Vestibular Therapy

Vestibular Physiotherapy Edmonton

Struggling with balance or dizziness can be both disorienting and disruptive to your daily life. At The Accident & Whiplash Clinic, we understand the challenges these symptoms can present. Our vestibular physiotherapy program is specifically designed to address and alleviate issues stemming from vestibular disorders.

Our expert therapists use a combination of diagnostic assessments and individualized treatment plans, including repositioning maneuvers, balance retraining, and exercises tailored to retrain the brain and inner ear to process balance information correctly. We’re committed to guiding you every step of the way towards regaining control and confidence in your physical well-being.

Is Vestibular Therapy Related to Concussions?

Vestibular therapy is related to concussion management. After a concussion, individuals may experience vestibular issues such as dizziness, balance problems, and vertigo. Vestibular therapy aims to address these symptoms by retraining the brain to properly interpret sensory signals and coordinate balance.

Some causes vestibular disorders

Environmental and hereditary factors can cause vestibular disorders. The most common are:

Infections: Viral or bacterial infections, such as vestibular neuritis or labyrinthitis, can lead to inflammation in the inner ear and cause vestibular disorders.

Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV): This condition arises when tiny calcium particles (canaliths) clump up in canals of the inner ear, leading to brief but intense dizziness.

Meniere’s Disease: This inner ear disorder is thought to be caused by a buildup of fluid and changing pressure in the ear. It can cause episodes of vertigo, hearing loss, tinnitus, and the feeling of fullness in the ear.

Head Injuries: Trauma to the head can damage inner ear structures and lead to vestibular problems. This is especially common for MVA injuries.

Ototoxicity: Some medications can damage the inner ear, leading to hearing loss and dizziness.

Migraines: Vestibular migraines can cause vestibular symptoms such as dizziness and balance issues without the typical migraine headache.

Acoustic Neuroma: This is a benign tumor on the vestibular nerve, which can lead to hearing loss and balance problems.

Autoimmune Disorders: Diseases where the immune system attacks the body can sometimes involve the inner ear.

Genetic Factors: There can be inherited predispositions to vestibular disorders.

Neurological Disorders: Some brain conditions, like stroke or multiple sclerosis, can affect the vestibular system indirectly.

Circulatory System Issues: Conditions that affect blood flow, like atherosclerosis or low blood pressure, can impact inner ear function and cause dizziness.

Symptoms of vestibular balance disorders.

You could benefit from vestibular therapy if you experience some of the following symptoms:

Dizziness: A sensation of light-headedness, faintness, or unsteadiness.

Vertigo: The feeling that you or your surroundings are spinning or moving.

Balance Issues: Difficulty maintaining upright posture, stumbling, difficulty walking straight or turning a corner.

Nausea and Vomiting: Often a result of severe vertigo.

Hearing Loss: Some vestibular disorders are associated with partial or total hearing impairment.

Tinnitus: Ringing, buzzing, or whooshing sounds in one or both ears.

Fullness in the Ear: A sensation of pressure or fullness in one or both ears.

Vision Disturbance: Difficulty focusing or tracking objects with the eyes; objects may seem to jump, move, or spin.

Cognitive Impairment: Problems with concentration, memory, and mental clarity can occur with vestibular issues.

Fatigue: A general sense of tiredness or exhaustion can be related to the effort of trying to remain balanced or focused.

Headaches: Migraines or tension-type headaches are often associated with vestibular disorders.

Vestibular Rehabilitation

If you have one or more of the symptoms above then an initial medical evaluation would be recommended to determine if they are a result of vestibular disorders. Vestibular disorders are especially common if you have been in a recent motor vehicle accident. An assessment includes but is not limited to:

Balance testing
Visual oculomotor testing
Gait assessment ( walking test )
Neurological testing (reflex test)
Cervical assessment (test of neck joints and muscle)

Our specialist will conduct the test and relay the results and recommendations.

Managing Expectations

Expected recovery outcomes from our vestibular rehabilition include:

Decreased dizziness symptoms
Decreased nausea or vomiting
Improved balance in standing or sitting
Improved neck mobility, stiffness and/or pain
Better Sleep
More Confidence
Return to regular activities and hobbies.

What Can I expect With My Treatment?

Vestibular rehabilitation therapy (VRT) is widely recommended to help with day to day vestibular balance disorders. Our rehabilitation specialists at The Accident & Whiplash Clinic will help you cope with your symptoms and offer treatments including:

Manual Therapy
Balance exercises
Head and Eye movement exercises

It is also critical that you reorganize your home and make certain lifestyle changes to prevent injury from falling. These could include:

Driving
Going up and down the stairs
Making your home safer (hand rails on stairs, non-slip bathroom floor mats, etc.)
Clothing changes (i.e.. low heeled shoes)

Our physiotherapy clinic in Edmonton specializes in vestibular rehabilitation. If you are unsure whether it is the right option for you, please don’t hesitate to contact us or call us for a quick consultation. We can provide next steps and expert advice on treatment options and work with a wide range of insurance providers for direct billing and coverage. We can even start by helping you fill out the required forms and paperwork at our clinic.

Recover Faster And Get Back in to Your Normal Routine

At The Whiplash & Accident Clinic in Edmonton we will help you get off the sidelines and back to what you love doing best. Our wide range of services will ensure you get the best treatment for MVA recovery.