Finding Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT)

After an acoustic neuroma diagnosis—or during watch-and-wait monitoring—your balance, coordination, and overall vestibular function can be affected. Vestibular therapists can help establish a baseline and support you in coping with balance challenges. Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT) can also help you regain stability, reduce dizziness, and improve daily function. Here’s how to find qualified vestibular therapists in Canada.

Canadian Directories

Balance & Dizziness Canada – Practitioner List

• A curated, credentialed list of vestibular rehabilitation therapists across Canada.
• Therapists listed have specialized training in vestibular assessment and rehabilitation.
• Search by province or city

Provincial Physiotherapy Colleges

Use your province’s physiotherapy college registry to verify credentials and locate local therapists.

Examples:

• Ontario: College of Physiotherapists of Ontario Public Register
• British Columbia: CPTBC Public Register
• Quebec: Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec

International Educational Support

VeDA – Vestibular Disorders Association

• While U.S.-based, VeDA’s educational materials are globally accessible
• Provides information about vestibular rehabilitation, acoustic neuroma, and tips on living with balance disorders

Hospital & Specialist Referrals

Many large Canadian hospitals with neurosurgery or ENT programs have in-house vestibular rehab teams. Ask your neurotologist, neurosurgeon, or ENT specialist for recommendations—they often have therapists experienced in post-acoustic neuroma care.

Examples of Canadian centers:

• Toronto Western Hospital (Toronto, ON) – The Centre for Advanced Hearing and Balance Testing
• Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre (Toronto, ON)
• Vancouver General Hospital (Vancouver, BC)
• Other regional ENT or neurology outpatient programs

Questions to Ask a Potential Therapist

• Do you have experience treating patients with acoustic neuroma or vestibular dysfunction post-neurosurgery?
• What vestibular rehab certifications or training have you completed?
• What therapies do you offer for balance retraining and dizziness management?
• How much of your practice is dedicated to vestibular rehabilitation?

Tips for Success

• Start early: The sooner you begin vestibular rehab, the better the outcomes.
• Be consistent: Follow your therapist’s exercises regularly for the best results
• Track your progress: Note improvements in balance, dizziness, or daily activities

Disclaimer: ANAC provides this list for educational purposes only and does not endorse specific therapists. Always consult your healthcare provider before beginning new rehabilitation programs.