If you have dizziness and/or balance issues, do yourself a favour and book an appointment with Jen McConvey. She is a lovely and caring person and really, really good at her job. I’m very grateful. My only regret is not booking sooner.
- Tim M.
"I recommend to anyone."
Everything from the first call to reception, to my first appointment was an absolute pleasure. This place is top notch and they really make you feel comfortable. I saw Jen for some ongoing dizziness issues and she was amazing. Genuine, caring, and does an incredible job explaining everything. Thank you so so much!! I’d recommend to anyone.
- Vern P.
"Without her help, I would not be living pain free!"
Jennifer was such a valuable resource for me when I felt I had exhausted all other resources as I chased treatment for vertigo and migraines. Without her help, I would not be living pain free!
- Jon M.
"I finally received the help I needed"
After seeing 4 different doctors for my vertigo, I finally received the help I needed with Jennifer. She has a lot of patience and never gives up. Thank you.
- Rick F.
WELCOME TO THE PHYSIOPLUS HEALTH GROUP DIZZINESS & VERTIGO CLINIC
GET BACK UP ON YOUR FEET WITH OUR VESTIBULAR PHYSIOTHERAPY!
At PhysioPlus our Dizziness and Vertigo Clinic has experts in the diagnosis and treatment of dizziness conditions. We treat conditions such as BPPV, vertigo, neuritis, imbalance, and the management of persistent concussion-related symptoms.
Our vestibular physiotherapist has 10+ years of experience helping patients with vestibular and concussion-related conditions. We understand the impact that your condition has on you and those around you…we can help.
Vestibular physiotherapy is an effective treatment for BPPV (Vertigo) as well as other dizziness and balance issues related to the vestibular (inner ear) system.
Vestibular physiotherapy is a specialized area of physiotherapy that helps 1) reduce dizziness symptoms, 2) improve balance issues, and 3) increase your stability so you can return to your normal day-to-day activities, symptom-free.
Vestibular physiotherapists use head positioning maneuvers and a specialized set of vestibular exercises tailored to your symptoms and diagnosis that help retrain your brain and vestibular system so your symptoms improve.
If you are suffering from dizziness symptoms, feel unsteady, motion sickness or you feel uncomfortable in the dark or in busy places, come for a vestibular physiotherapy assessment…it can help you!
The vestibular system senses motion, head movements, and spatial orientation. Therefore, the vestibular system plays a vital role in coordinating balance and keeping us steady as we go about our day.
A vestibular physiotherapist has specialized post-graduate training in assessing and treating dizziness, vertigo, and balance disorders due to a problem in the vestibular system (inner ear).
After a thorough physical exam, vestibular physiotherapists create and implement an individualized treatment plan that includes specialized exercises to reduce your dizziness symptoms, imbalance and visual instability by helping the brain recognize and compensate for the vestibular dysfunction.
is a type of dizziness that gives you the sensation that you, or your environment, are moving or spinning. This sensation can range from being barely noticeable to the inability to sit upright or walk.
Vertigo is most commonly caused by problems with your vestibular system… a complex system in your inner ear that’s responsible for telling your brain where your body is in space and helping you stay balanced and coordinated.
The most common vestibular disturbances leading to vertigo are:
1. Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV)
Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) BPPV is the most common cause of vertigo. This happens when the small crystals are dislodged and end up in your inner ear fluid. Most cases of BPPV occur with no known cause, but a rapid change in head movement, such as when you turn over in bed, triggers the vertigo. This then causes the spinning/dizzy sensation. Previous head trauma or surgery could increase your likelihood of experiencing this.. You can read more about BPPV here.
2. Vestibular Neuritis or Labyrinthitis
Because vestibular disorders can be rare, education is key with the vestibular patient population. Therefore, Jennifer likes to spend time during her assessments and treatments on educating each of her patients on the underlying cause/causes of their symptoms.
Inflammation of the vestibular nerve or inner ear labyrinth results in vertigo symptoms. This condition is often caused by a viral infection. Symptoms can come on very suddenly and go away in a few weeks.
3. Meniere’s Disease
This is caused by a buildup of fluid and/or changes in pressure within your inner ear. Meniere’s disease can also cause a fluctuating hearing impairment or ringing in your ears.
If you’re experiencing symptoms related to vertigo, it is important to speak to your physician in order to determine the root cause and help you on the path to treatment!
By definition, vertigo is the sensation of you or your environment moving. The symptom of vertigo will vary from person to person, however, you may feel:
Patients with vertigo often have spinning, tilting, swaying, and rocking along with dizziness, nausea, and/or vomiting.
Vertigo that is due to BPPV is often triggered by changes in your head position, such as when you lie down, turn over in bed, or look up. BPPV vertigo symptoms typically last for less than a minute.
If your vertigo tends to last a few minutes, a few hours, or a few days, it’s more likely that your vertigo is coming from another vestibular disorder like vestibular neuritis, vestibular migraines, or Meniere’s Disease.
