Please reach us at clinic@shelbournephysio.ca if you cannot find an answer to your question.
Vestibular Physiotherapy addresses problems with your vestibular system. Your vestibular system commonly experiences symptoms such as vertigo, balance problems, dizziness, spinning, nausea and vomiting, motion sensitivity, lightheadedness, ringing in the ears (tinnitus), double vision, or impaired balance.
Our Shelbourne Vestibular Physiotherapists have additional training and experience in the assessment and treatment of Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV), vestibular nerve deficits, Neuritis & Labyrinthitis, Meniere's disease, cervicogenic dizziness, Central Nervous System (CNS) deficits, fistulas within the inner ear, Vestibular Migraines, and concussions.
Each case is different, and there are many different treatment techniques that can be used within an appointment. An assessment will always be done by the therapist (history-taking, tests, etc).
Treatment techniques can include hands-on repositioning techniques (Epley maneuver, etc), gaze stabilization exercises, balance and postural training, habituation exercises (gradual exposure to movement patterns), cervicogenic dizziness management, and functional and gate training. Patients may also be given a home exercise program.
Vestibular physiotherapy helps retrain the brain and body to compensate for vestibular dysfunction, reduce dizziness, and improve balance. It works through three main mechanisms: Adaptation, Habituation, and Substitution. For more info check out our About Vestibular Physio page.
Your first Vestibular Physiotherapy session will take 45-60 minutes, and follow-up appointments will be 30 minutes long. The number of appointments recommended varies depending on the patient and the condition.
Check out our list of conditions on our About Vestibular Physiotherapy page by clicking HERE!
Please consult your doctor if you are unsure about Vestibular Physiotherapy being the right fit for you. Check out our list of contraindications HERE.
Yes, Vestibular Physiotherapy is generally safe when performed by a registered physiotherapist. In some cases, treatment may cause temporary dizziness, imbalance, or nausea, especially in the early stages of treatment. Proper assessment and individualized treatment helps to minimize risks.
No! Vestibular physiotherapy is performed by a registered physiotherapist. You do not need a doctor's note to attend physiotherapy sessions, however some extended health care plans require a physician's note to have physiotherapy expenses covered or reimbursed.
Vestibular Physiotherapy is performed by a registered Physiotherapist with specialized training in the field.
Vestibular system issues differ widely amongst patients, so there is no set number of appointments that you will need. Once you attend an individualized assessment with a physiotherapist they will be able to provide you with their estimate on how many appointments are needed.
Costs can vary widely depending on the length of appointment, provider, location, and number of sessions required. You can view per-appointment pricing on our online booking site by clicking here for our Shelbourne Street location and here for our Cook Street location.
Yes, if your insurance plan covers physiotherapy treatment. We are able to bill to most extended health plans so please check the details of your plan to see what is covered for you. Some plans do not allow direct billing, so please check with your insurer prior to booking.
Some common insurers that we can direct bill to include;
If you do not see your insurer here, we will give you a detailed receipt to provide to your insurer for reimbursement.
Clients eligible for the Medical Services Plan Supplementary Benefit can have partial payment of physiotherapy services covered for up to 10 medical services annually. The client must apply for the Supplementary Benefit in order for us to direct bill for services. Check if you are eligible for this additional benefit here.