The vestibular system is a sensory system that is part of your inner ear. It controls your balance, parts of your vision and your ability to know where your body is in space. The vestibular system coordinates with your sensory system and your vision, to provide the information to your brain for normal balance, vision and perception of where you are in space (spatial awareness). Dysfunction of the vestibular system causes, dizziness, loss of balance, walking with a lack of coordination, risk of falls, blurred vision and increased anxiety.

Vestibular dysfunction is caused by many different presentations:

• BPPV (Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo)
• Vestibular migraine
• Labyrinthitis/vestibular neuritis
• Meniere’s disease
• Stroke

Vestibular rehabilitation is a patient centred, evidence based treatment that uses exercises for balance, movement (to reduce motion triggered dizziness), and eye exercises to help the brain adapt to a new normal.

How we can help:

The therapists at Steps have an expert understanding of your condition and will provide a comprehensive and compassionate assessment of your goals and your needs.

Physiotherapy

• Complete a comprehensive vestibular assessment
• Provide repositioning treatment and follow up care to help resolve your dizziness
• Establish a home exercise program
• Provide education about your condition
• Visual stability training
• Posture training
• Balance training
• Walking training
• Neck mobility and stretching exercises
• Liaise with medical specialists

Occupational Therapy

• Community access training and assessment
• Assessment and prescription of assistive technology
• Assessment and prescription of adaptive aids and equipment
• Assessment for minor or major home modifications
• Functional retraining for everyday activities including personal care, household tasks and cooking
• Identifying level of support worker assistance required
• Facilitating return to work goals
• Assisting with holiday planning
• Fatigue management strategies

Exercise Physiology

• Targeted strength training
• Balance training
• Tailored cardiovascular exercise
• Prescription of a tailored gym program
• Bike and Trike training

Allied Health Assistant

• Support and supervise exercise programs prescribed by treating allied health professionals to increase frequency of therapy