Specific head (or repositioning) maneuvers are used effectively in the treatment of vertigo in the case of BPPV. The specific exercises that are used in your treatment options will depend on your symptoms, diagnosis and goals.
What’s the difference between dizziness and vertigo?
Dizziness is an umbrella term that can mean many different things or symptoms to different individuals. Therefore, it’s always better to use more descriptive terms when talking to your healthcare provider.
For instance, dizziness can mean light-headedness, imbalance, vertigo, or disorientation. On the other hand, vertigo is the sensation that you or your environment is moving.
Did you know that approximately 1.5 Million Canadians suffer from Chronic Vestibular Problems and that vertigo and dizziness are two of the fastest growing search terms on Google? CBC Health Article
Do physiotherapists treat vertigo & BPPV?
Yes, vestibular physiotherapists have specialized training in treating all types of vestibular disorders including BPPV and the treatment of vertigo. Specialized training in Vestibular Physiotherapy is usually post-graduate training with courses and certifications.
Common dizziness & vertigo conditions treated by a vestibular physiotherapist
1. Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV).
BPPV is the most common cause of vertigo. Symptoms are a result of small crystals that dislodge and end up in your inner ear fluid. Most cases of BPPV occur spontaneously, with no known cause. In this condition, a rapid change in head movement, such as when you turn over in bed, triggers vertigo.
This then causes the spinning/dizzy sensation. Previous head injury or surgery could increase your likelihood of experiencing this. You can read more about BPPV here.
2. Vestibular Neuritis or Labyrinthitis
Inflammation of the vestibular nerve or inner ear labyrinth results in vertigo symptoms. This condition is often caused by a viral infection. Symptoms can come on very suddenly and go away in a few weeks.
3. Meniere’s Disease
This is caused by a buildup of fluid and/or changes in pressure within your inner ear. Meniere’s disease can also cause fluctuating hearing impairment, hearing loss, or ringing in your ears.
If you’re experiencing vertigo symptoms, it is important to speak to your physician in order to determine the root cause and help you on the path to treatment!
4. Vestibular Migraines
This specific type of migraine can have an effect on your vestibular system and can cause symptoms such as dizziness and vertigo which may be coupled with sensitivities to light or sound, or may also impair your vision.
5. Stroke
stroke affects movement in your whole body. If you recently suffered a stroke, you may experience waves of vertigo which may linger for extended periods of time.
Other Conditions Treated by a Vestibular Physiotherapist:
There are four types of vestibular rehabilitation exercises that vestibular physiotherapists use to decrease your vestibular-related symptoms and improve your balance function.
The vestibular rehabilitation exercises that a vestibular physiotherapist may use to help you improve your balance function include:
Head Repositioning Maneuvers for (BPPV): to relocate the displaced otoliths (tiny crystal-like structures) in your inner ear
Gaze Stabilization: Eye/vision exercises that improve how well you keep objects in your vision still while your head is moving so you feel more stable.
Habituation: Habituation exercises are used to retrain the brain to reduce the intensity of your dizziness
Balance / Sensory Integration Training: Through balance exercises we can train your body to learn what cues and information to rely on and ultimately reduce your instability and risk of falling.
Although some of these exercises may initially cause dizziness, at PhysioPlus we carefully select and guide you through the process so that we can progress your exercises gradually as you progress!
Performing the exercises regularly (as recommended by your vestibular physiotherapist) will allow you to feel improvement in your symptoms and help you get back to doing the things you love.
Did you know that your inner ears have vestibular organs that help you keep your balance by measuring your head movements and tilt? They’re kind of like little sensors constantly working to keep you in balance.
How long does it take for vestibular physiotherapy to work?
Some vestibular conditions, such as BPPV, can be cured in as few as 1 to 3 visits, while other conditions may take longer. We often see patients 1 to 2 times a week to start with, and then decrease the frequency as you progress.
Performing the exercises regularly is an important part of the treatment plan in vestibular rehabilitation therapy. This means the more regular you are with your exercises, the faster and more complete your recovery will be.
At PhysioPlus Health Group, we take your specific diagnosis, goals, and lifestyle into consideration when creating your plan of care and home exercise program.
A concussion can cause dysfunction in your vestibular system which can contribute to ongoing symptoms after a concussion such as headaches, dizziness, feeling off-balance, motion sensitivity, and fatigue. Vestibular physiotherapists are specialized in the comprehensive treatment and management of acute concussions as well as chronic concussion-related symptoms.
Initially, a physiotherapist will conduct a thorough vestibular assessment to evaluate the individual’s symptoms, physical abilities, and any associated limitations. They use a combination of specialized techniques and interventions, such as vestibular and balance training, visual rehabilitation, and graded exercise programs, tailored to the specific needs of the patient. A vestibular therapist will also provide education and guidance on physical activity modification, pacing, and gradual return to daily living, work or sports, ensuring a safe and effective recovery process.
If you’ve had a concussion and need help, working with a qualified vestibular therapist, you can regain your sense of balance, reduce your dizziness, and get back to your daily activities more quickly.
