WHAT IS A VESTIBULAR / INNER EAR CONDITION?
Many people experience very real symptoms of dizziness and balance disturbance due to a problem with the function (or dynamics) of the balance system, and not due to a structural vestibular or neurological disease.
These symptoms have many different names but are often described as ‘functional’ disorders. Symptoms like these can also improve with Vestibular Rehab.
WHO CAN BENEFIT FROM VESTIBULAR REHABILITATION?
People with inner ear (vestibular) and central (brain) disorders can be helped with Vestibular rehabilitation (VR).
There is evidence that suggests that an individualized exercise program is better than a generic exercise program.
WHAT IS VESTIBULAR REHABILITATION?
Vestibular rehabilitation (VR) consists of exercises to treat dizziness and balance problems. It is a very well established and accepted intervention for people suffering with balance and vestibular (inner ear) disorders.
WHAT FACTORS ARE RELATED TO RECOVERY?
The degree to which people improve depends on:
- their diagnosis
- medication use or non-use
- other health problems
- motivation
- family support
- plus other psychological factors
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO IMPROVE?
The frequency of visits can vary, and the duration of VR can last from as little as 1 to 2 weeks to several months. Appointments are usually between 30 minutes and one hour.
Your symptoms largely dictate how long the exercises last. You may experience an increase in dizziness if the prescribed exercises are too advanced, so it is important to work with your physiotherapist to make sure the exercises are appropriate for your condition and stage of recovery.
WHAT CAN I EXPECT FROM A VESTIBULAR PHYSIOTHERAPIST?
MOST THERAPISTS WILL START BY:
- asking you questions to obtain a thorough history considering the initial onset and course of your condition
- evaluate eye and head movements
- screen for the presence of Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV).
A comprehensive evaluation of standing and walking balance assessments will be performed by the physiotherapist.
THE MOST COMMON SYMPTOM OF BPPV IS DIZZINESS — THE FEELING THAT THE INSIDE OF A PERSON’S HEAD OR THEIR SURROUNDINGS ARE SPINNING:
ESSENTIALLY VERTIGO.
BASED ON THE FINDINGS:
- your individual goals and expectations of treatment can then be determined
- a home exercise programme (HEP) can be developed
the length of time seen, and number of visits needed to improve can vary - Most of the improvement occurs when you do the home exercise program.
During follow-up visits, the physiotherapist may decide to update the HEP based on your symptoms and progress with the exercises.
AT LIQUIDGYM, OUR PHYSIOTHERAPISTS AND HEALTHCARE TEAM, WILL WORK TOGETHER TO HELP YOU THROUGH YOUR RECOVERY JOURNEY.
CALL 613-820-8228 TO BOOK YOUR INITIAL ASSESSMENT!
LEARN MORE
- Please ensure you have completed your online assessment form before arriving for your appointment.
- Your first appointment is a land appointment. Shorts and t-shirt/tank top are appropriate.
- Bring your physician’s referral, if you have one (though not required)
- Provide any relevant medical history
- Bring any relevant reports/test results (e.g. x-rays, ultrasound scan, MRI reports)
- Personal and family medical history
- Major illnesses that you have experienced
- Surgeries or operations that you have had
- Medications that you are currently taking
- Your level of activity at work and leisure
- Sleeping habits
- Blood pressure, pulse and breathing
- Reflexes
- Muscle strength
- Flexibility
- Range of motion
- Coordination
- Posture Analysis
- X-Ray review
- Movement Analysis
Do I need a physician’s referral?
Physiotherapists are primary health care practitioners and therefore offer direct access to physiotherapy services without the need for a physician’s referral. Some extended health insurance plans require a physician’s referral; however, please check your insurance plan if in doubt.
Can you bill directly to my insurance company?
Some extended health insurance companies currently accept direct billing from Physiotherapy clinics. Ask and we can let you know if your insurance company accepts direct billing from LiquidGym.
Does LiquidGym accept Motor Vehicle Accident claims?
Some extended health insurance companies currently accept direct billing from Physiotherapy clinics. Ask and we can let you know if your insurance company accepts direct billing from LiquidGym.
Do you direct bill for Veterans Affairs, RCMP, and Canadian Forces?
Yes. If you have Blue Cross coverage through either Veterans Affairs, RCMP, or Canadian Forces, we can bill directly with Blue Cross. To proceed, we require your ID number and the contact information of your case manager, if applicable.
Many patients pay out-of-pocket for physiotherapy. At LiquidGym we respect your dollar by providing only one-on-one appointments with your physiotherapist. We do not double-book clients, nor do we provide your treatment through support personnel. In addition to your on-site treatment, if appropriate, the physiotherapist will provide a self-managed home care treatment program to facilitate your recovery.
No, LiquidGym is not an OHIP designated clinic.
Due to a high number of last-minute cancellations and missed appointments, any physiotherapy appointments canceled within 24 hours of the scheduled appointment time will be subjected to a $50 cancellation fee per 30 minutes of missed appointment time.
When you cancel your appointment, please inform office staff why you are canceling. This information will be passed along to your therapist.
Appointment reminder emails will be sent out 24 hours in advance.