The Basics of Vestibular Rehabilitation

Overview

This vestibular physiotherapy online course provides an overview of the vestibular system, its importance, function, and purpose.

An overview of the most common dysfunctions/disorders will be provided. This includes:

• Peripheral vestibular hypofunction
• Labyrinthitis
• Neuritis
• Meniere’s Syndrome
• BPPV (Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo)
• Central vestibular disorders such as traumatic brain injury

These disorders impact people in a myriad of ways and this presentation will assist those attending to understand that while each person is unique in their experience, they also have some commonalities.

A general overview of how vestibular physiotherapy is used to treat the disorders will be provided.

Learning Objectives

1. Describe Vestibular System Anatomy & Function
   Understand the role of the vestibular system in balance, gaze stability, and spatial orientation.

2. Recognize Common Vestibular Disorders
   Identify presentations of peripheral and central vestibular dysfunctions including BPPV, neuritis, labyrinthitis, and Meniere’s syndrome.

3. Understand Principles of Vestibular Rehabilitation
   Explain how vestibular rehabilitation can support compensation and reduce dizziness and imbalance through customized exercise programs.

4. Outline Basic Vestibular Treatment Approaches
   Describe general vestibular physiotherapy strategies used in clinical practice to address dizziness, imbalance, and functional impairments.

Audience

This course is designed for rehabilitation professionals who work with patients experiencing dizziness, vertigo, or balance disorders, including:

• Physiotherapists and physiotherapy assistants

• Occupational therapists with vestibular caseloads

• Rehabilitation clinicians in outpatient and hospital settings

• Allied health professionals seeking foundational vestibular knowledge

About the Presenter

Karen Reimer, BMRP.T, MSc (Rehab) – Karen graduated from the University of Manitoba, School of Medical Rehabilitation in Physical Therapy in 1995 and developed a clinical focus on vestibular disorders early in her career. She has trained with leading vestibular researchers in the USA and completed a Master of Science (Rehabilitation) with research on innovative treatment protocols for peripheral vestibular disorders. Karen maintains a busy private practice, consults with the Pan Am Concussion Program, teaches in the Master of Physical Therapy program at the University of Manitoba, and offers competency‑based vestibular courses across Canada.

Accreditation & CEUs

This course is offered by the Canadian Physiotherapy Association and may count toward continuing education requirements, depending on your professional jurisdiction.