Vestibular Rehabilitation at PhysioPlus Health Group involves you working 1-on-1 with a vestibular therapist.
Your first appointment consists of a comprehensive clinical examination where we begin by reviewing your history, and asking about your symptoms and how they have impacted your life.
A thorough vestibular assessment will then be done. This includes assessing your balance, eye movements, and reflexes that involve your head and eyes. Positional testing is also performed to rule in/out BPPV.
We use advanced equipment that allows us to assess any underlying vestibular problems that we’re often not able to see in room light.
A neurological exam is an important part of the assessment. It helps us identify the underlying cause of your symptoms, and also pinpoint any secondary dysfunctions that might require a referral to your doctor.
We also examine your walking, cervical spine (neck), and leg strength as problems in these areas can contribute to your dizziness and imbalance symptoms.
By the end of your initial evaluation, you can expect to have a good understanding of your diagnosis and what we can do to help you. You and your therapist will have developed a plan of care designed to reduce your symptoms, improve your vestibular function, and ultimately get you back to the things you love to do in life!
Why Trust PhysioPlus Health Group for Your Vestibular Rehab?
At the PhysioPlus Health Group Dizziness and Vertigo Clinic, we provide vestibular therapy for our patients suffering from balance disorders in Bloor West Village, The Kingsway and surrounding areas.
We have 10+ years of experience. Our vestibular physiotherapist is passionate about helping people with vestibular and concussion-related conditions therefore allowing them to get their life back.
We send a Plan of Care Report to your Doctor/Specialist that outlines our findings and the recommended treatment plan. In addition, we’ll work alongside and communicate with your physician to ensure the best care possible.
Continual Care with Ongoing Follow Up: We understand that ongoing support and guidance are crucial to optimal recovery. In addition to your care, you’ll receive continual communication and follow ups throughout your care to ensure the best recovery possible.
We Provide the Most Up-to-Date Treatment: In addition to having 10+ years of clinical experience, our therapists attend annual conferences and are active in research. Above all, our vestibular physiotherapist will provide you with the most up-to-date and progressive treatments available in vestibular rehabilitation.
Our team of specialized therapists and doctors are leaders in our community for their outstanding 1:1 patient care.
We successfully treat hundreds of patients each year, providing care for acute, chronic and complex conditions. In other words, you’re in experienced hands.
In addition to treatment, our clinic will help with submitting to your extended health insurance plan, making it a smooth and easy process! The cost is covered by most insurance plans.
We offer virtual appointments to help make it easy for those who are unable to make it into the clinic.
GET THE CARE YOU NEED AT HOME WHEN YOU CAN’T COME TO US
PhysioPlus now offers the convenience of IN-Home Physiotherapy for patients who can’t make it into our clinic. You can now receive the personal care you need in the comfort of your own home from our Registered Physiotherapists and Physio-Pilates Instructors.
Enjoy the convenience of flexible scheduling, less travel, and increased privacy while still receiving top-notch treatment.
Whether you’re recovering from an injury, trying to manage a chronic condition, or simply trying to optimize your health and wellness, our PhysioPlus therapists can give you exceptional results with incredible convenience.
Vestibular therapy could be the difference between a lifetime of dizziness and vertigo, and feeling your absolute best. If you’re feeling dizzy and off-balance, don’t wait any longer to get help!
REQUEST A FREE CONSULTATION AT PHYSIOPLUS HEALTH GROUP TODAY!
If you are searching for vestibular therapy in Bloor West Village and The Kingsway, your search can end here.
Do you have questions? Want to know more about how vestibular rehabilitation can help you before booking your initial assessment? Contact us to book a complimentary 20-minute phone or virtual consultation with our vestibular physiotherapist. We’ll listen to your questions and offer you honest advice about your treatment options.
We can help you if you are struggling with steadying yourself while standing or walking.
Choosing the right physiotherapist can be a big decision. We’re dedicated to answering any questions you have to help you make the best choice. Contact us today and ask us anything!
Common symptoms of vestibular dysfunction include:
Is Vestibular Physiotherapy Treatment covered by Insurance?
Vestibular Physiotherapy is a type of physiotherapy treatment and most extended health insurance plans cover the cost of physiotherapy visits. Every insurance plan is different so we recommend you check with your insurance company to confirm what your specific coverage is.
Our Patient Experience Coordinators can help you with this process, and if your plan allows it, we can even submit the cost of the treatment directly to your insurance company to make the process easier for you.
Can patients with vertigo be treated at home?
Occasionally vertigo can be treated from home, especially if you have BPPV. However, it’s crucial that you identify which part of your vestibular system (inner ear) is affected and choose the proper repositioning procedure to correct it.
Do physiotherapists do vestibular rehabilitation?
Yes, physiotherapists that have specialized training in vestibular disorders and treatment provide vestibular rehabilitation therapy. Specialized training is usually post-graduate training with courses and certifications.
