. The body may be afraid of movement, especially a quick change in head position due to inadequate signals to the brain. A physiotherapist can help to restore function and movement as well as give exercises to retrain the nervous system and restore the integration of the vestibular, proprioceptive, and vision systems.
Physiotherapists can also perform various maneuvers to help diagnose and treat vertigo. These maneuvers help to move crystals in the inner ear, which helps to restore vestibular function. Physiotherapy can help to reduce dizziness, visual disturbance and balance deficits in many patient populations.
Conditions that benefit from vestibular rehabilitation:
- Vertigo or Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV)
- Dizziness and/or balance issues
- Post-concussion dizziness or vertigo
- Headaches and/or migraines
- Labrynthitis and vestibular neuritis
- Meneire’s Disease