Burnaby Physiotherapy
VESTIBULAR REHABILITATION
Physiotherapy for Dizziness, Vertigo, and Balance Problems
Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy in Burnaby - EastWest Physiotherapy
Feeling dizzy, off-balance, or like the room is spinning can be frightening and exhausting. For many people, these symptoms interfere with work, driving, sleep, exercise, and confidence in everyday movement. Vestibular problems are more common than most people realize—research shows that up to 35% of adults aged 40 and older will experience a vestibular disorder at some point in their lives. One of the most frequent causes is Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV), which is the most common vestibular disorder and, importantly, one of the most treatable.
At EastWest Physiotherapy in Burnaby, we provide specialized vestibular rehabilitation therapy to help people reduce dizziness, improve balance, and regain confidence in movement. Vestibular rehabilitation is a focused area of physiotherapy that treats conditions affecting the vestibular system—the part of your inner ear and nervous system responsible for balance, spatial awareness, and head control. When this system is disrupted by injury, illness, aging, or concussion, even simple activities like walking, rolling in bed, or turning your head can trigger dizziness or instability.
The good news is that vestibular rehabilitation therapy is highly effective, evidence-based, and individualized. With the right assessment and targeted treatment plan, many vestibular conditions—especially BPPV—can improve quickly, allowing people to return to daily life feeling steady and in control again.
What Is Vestibular Rehabilitation?
Vestibular rehabilitation is a form of physiotherapy designed to treat vestibular disorders that cause dizziness, vertigo, imbalance, and motion sensitivity.
Inside each inner ear sits a small but powerful balance organ made up of the semicircular canals, otolith organs, and the vestibular nerve. These structures send constant signals to your brain about head position, movement speed, and direction. Your brain then combines this information with vision and body sensation (your sensory system) to keep you upright and oriented.
When this system is injured—due to trauma, infection, concussion, aging, or neurological conditions—the brain receives faulty signals. The result can include:
- Spinning sensations (vertigo)
- Unsteadiness while walking
- Sensitivity to motion or busy environments
- Nausea or “motion sickness” feelings
- Difficulty focusing your eyes during movement
- Fear of falling or sudden loss of confidence
Vestibular rehabilitation therapy (VRT) uses targeted exercises, balance training, and specific maneuvers to retrain the brain, calm irritated vestibular nerves, and restore balance control.
Common Vestibular Disorders We Treat
Vestibular rehabilitation can help with both sudden-onset dizziness and long-standing balance problems. At our Burnaby physiotherapy clinic, we commonly treat:
Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV)
BPPV is the most common vestibular disorder. It occurs when tiny calcium crystals become displaced within the semicircular canals, triggering sudden spinning when you roll in bed, look up, or bend forward. BPPV can occur spontaneously, after trauma, or following prolonged positions such as dental or salon chairs.
Vestibular Neuritis & Labyrinthitis
These conditions involve inflammation of the vestibular nerve or inner ear, often after a viral illness. Symptoms may include severe dizziness, imbalance, nausea, and difficulty walking—sometimes lasting weeks without treatment.
Post-Concussion Dizziness
After a concussion, the vestibular system often struggles to integrate vision, balance, and movement. This can lead to dizziness, motion sensitivity, headaches, and difficulty concentrating.
Ménière’s Disease
A condition involving fluid regulation problems in the inner ear, leading to episodes of vertigo, hearing changes, tinnitus, and balance loss.
Age-Related Balance Decline & Fall Risk
As we age, vestibular function naturally declines. Combined with vision changes and reduced muscle strength, this increases fall risk. Vestibular training and balance rehabilitation are proven to reduce falls and restore confidence. If you feel unsteady, avoid head movements, rely on walls for support, or live with constant “foggy balance,” vestibular rehabilitation may be the right treatment for you.
What to Expect During Your Vestibular Assessment
Your vestibular rehabilitation journey starts with a comprehensive clinical assessment. Because dizziness symptoms can have many causes, accurate diagnosis is essential.
