Vestibular Rehabilitation

Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT), also recognized as balance retraining therapy, serves as an exercise-focused intervention for addressing balance disorders. Effective in managing various causes of dizziness, vertigo, and balance challenges, VRT is a non-invasive and painless approach that customizes exercise programs to retrain the body’s balance systems.

Common Causes of Dizziness and Imbalance Treated by VRT

VRT is adept at addressing dizziness and balance issues stemming from:

• Aging
• Neck dysfunction
• Head injury
• Central nervous system issues
• Neuropathy (numbness in feet)
• Vestibular hypofunction or loss
• Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV)

Balance disorders can manifest unexpected effects on the body, such as involuntary eye movement. The eyes’ reflex, designed to move in the opposite direction of head movements for focus, becomes disrupted when the sense of balance is compromised. VRT plays a crucial role in alleviating eye-related symptoms, including eye fatigue, blurry vision, double vision, light sensitivity, and reading difficulties.

Benefits of Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy

• Resolves dizziness and balance issues
• Reduces the risk of falling
• Provides relief from nausea and headaches
• Facilitates a more active lifestyle
• Increases stamina
• Addresses eye fatigue and vision issues

Vestibular rehabilitation therapy entails a physiotherapist crafting a personalized treatment plan that may encompass balance training exercises, gait training, head movement sequences, gaze stabilization exercises, functional training, and more.

In instances where balance issues are attributed to bio-crystals misplaced within the inner ear, a physiotherapist can guide individuals through specific head movement sequences to dislodge these crystals and restore balance.

The resolution timeline varies; some issues may be resolved in a single session or within days, while others necessitate a more extended treatment duration. Prompt initiation of treatment is encouraged, as delaying intervention allows the brain to adapt to negative balance changes, potentially prolonging the retraining process.

Cost and Coverage

Our vestibular rehabilitation services are often covered through extended healthcare plans—just like most of our treatments. That includes the coverage you have through an employer or motor vehicle insurance. And if you’re not sure if you’re covered, give us a call. We can offer our treatment plans at very competitive rates. So get in touch or schedule a consultation to learn more.