Vestibular Rehabilitation (Dizziness, Vertigo and Balance Rehabilitation)

Dizziness and vertigo are among the most common symptoms that send people to see doctors. Many of these vertigo and dizziness problems come from a dysfunction of the inner ear or the vestibular organ. The vestibular organ is critical for balance, coordination, and movement, and when it is in dysfunction patients can experience spinning (vertigo), dizziness, visual disturbances, nausea, imbalance, and light-headedness.

Vestibular rehabilitation is a form of therapy intended to alleviate both the primary and secondary problems caused by vestibular disorders. Evidence has shown that vestibular rehabilitation can be effective in improving symptoms related to many vestibular (inner ear/balance) disorders.

Conditions commonly treated or helped with vestibular rehabilitation include:

  • Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV/Vertigo)
  • Unilateral or Bilateral Hypovestibular Disorders caused by:
    • Vestibular Neuritis
    • Labyrinthitis
    • Meniere’s Disease
    • Acoustic Neuroma
  • Central Causes of Vestibular Dysfunction
    • Stroke
    • Acquired Brain Injuries/Concussions
    • Tumours (after surgery)
    • Vestibular Migraines

Once a diagnosis has been determined by your physiotherapist, an individualized rehab program will be created for you that may involve repositioning techniques of the crystals in the inner ear, gaze stabilization exercises, motion sensitivity exercises or habituation exercises, and balance and coordination exercise.

Athletic Therapy

Athletic Therapy is the assessment and treatment of musculoskeletal injuries both in a clinical setting and on the sidelines of sporting events. Treating patients with acute and chronic muscle, bone and joint injuries, a Certified Athletic Therapist can help you recover from a sprain, strain, fracture or joint replacement surgery.

Athletic Therapists use the Sports Medicine Model of Care:

  • Prevention
  • Assessment
  • Treatment
  • Rehabilitation
  • Education

Treating a wide range of clients from children to seniors, a Certified Athletic Therapist works to help you return back to your daily activities, whether that means playing competitive or recreational sport, returning to work, or being able to play with your grandchildren. Using manual techniques, modalities, exercise, taping and patient education, an Athletic Therapist works to get you back to doing the things you love to do.

Massage Therapy

Massage therapy will be offered by Complete Physiotherapy in conjunction with the physiotherapy and above-mentioned services. Services will be therapeutic in nature for the treatment of both orthopedic disorders and relaxation.

Licensed massage therapists are extensively trained in the safe application of manual mobilization of soft tissue and offer a variety of services including pre and post natal, sport massage, lymphatic drainage, relaxation massage, trigger point and myofascial techniques.

Physiotherapy

Physiotherapy is an independent self-regulated profession, encompassing a broad range of services. Physiotherapists are primary health care professionals that are responsible for assessment, diagnosis and treatment of a variety of medical conditions. They combine their in-depth knowledge of the body and how it works and translate it to customized treatments to maximize outcomes for each and every illness, injury, and disability.

Physiotherapy assessments and subsequent treatments will focus primarily on an orthopedic caseload but will not be limited to other aspects of physiotherapy. The following will be offered through our physiotherapy services:

  • Acute Injury Management
    Acute care management of all sprains and strains (i.e. sprained ankle, strained hamstring) will be available. Treatment may include a combination of education, protective bracing, bandaging and splinting, anti-inflammatory electrical modalities such as ultrasound, laser, or interferential current, application of ice, and manual therapy if indicated to minimize pain and swelling, and implementation of an exercise program when appropriate.
  • Sports Related Injuries
    Rehabilitation of sports related injuries is designed to facilitate a timely and appropriate return to pre-injury function. Rehab will consist of sport specific exercises to maximize strength and mobility restrictions, improve flexibility, coordination and balance to achieve peak athletic performance while reducing the susceptibility and reoccurrence of future injuries.
  • Repetitive Sprain and Strain Injuries
    Repetitive sprain and strains injuries differ from acute injuries in that they are more chronic in nature. Treatment for these injuries will benefit from further education, activity modifications, gentle exercise, specific and focused strengthening, potential use of bracing or splinting with a gradual return to activity.
  • Pre and Post Surgical Rehabilitation
    Tailored programs including exercise and education will be offered to patient’s pre and post surgery to maximize outcomes post surgery. Skilled physiotherapist’s will be knowledgeable in protocols for each procedure and modify exercises as necessary to aid in the most favorable treatment for each patient. Communication with the surgeon will be vital for optimal recovery, which the physiotherapist will take part in throughout the patient’s rehab.
  • Manual and Manipulative Therapy
    Manual and manipulative therapy involves the use of a physiotherapist’s hands to clinically manipulate and mobilize soft tissue and joints. This may include therapist-assisted stretches, articular mobilizations and manipulations, local soft tissue massage, friction massage, myofascial release and acupressure. Manipulations are passive, high velocity, low amplitude thrusts applied to a joint beyond its physiological limit of motion, but within its anatomic limit with the intent to restore optimal motion, function and reduce pain.
  • Customized Exercise Programs
    An important component of any physiotherapy program is the implementation of a customized and individualized exercise program. Components of the exercise program are transferable to a home setting for improved adherence as well as efficacy. Physiotherapist assisted stretching, postural re-education techniques, resisted training, cardiovascular conditioning and implementation of changes acquired through education will be components of the program. Strengthening equipment will be available at the clinic specific to rehabilitation which may include but are not limited to an upper body cycle, a recumbent bike, treadmill, a universal machine, theraband resisted tubing, wall mounted resisted pulleys and therapy balls.
  • Taping and Strapping
    Protective taping, tensoring and bandaging services and supplies are available for protection, stabilization and support of injured joints and soft tissue. Application is suitable in all stages of injury, acute and chronic.
  • Electrotherapeutic Modalities and Thermotherapy
    Various modalities including ultrasound, laser, multi-current stimulation including interferential current (IFC), transcutaneous nerve stimulation (TENS) and electrical neuro-muscular stimulation (NMES) are utilized in the treatment of pain, swelling and muscular weakness. The clinic will be well equipped with an assortment of electrical stimulation modalities available as part of a treatment program.
  • Mechanical Traction
    A mechanical traction unit will provide the ability to longitudinally stretch the neck and low back. A modernized unit will be in place with patient specific programming and protocols. The technique is utilized for the treatment of spinal conditions including disc protrusions, degenerative disc disease and spinal arthritis.