Your physiotherapy assessment may include:
- Detailed symptom history (triggers, duration, severity)
- Balance and gait analysis
- Eye movement testing (nystagmus, gaze control)
- Positional tests such as the Dix-Hallpike for BPPV
- Screening of the vestibular nerve and sensory integration
- Neck mobility and strength assessment (especially post-concussion)
Once we identify which part of your vestibular system is involved, we design a targeted vestibular rehabilitation program tailored to your symptoms and goals.
How Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy Works
Vestibular rehabilitation works by encouraging neuroplasticity—the brain’s ability to adapt, recalibrate, and form new connections.
Rather than simply “resting” dizziness away, vestibular rehabilitation uses controlled exposure to movement and sensory input so your nervous system learns how to process balance signals more accurately.
This process is supported by strong clinical research showing improvements in:
- Dizziness intensity and frequency
- Balance and gait stability
- Visual clarity during movement
- Fall prevention
- Quality of life and confidence
Common Vestibular Disorders We Treat
Vestibular rehabilitation can help with both sudden-onset dizziness and long-standing balance problems. At our Burnaby physiotherapy clinic, we commonly treat:
BPPV Repositioning Manoeuvres
Techniques such as the Epley, Semont, or BBQ Roll, or Foster maneuver are used to reposition displaced crystals within the semicircular canals. Many patients experience immediate or rapid relief.
Gaze Stabilization & Oculomotor Exercises
These exercises help your eyes stay focused during head movement—essential for reading, driving, and screen use without dizziness.
Balance Training & Proprioceptive Exercises
Improves coordination between the vestibular system, vision, and body awareness. This includes standing, walking, and dynamic balance tasks.
Habituation Training
Gradual exposure to movements or environments that trigger dizziness, helping the brain reduce its overreaction to motion.
Cervical Spine Treatment
Neck mobility and strength work may be included when dizziness is linked to cervical dysfunction or whiplash injuries.
Benefits of Vestibular Rehabilitation
Vestibular physiotherapy can help you:
- Reduce or eliminate vertigo episodes
- Improve balance and walking confidence
- Decrease dizziness symptoms and motion sensitivity
- Restore visual clarity during movement
- Reduce fall risk
- Return to driving, work, and daily activities safely
Many patients describe vestibular rehabilitation as “getting their life back.”
Why Choose EastWest Physiotherapy for Vestibular Rehabilitation in Burnaby?
At EastWest Physiotherapy, vestibular rehabilitation is delivered with the same philosophy that defines our clinic: personalized, one-to-one, evidence-based care.
Here’s what sets us apart:
- Private treatment rooms for focused assessment and care
- One-to-one physiotherapy — no overlapping clients
- Experienced clinicians trained in vestibular rehabilitation therapy
- Thorough clinical assessments, not rushed protocols
- Integration of neck, balance, and neurological care when needed
- Convenient Burnaby location near Brentwood, Highway 1, and Metrotown
We take the time to listen, assess, and explain—so you understand why you feel dizzy and how your treatment works.
Frequently Asked Questions — Vestibular Rehabilitation
How do I know if my dizziness is vestibular?
If dizziness is triggered by head movements, rolling in bed, looking up, or busy environments, the vestibular system is often involved. A proper clinical assessment confirms this.
Is vestibular rehabilitation effective?
Yes. Research consistently shows vestibular rehabilitation therapy significantly improves dizziness symptoms, balance problems, and quality of life for many vestibular disorders.
Will treatment make me feel dizzy?
Some exercises may temporarily provoke mild dizziness, which is normal and part of the retraining process. All treatment is performed safely and at your tolerance level.
How long does vestibular rehab take?
BPPV often resolves in 1–3 sessions. Other vestibular disorders may require several weeks of progressive training depending on severity and duration.
Do I need a doctor’s referral?
No referral is required to start vestibular physiotherapy at EastWest Physiotherapy, though we collaborate with physicians when needed.
Book Vestibular Rehabilitation in Burnaby
If dizziness, vertigo, or balance problems are affecting your daily life, help is available. Vestibular rehabilitation therapy can dramatically improve symptoms when properly assessed and treated.
At EastWest Physiotherapy, we provide focused, one-to-one vestibular care in a calm, private setting—so you feel supported every step of the way.