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Vestibular Physiotherapy & Rehabilitation Toronto

Vestibular Physiotherapy in Toronto

Vestibular physiotherapy TorontoVestibular physiotherapy is an effective treatment for BPPV (Vertigo) as well as other dizziness and balance disorders related to the vestibular (inner ear) system. If you are suffering from dizziness, feel unsteady, feel uncomfortable in the dark or in busy places, come for an assessment.

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Click links below to learn more about vestibular system, dizziness, and vestibular rehabilitation Therapy:

Vestibular rehabilitation by Physiomobility is a science-based treatment program offered by our trained physiotherapists for dizziness & balance disorders originating from inner ear dysfunction, injuries or conditions.

Most of our vestibular rehabilitation treatments can be provided through virtual/video physiotherapy for patients anywhere in Ontario. 

What causes dizziness?

Common Causes of Vertigo and Dizziness:

Who benefits from Vestibular Physiotherapy?

Many people experience Vertigo or BPPV (Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo), which consists of significant and sudden onsets of dizziness resulting from movements of the head. This can make it difficult to get out of bed or perform normal everyday activities.

Almost any person who experiences dizziness & vertigo can benefit from a vestibular physiotherapy assessment to determine the cause of dizziness. In most cases, a course of vestibular rehabilitation treatments can help patients overcome the challenges associated with vertigo and other symptoms related to balance.

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The vestibular system is the structure located inside the inner ear and once compromised by an injury such as concussion, or infections or other conditions that can commonly cause symptoms such as vertigo, dizziness, nausea, and vomiting. Other common symptoms include lightheadedness, ringing in the ears (tinnitus), double vision or impaired balance. The vestibular system is an important organ inside your inner ear and contributes to your balance and sense of the position of your body in space. Your vestibular system comprises of a few components:

  • Vestibular receptors in the inner ear
  • The connectors between vestibular receptors and other areas in the central nervous system
  • Vision
  • Hands and fingers
  • The sensory receptors in the sole of feet
  • The cochlea, a part of the auditory system which constitutes the labyrinth and includes:
    • Semicircular canal system, which detects rotational movements of your head and body
    • Otoliths, which detects the linear accelerations (moving your body forward and backward and the speed and acceleration).

Head movements stimulate receptors in the inner ear by transmitting signals to the labyrinth. The labyrinth is a structure in your inner ear and is made up of three semicircular canals surrounded by fluid. The cell receptors inside the labyrinth then transmit these signals and received movement information to the vestibular nerve and the vestibular nerve carries the information to the brain-stem and cerebellum. The Brain stem also controls eye movements and reflexes which are necessary for clear vision balance mechanisms (the activity of muscles that control our posture and keep us upright). Brain stem and cerebellum control balance, posture, and motor coordination.

The trained vestibular therapist uses the involuntary eye movement (nystagmus) to assess the symptoms and identify what area of the vestibular system is affected.

Physiomobility clinics’ Vestibular physiotherapist uses the latest equipment to track, monitor and record the eye movements during assessment and treatment.

The information collected during your assessment will then be used to develop a treatment plan that includes a series of maneuvers and exercises to decrease the symptoms and improve balance.

Adults who have suffered damage to the vestibular organs of the inner ear can learn to depend on visual information to maintain their balance. Vestibular rehabilitation is activation and training other senses such as vision to compensate for the lost senses.

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Is there a difference between Vertigo and Dizziness?

Both Vertigo and dizziness are considered to be symptoms, not a disease. Vertigo refers to the sensation of spinning of the world around you. Vertigo is the result of a disturbance in your vestibular system. It is commonly short-lived but can last from hours to days and can be debilitating. People who experience Vertigo may use this term to describe feelings of dizziness which is the sensation of lightheadedness, faintness, and unsteadiness.

People describe their dizzy symptoms differently. Dizziness is usually described as:

  • Feelings of unsteadiness
  • Wooziness (swimming feeling in the head)
  • Lightheadedness
  • Feelings of passing out
  • Sensations of moving
  • Spinning
  • Floating
  • Swaying
  • Tilting
  • Whirling (sensations known as vertigo)

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What is Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT)?

Vestibular rehabilitation is used to address issues related to the vestibular system, which is just one of the primary sensorimotor control systems of the body.

In addition to your vision and proprioception, the vestibular system makes it possible for you to achieve balance while responding to sensory input.

But the vestibular system can be negatively affected by a disease, the use of drugs, physical injury, and aging. This impacts its ability to provide the necessary information related to spatial orientation, movement, and equilibrium causing dizziness and balance impairments.

The proper function of the vestibular system sends the appropriate signals to the brain to ensure optimal function of the entire body.

Vestibular rehab therapy uses exercises that are designed to eliminate or minimize symptoms related to vestibular dysfunction. These include vertigo, loss of balance, dizziness, and the risk of falling.

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How does Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT) work?

Your physiotherapist can perform comprehensive assessments that include the evaluation of your eye movements using video recording devices and the balance system. A treatment plan will then be discussed with you that may include maneuvers such as Epley and rehabilitation exercises.

Secondary health issues can also be addressed through treatment. Many patients experience fatigue, an inability to focus, and nausea over time if their vestibular disorders aren’t addressed.

Anxiety, depression, and other emotional issues have also been linked to vestibular disorders. These issues can become worse as people lose their mobility and their daily performance is diminished.

Our trained and certified vestibular physiotherapist can help you overcome these and other issues. Treatments use exercises that help to restore the function of the vestibular system.

More importantly, you get the right diagnosis to develop a customized treatment plan. Many patients experience dizziness as a result of other medical conditions. Confirming a vestibular issue is critical to receiving the care you need for lasting results.

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Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT) by Physiomobility in Toronto

The Physiomobility team offers a wide range of physiotherapy services alongside vestibular rehabilitation. Patients can be treated for a concussion, chronic pain, osteoarthritis, and other common health conditions.

The effectiveness of our treatment programs comes from the multidisciplinary approach we take along with the patient care that’s rooted in our commitment to continually provide the highest level of service.

Physiomobility creates a comfortable setting that supports the treatment and rehabilitation of our patients.

We use state-of-the-art equipment in the work we do, and the Physiomobility team is recognized by physicians for the results-driven and evidence-based treatments that our patients receive.

Our treatment programs are customized to the needs of each patient. Through this individualized approach to assessing, diagnosing, and treating clients, the root causes of health issues are addressed rather than just treating the symptoms.

Vestibular rehab treatments can help you restore your physical well-being and prevent more significant health problems from arising. Understanding how the right treatments can correct vestibular functions will help you achieve lasting results.

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Author: Gita Mikal, Registered Vestibular Physiotherapist
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WE ARE OPEN

AS ESSENTIAL HEALTHCARE PROVIDERS, WE REMAIN OPEN FOR IN-CLINIC TREATMENTS DURING THE PROVINCE WIDE EMERGENCY BREAK ANNOUNCED ON APRIL 01, 2021

Physiomobility continues to remain open and is not part of the lockdown. We continue to have rigorous disinfection policies and procedures in place to ensure the safety of our community and are open for patient in-person visits with all of our practitioners.

Virtual appointments are available and encouraged for those who are at a heightened risk of illness.

We remain focused on our quality of care & our continued commitment to helping our patients feel their best. For further assistance, you can contact us at 416-444-4800 during our opening hours. 

The Physiomobility Team