Offered by our physiotherapists

Physiotherapy in Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT)

Vestibular rehabilitation is an area of physical therapy offered at MSK Québec. This approach aims to assess and treat symptoms related to balance issues, vertigo and dizziness caused by the vestibular system. Located in the inner ear, the vestibular system is involved in many everyday actions. Particularly in eye and head movements.

Learn More
Salle de traitement

Procedure

1

Assessment

The physiotherapist will perform a thorough evaluation and vestibular testing to determine the cause of your symptoms. He or she will look at your balance, eye movement (visual coordination) and vestibular system.

2

Treatment Plan

The physiotherapist will create a treatment plan with exercises designed to ease or eliminate your symptoms. He or she will also perform the necessary maneuvers.

3

Follow-up

The physiotherapist will provide you with an at home exercise program. Follow-ups will be scheduled to ensure that you are making good progress and that your vestibular function is improving.

Therapeutic Effects

  • Reduces symptoms of dizziness or vertigo
  • Improve balance
  • Reduced fall risk
  • Improve quality of life

Adverse Effects

  • Temporary increase in nausea
  • Vomiting may occur during treatment
  • Temporary fatigue after treatment
  • Temporary difficulty concentrating after treatment

Treated Pathologies

  • Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV)
  • Neuronitis
  • Vestibular neuritis
  • Labyrinthitis
  • Other vestibular system pathologies

Cost

This procedure is covered by some private insurances. We will provide you with a physiotherapy receipt for your insurance purposes.

Contraindications

Please consult your doctor first if you have any:

  • Loss of consciousness
  • Sudden hearing loss
  • Sudden double vision or loss of vision
  • Inability to speak or articulate
  • Numbness or weakness of the face or on one side of the body
  • Sudden severe headaches
  • If you have been exposed to toxic substances
  • If you have suffered head trauma

Patient File

If you feel any temporary discomfort after the session, get plenty of rest. Carry out your exercises as advised by your physical therapist.

Frequently Asked Questions

How are vestibular disorders treated?

Depending on your physiotherapist’s assessment, he or she will use a variety of techniques to relieve your symptoms. Taking into account the other systems involved in recovery, your physiotherapist may use modalities such as:

  • Repositioning maneuvers for BPPV (Epley maneuver, for example)
  • Muscle and myofascial release techniques
  • Orthopedic manual therapy
  • Movement habituation techniques
  • Specific exercises to be progressed over time