Managing Vestibular Disorders

Managing Vestibular Disorders: Dizziness & Vertigo Care at Encompass Sports Therapy

Dealing with dizziness, vertigo, or balance issues can be disorienting, overwhelming—and even isolating. These symptoms may limit your ability to drive, walk stairs, socialize, or simply feel safe in your own body. At Encompass Sports Therapy, we understand the profound impact vestibular challenges can have on your quality of life. That’s why our physiotherapy team is trained in specialized vestibular rehabilitation—offering thorough assessments, personalized treatment, and reassuring guidance to help you regain stability and confidence.

Based in Bridgeland, Coach Hill, and Cranston, our clinics offer compassionate care in a private, supportive environment—complete with symptom management strategies and steady progress toward a life free from dizziness limiting your day-to-day activities.

1. Understanding Vestibular Disorders & Their Impact

The vestibular system is located in your inner ear and brain, and it provides vital information about movement, orientation, and balance. When that system is disrupted—due to injury, illness, or age—symptoms like vertigo (spinning), imbalance, lightheadedness, nausea, and motion sensitivity can emerge, often accompanied by frustration or fear.

Common vestibular diagnoses include:

  • Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV): caused by loose crystals in the inner ear
  • Vestibular Hypofunction: reduced sensitivity in the vestibular system
  • Vestibular Neuritis or Labyrinthitis: typically viral inflammation
  • Concussion-related dizziness: common following head injury

Vestibular disorders can affect anyone—whether you’re a new parent, a busy professional, or an athlete. And while symptoms can be persistent, targeted physiotherapy has proven effective in resolving or significantly reducing vestibular dysfunction for many people.

2. Initial Assessment & Diagnosis

First, our physiotherapists take the time to understand your history, symptoms, and how dizziness affects your daily life. We explore:

  • When and how symptoms started (e.g., sudden onset, after head injury)
  • Specific triggers (turning in bed, bending, standing)
  • Associated symptoms like nausea or visual distortion

Then we move to positional and balance testing—including:

  • Dix–Hallpike or Roll Tests to check for BPPV
  • Head-thrust tests for vestibular function
  • Dynamic posturography to assess balance
  • Gait and vestibular–ocular reflex assessment (VOR)

This detailed evaluation allows us to pinpoint the type of vestibular dysfunction and craft a safe, effective treatment plan.

3. Personalized Treatment Strategies

Depending on your diagnosis, treatment may include:

A. Canalith Repositioning for BPPV

If positional tests indicate BPPV, we use evidence-based maneuvers—like the Epley or Semont—to reposition crystals in the inner ear. Many clients experience immediate relief after just one session, often avoiding recurring episodes with simple self-management strategies.

B. Vestibular Adaptation Exercises

For conditions like vestibular hypofunction or after concussion, our vestibular physiotherapy focuses on recalibrating your sense of movement and vision. This often involves:

  • Head–eye coordination drills (gaze stabilization)
  • Gradual exposure to motion to reduce visual dependence
  • Balance tasks with progression (standing on unstable surfaces, for instance)

This retraining helps your nervous system learn to compensate for vestibular loss or mismatch.

C. Balance Re-education

Building static and dynamic balance is essential for both recovery and fall prevention. Your therapist may incorporate obstacle navigation, single-leg stance, or stability challenges using wobble boards or foam.

D. Sensory Integration & Habituation

For motion-sensitive clients, we use controlled exposure to triggering movements—like turning, rolling, or visual flow—to gradually build tolerance and reduce symptoms.

All exercises are tailored for gradual progress, safety, and symptom control.

4. Addressing Daily Life & Functional Needs

Vestibular issues are more than physical—they affect routines, independence, and mental health. That’s why our care includes:

  • Symptom management tools (e.g., resting positions, activity pacing)
  • Environmental modifications (e.g., lighting strategies, reducing visual clutter)
  • Home exercise routines to maintain gains and build resilience
  • Education about how your vestibular system works and thrives under stress

We aim to keep you moving toward your goals—whether that’s returning to the gym, commuting to work, playing with grandchildren, or traveling without fear of dizziness derailing the journey.

5. Measuring Progress & Long-Term Success

Recovery from vestibular disorders is very attainable. Many clients see improvement within just a few sessions, particularly in cases of BPPV. Others—especially those with post-concussion dizziness or chronic imbalance—may benefit from a longer approach over 6–12 weeks. But regardless of diagnosis, the result is greater confidence and reduced symptom burden.

Throughout your journey, we measure:

  • Reduction in symptom frequency and severity
  • Improvement in balance and postural stability
  • Return to daily activities with less fear or avoidance

We celebrate each milestone, whether it’s walking up two flights of stairs without dizziness or enjoying a slow roll in bed painlessly.

6. Why Choose Encompass Sports Therapy for Vestibular Care?

When you’re dealing with dizziness or imbalance, you deserve thoughtful, one-on-one care. At Encompass Sports Therapy, our vestibular physiotherapists offer:

  • Comprehensive assessment in private rooms
  • Labyrinth-safe environment to ensure your safety
  • Personalized exercises and strategies—not a one-size-fits-all script
  • Flexible scheduling including evenings/weekends
  • Direct billing to simplify insurance coverage

We understand balance issues can be isolating—so we build a supportive space, help reconnect you to your body, and foster hope with steady progress.

7. Are You Ready to Reclaim Your Stability?

If dizziness, vertigo, or balance problems are limiting your life—even in small ways—now is the time to seek help. Early referral to vestibular physiotherapy has been shown to shorten recovery time, reduce dizziness, and prevent falls, leading to lasting improvement.

At Encompass Sports Therapy, we offer modern, evidence-based care in a welcoming, private setting. Let’s take each steady step—together.

Book your assessment today at Bridgeland, Coach Hill, or Cranston. Visit www.encompasscalgary.com to schedule your first visit and get moving with confidence.