Guide to Vestibular Rehabilitation: Regain Balance and Confidence
As seasons change in Calgary, many people notice more sinus infections, colds, and slips on icy sidewalks each of which can trigger dizziness or vertigo. If you’ve felt the room spin, struggled with imbalance, or avoided movement because it makes you nauseous, vestibular rehabilitation can help. At Nolan Hill Physiotherapy and Massage Clinic, our team provides comprehensive, evidence-based care to help you feel steady again.
We proudly serve Nolan Hill, Sage Hill, Beacon Hill, Evanston, Citadel, Hamptons, Royal Oak, Glacier Ridge, Panorama, Carrington, Livingston, Kincora, and Sherwood. If you’re searching for physiotherapy near me or a physiotherapy clinic near me, our friendly team in NW Calgary is ready to help.
Understanding Vestibular Disorders
The vestibular system found in your inner ear and brain helps your body know where it is in space. When something disrupts this system, the result can be vertigo, unsteadiness, motion sensitivity, or visual blurring.
Common causes we see in Calgary
- Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV): crystals shift in the inner ear, causing brief but intense spinning
- Vestibular neuritis or labyrinthitis: often after a viral illness
- Vestibular migraine: dizziness with or without a headache
- Concussion and whiplash: falls, sports, or MVAs can affect both the inner ear and neck
- Persistent Postural-Perceptual Dizziness (PPPD): chronic dizziness triggered by movement or busy environments
Symptoms to watch for
- Spinning or rocking sensations, especially with head movements or rolling in bed
- Imbalance, veering while walking, or feeling “on a boat”
- Nausea, motion sensitivity, or difficulty in grocery stores/busy places
- Blurry vision when moving your head or reading
- Neck tightness or headaches, often after a concussion or whiplash
If this sounds familiar and you’re looking for physiotherapy for vertigo or physiotherapy for vertigo, our experienced clinicians can help.
How Vestibular Rehabilitation Works
Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT) is a specialized program of exercises and maneuvers that retrain your brain and inner ear to work together again. It’s safe, non-invasive, and highly effective for many vestibular conditions.
Your assessment at Nolan Hill Physiotherapy and Massage Clinic
- Detailed history of your symptoms and triggers
- Positional tests (e.g., Dix–Hallpike, Roll test) to identify BPPV
- Eye and head movement testing (VOR, Head Impulse Test)
- Balance and gait assessment, including dual-task challenges
- Neck mobility and muscle tension evaluation
We explain every step so you feel confident and informed.
Evidence-based treatments we use
- Canalith repositioning maneuvers (e.g., Epley, BBQ Roll) for BPPV
- Gaze stabilization exercises to improve visual focus during head movement
- Habituation exercises to reduce motion and visual sensitivity
- Balance training to rebuild stability in real-world scenarios
- Cervicogenic dizziness care, including gentle manual therapy and targeted neck exercises
- Gradual return-to-work, sport, and driving plans when appropriate
If your dizziness followed a head injury, we provide comprehensive concussion care. For anyone searching concussion treatment near me, our integrated approach can address vestibular, visual, and neck-related components.
Complementary Therapies in a Multi-Disciplinary Plan
At Nolan Hill Physiotherapy and Massage Clinic, you benefit from a collaborative team and multiple modalities under one roof. This can speed recovery and reduce flare-ups.
- Physiotherapy: targeted vestibular exercises, balance training, and manual therapy
- Massage therapy Calgary NW: to ease neck and shoulder tension that can aggravate dizziness
- Chiropractic care: gentle joint mobilization to restore cervical mobility when appropriate
- IMS and dry needling: to release stubborn trigger points contributing to headaches or neck tightness
- Laser therapy for pain: a supportive option to calm soft-tissue irritation
- Medical acupuncture: offered by our team for symptom relief; convenient if you’re seeking an acupuncture clinic NW Calgary
- Education and pacing: strategies to manage triggers in daily life
If you’re recovering from a workplace injury, our team can coordinate WCB physiotherapy Calgary. After motor vehicle collisions, we offer mva physiotherapy Calgary with integrated massage and cervical care.
Benefits of Early Treatment
Starting care early can improve outcomes and reduce stress. When you address vestibular issues promptly, you can:
- Shorten the duration and intensity of vertigo episodes
- Reduce fall risk and fear of movement
- Improve gaze stability for reading, driving, and screen use
- Restore confidence with walking, turning, and household tasks
- Return to work, school, and sport faster
Early intervention is especially important after concussions and whiplash. Don’t wait for symptoms to “just go away”—timely care often leads to better, longer-lasting results.
Why Choose Nolan Hill Physiotherapy and Massage Clinic
- One-on-one, individualized plans: Your program is tailored to your specific diagnosis and goals
- Multi-disciplinary team: physiotherapy, massage therapy, chiropractic care, IMS, dry needling, laser therapy, and medical acupuncture
- Vestibular expertise: assessments and treatments that follow best-practice clinical guidelines
- Concussion and neck integration: we address the inner ear, vision, and cervical spine together for comprehensive recovery
- Community-focused: proudly serving Nolan Hill, Sage Hill, Beacon Hill, Evanston, Citadel, Hamptons, Royal Oak, Glacier Ridge, Panorama, Carrington, Livingston, Kincora, and Sherwood
- Insurance-friendly: support for extended benefits, MVA claims, and WCB coordination when needed
What to Expect Between Visits
Your home program is key to success. We’ll provide:
- Clear, customized exercises with progressions
- Tips for managing flare-ups and triggers (like rolling in bed or bending)
- Pacing strategies for screens, grocery stores, and busy visuals
- Guidance on safe activity, hydration, and sleep
Most clients notice meaningful improvements within weeks, depending on the diagnosis and severity.
Care Beyond Vestibular: Comprehensive Service
While vestibular rehab may be your first need, our clinic supports your whole health journey. In addition to massage and physiotherapy, our team also provides:
- Sports injury physiotherapy and sports-related injury rehabilitation
- Custom foot orthotics and custom foot orthotics Calgary casting
- Chiropractors in Calgary NW for spine and joint care
- Pelvic floor physiotherapy, including pelvic floor physiotherapy Calgary NW
- TMJ physiotherapy Calgary for jaw-related headaches and neck pain
If you’re exploring additional modalities, we can also discuss options like massage cupping therapy (cup therapy massage) when appropriate to your goals.
Take the First Step: Book Your Vestibular Assessment
Dizziness and vertigo can be scary—but you’re not stuck with them. With the right plan, you can feel steady, confident, and back in control.
- Book an initial assessment at Nolan Hill Physiotherapy and Massage Clinic
- Get a clear diagnosis and a personalized treatment plan
- Start moving forward with expert, compassionate care
Whether you’re searching for physiotherapy clinic near me or need a trusted team for vertigo physiotherapy Calgary, we’re here to help. Contact our NW Calgary clinic today to schedule your visit and take the first step toward feeling like yourself again.