Services

Vestibular Rehabilitation

What is it?

Vestibular physiotherapy helps to rehab the vestibular system, a series of sensory canals and organs within our inner ear that provides our brain with information about our head position.

Who is it for?

If the vestibular system is disrupted a person may experience symptoms like vertigo (dizziness), nausea, fatigue, headaches. If you are experiencing these symptoms on a regular basis (either recently or chronically), visit your doctor and ask about vestibular physiotherapy and if it is right for you. Some of the vestibular conditions we treat include:

  • BPPV (Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo)
  • Vestibular neuritis
  • Vestibular labyrinthitis
  • PPPD (Persistent postural-perceptual dizziness)
  • Cervicogenic dizziness
  • Post concussion symptoms
  • Meniere’s disease
  • Age related vestibular deconditioning

What to expect during your first visit

Some of the testing and exercises during a vestibular assessment may bring on symptoms of dizziness, nausea, headache, and vision disturbances. Because of this we ask that you do not drive yourself to and from the appointment. You may ask a family member or friend to bring you to the clinic or take public transit or taxi. If you live locally you can walk to your appointment but may want to ask for someone to accompany you on your walk home. After the assessment you may feel “off” for a few hours, so you may not want to schedule this appointment before an important meeting or busy day. Taking some time to rest quietly after can help any lingering symptoms fade away.

Vestibular Rehabilitation FAQs

  • q: How do I prepare for vestibular treatment sessions?
    a:

    Similar to the assessment, the treatment techniques are designed to bring on symptoms of dizziness, so driving to and from the clinic is still not advised. If you are prescribed vestibular accommodation exercises, you may find at first the exercises initially increase your dizziness before they start to make them better (similar to muscles feeling sore the day after exercising for the first time in a while, the vestibular system has to adapt to the new exercises).

  • q: How is vertigo treated with physio?
    a:

    It depends on the cause! Some conditions, like BPPV, are treated by using a series of short hold positions that use gravity to help restore equilibrium and function to the vestibular canals. Other conditions, like vestibular neuritis, require a series of exercises to help the vestibular system accommodate to different head positions and movement. Vestibular physiotherapy often includes a balance component as the vestibular system is one of the ways our body is able to maintain balance. Muscular tension or joint stiffness in the neck may also be treated through manual therapy and exercise.

  • q: How many treatments are usually required?
    a:

    Again, it depends! Some conditions are able to be completely treated within 1-3 sessions, while chronic conditions may need to be monitored over the years.

Pricing

For Vestibular Rehabilitiation and Concussion treatments.

*Initial Assessment

45 mins
$105

Subsequent

Private Rate
30 mins
$105

Subsequent

Private Rate
45 mins
$150

Full Time Student

30 mins
$85

MSP

Supplementary Benefits
30 mins
$62

ICBC Non-Standard Extended

Accepted Claims
45 mins
$5

*for first time clients, or clients who have not been seen in more than 3 months

Missed appointments or ones cancelled or rescheduled with less than 48 hours notice will be subject to the full appointment fee.

We may be able to direct bill some extended health plans if related to an existing illness or injury. Please check out the FAQ’s under about for a list of participating insurance companies.

For ICBC claims, a special request for extended Vestibular and Concussion therapy must be approved prior to treatment. If your appointment happens outside of coverage you will be charged the full amount of the appointment.

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