Physiotherapy and balance retraining is an effective therapy to decrease and at times eliminate vertigo, dizziness, and balance disorders resulting from ear infections, medications, trauma, disease as well as aging. These concerns are listed as among the most frequent reason for trips to the doctor.
Vestibular/Balance Program Details
Did you know that...
- Dizziness is the #1 reason people over the age of 65 visit their doctor
- 10-60% of people experience vertigo over their lifetime
- 10% of doctor visits are for “dizziness”
Do you experience dizziness, light-headedness or feel like you are off-balance? Does the room feel like it’s spinning around you or do you feel like you are falling head over heels when you lay down to bed, lean over, or roll over in bed? You may have an inner ear dysfunction.
Vertigo is the illusion of movement caused by involuntary eye movement. Our physiotherapist may use Frenzel goggles that magnify and illuminate your eyes to observe for this.
If the vertigo is caused from BPPV (benign paroxysmal positional vertigo) you may experience short bursts of vertigo lasting less than a minute when changing positions of the head. Dizziness, lightheadedness, nausea and unsteadiness may be felt in between episodes. The condition is often treated by a Canalith Repositioning Technique (CRT), often referred to as Epley’s Maneuver which will return, what are commonly known as the crystals, to their rightful location. The choice of technique is based on accurate assessment of which canal the crystals haven fallen into. The type of maneuver used depends on the type of BPPV a person has. The technique should not be attempted without proper diagnosis and instruction by your physiotherapist or physician.
A qualified physiotherapist will also assess other functions of your vestibular system including the ability to maintain your focus while turning the head and for balance. A customized program of in-clinic and home program exercises aims to resolve symptoms and restore normal inner ear function, thus reducing the risk for injury and falls. Communication with your family physician, medical specialists such as ENTs (ear, nose, throat) and neurologists, audiologists and others is an important part of your full medical care.
Fall Prevention Program Details
A qualified physiotherapist and occupational therapist will assess your strength, flexibility, postural control, endurance, balance and mobility. After the initial assessment and identifying risk factors, a customized program will be developed. Treatment focuses on one to one care with your therapist.
- Education on fall prevention and hazard identification.
- Exercises that challenge dynamic and static balance.
- A home-based internet video exercise program.
- Recommendations on walking and mobility aids.