Vestibular.
Vestibular rehabilitation is a specialized area of physiotherapy targeting the inner ear, balance system, and its connections to the brain and visual system. Conditions like BPPV (benign paroxysmal positional vertigo), unilateral hypofunction, and post-concussion dizziness respond remarkably well to specific vestibular physiotherapy, often in just a few sessions.
Who It's For
Patients experiencing dizziness, vertigo, imbalance, visual disturbance, or nausea related to vestibular dysfunction. Common presentations include BPPV, post-concussion dizziness, unilateral vestibular hypofunction (UVH), labyrinthitis, and cervicogenic dizziness.
What We Assess
Vestibular assessment includes the Dix-Hallpike and roll test for BPPV, head impulse test (vHIT) for canal function, dynamic visual acuity, gaze stability, and clinical balance testing. We identify whether symptoms are peripheral (inner ear), central (brain), or cervicogenic (neck) in origin, since treatment differs significantly.
Treatment Approach
BPPV is typically resolved in 1–3 sessions with canalith repositioning manoeuvres (Epley, Semont). Canal hypofunction is treated with habituation and adaptation exercises. Post-concussion vestibular dysfunction follows a progressive oculomotor and vestibular exercise protocol. Cervicogenic dizziness receives cervical manual therapy alongside balance retraining.
What to Expect
Comprehensive Assessment
Identify the specific vestibular system impairment and determine the appropriate treatment pathway.
Targeted Treatment
BPPV repositioning, vestibular adaptation exercises, oculomotor training, or balance retraining, matched to your diagnosis.
Reassessment & Discharge
Objective balance and oculomotor reassessment, and a home exercise program to maintain and continue gains.
Clinic Location & Access
Located at 1367 West Broadway in Vancouver, Motion Theory is situated in the Fairview medical corridor, in close proximity to Vancouver General Hospital (VGH). We serve patients from Kitsilano, Mount Pleasant, and the broader Metro Vancouver area.
Common Questions
What is BPPV and can physio cure it?
BPPV is caused by calcium crystals (otoconia) dislodged in the inner ear canals. It causes brief but intense vertigo with head movements. Canalith repositioning manoeuvres performed by a trained vestibular physiotherapist resolve BPPV in 1–3 sessions in the vast majority of cases.
Will my dizziness go away on its own?
BPPV often resolves spontaneously over weeks to months, but treatment accelerates this significantly. Persistent dizziness from hypofunction or post-concussion vestibular dysfunction does not typically self-resolve without targeted rehabilitation.
Should I see a doctor before coming for vestibular physio?
Not necessarily. We screen for central (brain-related) causes of dizziness during our assessment and will refer for medical investigation if any red flags are present.
Related Services
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Registered Clinicians
All practitioners are registered with their respective provincial colleges in British Columbia.
Evidence-Based
Treatment protocols are grounded in current peer-reviewed literature and clinical guidelines.
Direct Billing
Available for ICBC claims and most major extended health benefit providers.