A vestibular physiotherapy is a form of therapy that helps to treat conditions that affect balance and movement. If you are experiencing dizziness, vertigo, nausea, or other problems with your balance, then vestibular physiotherapy in Calgary may be the right solution for you.

In this blog post, we will discuss what vestibular physiotherapy is, how it can help improve your symptoms, and if you need it. Keep reading to learn more!

What is Vestibular Physiotherapy

Vestibular Rehabilitation (VR) physiotherapy is a specialized form of therapy that helps patients who suffer from vestibular disorders. These disorders can cause problems with balance, coordination, and vision.

VR physiotherapists use a variety of exercises and techniques to help patients regain their balance and improve their quality of life. Vestibular rehabilitation is often used in conjunction with other forms of therapy, such as physical physiotherapy and occupational physiotherapy.

Verstibular Anatomy in Calgary

What Does A Vestibular Physiotherapist Do?

A vestibular physiotherapy assessment would involve taking a thorough history and performing some special tests. These tests help to identify the cause of a patient’s dizziness and how best to treat it. One can expect the assessment to last for about an hour.

During the assessment, the physiotherapist will ask questions about the nature of the dizziness, how long it has been going on, and what makes it worse.

They will also want to know about any other symptoms, such as nausea or vomiting, that might be associated with the dizziness.

The physiotherapist will then carry out a series of tests, which may include measuring the patient’s range of movement, checking their reflexes, and testing their balance.

They may also use specialized equipment to assess the function of the vestibular system.

Common Tests For Vestibular Rehabilitation Physiotherapy

Some of the common tests required for Vestibular Rehabilitation (VR) physiotherapy include:

  • Eye Test: To check for nystagmus, which is an involuntary movement of the eyes that can be a symptom of vestibular dysfunction.
  • Caloric Test: Involves irrigating the ear with warm or cold water, which stimulates the vestibular system and can help to diagnose problems with the inner ear.
  • Positional Tests: Check by moving the head into different positions to see how this affects the symptoms of dizziness.
  • Balance Tests: Involve standing on one leg or walking in a straight line to assess the patient’s balance.
  • Gait Analysis: Includes assessing the patient’s walking pattern to check for any abnormalities.

Based on the findings of the assessment, the physiotherapist will develop a treatment plan, which may involve exercises, manual therapy, or vestibular rehabilitation. The goal of treatment is to help the patient reduce their symptoms and improve their quality of life.

Woman receiving Vestibular Physiotherapy in Calgary

Vestibular Physiotherapy Exercises

Every patient’s vestibular rehabilitation (VR) physiotherapy program is different, based on their individual vestibular diagnosis. However, there are some general principles and specific exercises that are common to most VR programs.

Basically, the vestibular rehabilitation physiotherapy exercises help to improve the symptoms of dizziness, vertigo, and imbalance. The exercises help to retrain the brain to process information from the vestibular system correctly. The vestibular system is responsible for balance and eye movement.

Here’s a look at some of the exercises that are often used in vestibular rehabilitation therapy:

Adaptation

The first step in vestibular rehabilitation is to help the individual adapt to their new symptoms and limitations. It helps the patient adapt to their new normal. This usually means re-learning how to walk, how to stand, and how to move their head without dizziness or nausea.

This process can be done through a variety of exercises that help the individual become more aware of their symptoms and how to manage them. This step help brain in relearning how to process information from the vestibular system.

Habituation

The second step in vestibular rehabilitation is to help the individual habituate to their new symptoms. This means that the brain becomes less sensitive to the vestibular input and the individual experiences less dizziness and nausea.

This process is done through a variety of exercises that expose the individual to vestibular input in a controlled setting. These exercises help the brain to learn how to ignore vestibular input that is not important for balance and movement.

Compensation

The third and final step in vestibular rehabilitation is to help the individual compensate for their new symptoms. This means that the individual learns how to function despite vestibular dysfunction.

This process is done through a variety of exercises that teach the individual how to use other senses to compensate for the vestibular input. These exercises help the individual to maintain balance and movement despite vestibular dysfunction.

stones representing balance

How Much Does Vestibular Therapy Cost?

The average cost of vestibular therapy can vary depending on the severity of the condition being treated, how many sessions are required, and whether the therapy is being provided by a physical therapist or an otolaryngologist.

Generally, patients can expect to pay between $100 and $200 per session. Some insurance plans may cover the cost of vestibular therapy, so it is always best to check with your provider to see if they offer coverage.

Vestibular therapy is a highly effective treatment for many patients suffering from vertigo and other balance disorders, so it is definitely worth considering if you are experiencing these symptoms.

Vestibular Physiotherapy Benefits

There is a growing body of evidence to support the use of vestibular rehabilitation (VR) in the management of various vestibular disorders. VR has been shown to be an effective treatment for reducing dizziness, improving balance, and reducing falls.

It is a safe and non-invasive treatment that can be used in conjunction with other treatments such as medication or surgery. VR is an important treatment option for vestibular disorders and can offer significant benefits for patients.

Following are the benefits of VR physiotherapy as it helps patients:

  • To improve balance and coordination.
  • To reduce dizziness, vertigo, and nausea.
  • To improve your ability to walk and move around.
  • To be more independent.
  • To regain confidence.
  • To improve the quality of their life.
holding hands in support for Vestibular Physiotherapy

Vestibular Physiotherapy In Calgary

It is always a difficult task to find the best physiotherapy clinic. However, if you are in Calgary, you will find yourself at ease knowing that the Chinook Rehab Centre is the best vestibular clinic in Calgary.

It is because they offer a wide range of services to help you recover from vestibular disorders. They have a team of highly skilled and experienced physiotherapists who will create a custom treatment plan for you, based on your specific needs.

They offer both one-on-one and group therapy sessions, so you can choose what works best for you. They also have a wide range of resources and support available, so you can get the most out of your therapy.

The Chinook Rehab Centre also offers other therapies, such as shockwave therapy, acupuncture therapy, and more. If you’re in need of Vestibular Physiotherapy In Calgary, you should choose Chinook Rehab because:

  • Offer a comprehensive rehabilitation program tailored to each client’s needs.
  • Have a team of highly skilled and experienced therapists.
  • Use the latest technology and evidence-based treatment approaches.
  • Provide a comfortable and welcoming environment.
  • Located in the heart of Calgary.

So, do you have a vestibular disorder? Are you looking for the best Vestibular Physiotherapy In Calgary? Contact the Chinook Rehab Centre today to book an appointment and recover from your vestibular disorder and get back to living your life.

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