What is Vestibular Rehabilitation?
Dizziness, vertigo, and imbalance can have many causes — inner ear dysfunction, cervical spine issues, concussion-related changes, visual processing problems, or combinations of these. Vestibular rehabilitation is a physiotherapy-led, evidence-based approach to retrain the balance and visual systems and reduce symptoms. At Maloney Elkassem Wellness in St. Albert, our vestibular-trained physiotherapists provide thorough assessment and progressive treatment.
Conditions We Commonly Assess and Treat
BPPV
Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo
Vestibular neuritis & labyrinthitis
Recovery after inner ear inflammation
PPPD
Persistent Postural-Perceptual Dizziness
Post-concussion symptoms
Vestibular and visual symptoms after concussion
Cervicogenic dizziness
Dizziness linked to neck dysfunction
Motion sensitivity
Including visual motion sensitivity
Balance decline & falls risk
For adults and older adults
Vestibular migraine
As part of a broader care plan
Infrared Video-Goggle Assessment
Where appropriate, our clinic uses infrared video-goggle testing as part of vestibular assessment. This tool records eye movements in darkness and during specific positional and head-movement tests, which helps us look for characteristic patterns of BPPV, spontaneous nystagmus, and other vestibular signs. Video-goggle testing is an assessment aid used alongside clinical examination — it is not a diagnosis on its own, and findings are always interpreted together with your history, symptoms, and physical examination.
What Treatment May Include
Canalith repositioning for BPPV (such as Epley or Semont manoeuvres)
Habituation exercises for motion-triggered symptoms
Gaze stabilization training
Balance and gait retraining
Progressive return to driving, work, sport, and daily activities
Cervical spine treatment where neck dysfunction contributes to dizziness
Education on triggers, pacing, and symptom management
Integrated Care
Dizziness often overlaps with headache, neck pain, poor sleep, visual strain, and anxiety. Our team can coordinate physiotherapy with chiropractic, massage, acupuncture, and counselling as needed — reducing the number of clinics you need to visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a doctor’s referral for vestibular physiotherapy?
No referral is required to see our physiotherapists. For specific insurance plans or MVA/WCB claims, a referral may be needed for coverage — we can help you check.
Is BPPV always treatable in one visit?
Many straightforward posterior-canal BPPV cases respond well to one or two sessions of canalith repositioning. Some presentations are more complex (horizontal canal, bilateral involvement, recurrent episodes, or coexisting conditions) and may need a longer treatment plan.
What should I avoid before my appointment?
Avoid driving yourself if you have active vertigo. Bring a list of medications, any recent imaging or medical reports, and notes on when your symptoms started and what triggers them.
Can vestibular physiotherapy help after a concussion?
Yes. Vestibular and visual symptoms are common after concussion and often respond to targeted rehabilitation, which can be delivered alongside the broader concussion program.
Is video-goggle testing uncomfortable?
No. The goggles rest gently around the eyes and record eye movements in the dark during specific head positions. The test is brief and well-tolerated by most people.
Book Your Vestibular Assessment in St. Albert
Clear assessment. Progressive treatment. Expert vestibular physiotherapy.