vestibular Physiotherapy

Vestibular physiotherapy is specialized treatments done by a specifically trained vestibular therapist that are aimed to reduce symptoms of dizziness or vertigo and improve balance.  The vestibular system refers to the inner ear and its corresponding area of the brain that controls balance, dizziness, and eye movements.  

There are many different causes of vestibular dysfunction, so you can expect your therapist to go through a thorough assessment to determine the best treatment plan. This assessment will entail a thorough subjective history, balance tests, as well as movements that involve lying backwards and rolling over. The therapist will be looking at your eyes often, as the eyes are controlled by highly efficient and complex reflexes involving signals from the inner ear and other parts of the body. You may also be asked to wear goggles to further assess the movement in the eyes. Based on the results of these tests, a treatment plan will be laid out by your therapist. Treatments for vertigo especially can be highly successful with many patients reporting resolution of symptoms in a few weeks. Other pathologies such as brain injuries or more complex conditions can be more involved.