Vestibular Physiotherapy

We offer a personalized, evidence-based approach that combines hands-on treatment, exercises, and education to treat vestibular system disorders and improve function.

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or make an appointment online

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Common symptoms of vestibular system disorders:

 

Patient in photo is being assessed with Frenzel goggles. All vestibular assessments at Pure Lifestyle are completed with Video-oculography or Frenzel goggles which is the gold standard for vestibular assessment.

Call 204-338-7873 to book
or make an appointment online

Book An Appointment
  • Dizziness: This is a feeling of lightheadedness or unsteadiness that can occur at any time, even when sitting or lying down.
  • Vertigo: This is a sensation of spinning or whirling, as if the person or the surroundings are moving.
  • Imbalance: This is a feeling that one is unsteady on their feet or has difficulty maintaining their balance.
  • Nausea: This is a feeling of sickness or queasiness, which can be accompanied by vomiting.
  • Visual disturbances: This may include blurred vision, double vision, or sensitivity to light.
  • Motion sensitivity: This is a sensitivity to motion, such as when riding in a car or on a boat.
  • Falling or fear of falling: This can be due to a feeling of unsteadiness or loss of balance.
  • History of head injury or concussion: This can cause damage to the vestibular system and lead to symptoms such as dizziness or vertigo.
  • Difficulty with activities of daily living: This can include difficulty with walking, climbing stairs, or performing other tasks that require balance and coordination.

Our Vestibular Therapists

Diane Gregoire-Wood

Diane Grégoire-Wood

Physiotherapist
Diane Gregoire-Wood

Diane Grégoire-Wood

Physiotherapist
Diane graduated from the University of Manitoba in 2007 with a Bachelor of Physiotherapy. She spent the first 14 years of her career in acute care at the Health Sciences Centre specifically in neurosurgery, trauma and surgical/medical intensive care. Her experience in acute care has allowed her to build strong clinical reasoning and the ability to effectively collaborate with all health care practitioners. In 2021 she completed the competency-based vestibular training to focus her practice on vestibular rehabilitation. Her acute care background allows for a very thorough assessment and understanding of each patient. Timely and thorough vestibular care is very difficult to find in Winnipeg and Diane is excited to provide this service to patients as she believes they should not have to suffer from vertigo and dizziness alone. As a former gymnast, Diane’s passion for physical activity and health is still a huge part of her life. Most weekends are spent at the lake, biking, swimming and hiking with her husband Blake and 2 children: Danica and Nolin.

Education

BMR(PT) - Bachelor of Physiotherapy

Accomplishments

Competency-based Vestibular Training
Mentor to physiotherapy students
Completed a half- ironman
Climbed Mount Kilimanjaro

Karen Reimer

Physiotherapist

Karen Reimer

Physiotherapist

Karen graduated with BMR P.T. from University of Manitoba in 1995. The following year she obtained competency in vestibular rehabilitation from Dr. S. Herdman at the University of Miami. Vestibular rehab/physiotherapy is a passion for Karen and she has pursued extensive training over the past 27 years from world renowned educators and researchers in this field. In 2013, Karen obtained a research MSc in Rehabilitation as she presented a novel treatment for peripheral vestibular hypofunction. Karen’s passion for vestibular rehab led her to develop and teach competency based vestibular physiotherapy training for practicing physiotherapists in Canada. Karen “semi-retired” in 2020 which allowed time for her to begin the process of re-imagining how to present her Fundamentals of Vestibular Rehabilitation: A Competency Based Course. This has led to the very popular “hybrid” version of the course consisting of on-line presentations followed by in-person learning of critical skills and techniques. Karen has presented this version of the course numerous times and in multiple locations since 2021. Her next goal is to develop the advanced skills course (Beyond the Fundamentals) into a “hybrid” version as well. Additionally, Karen mentors physiotherapists who have completed her competency training course and is a sessional lecturer in the University of Manitoba, MPT program. 

Karen deeply loves her chosen area of vestibular rehabilitation and is excited to return to part-time patient care while still offering continuing education in vestibular rehab to physiotherapy colleagues and mentoring a number of physiotherapists who have taken her course, including Diane.

Work - life balance is important to Karen so she loves to be outside in her garden, going for long walks with her husband, pilates, and baking up a storm in her kitchen! She is also a voice actor, lending her voice to a character in a children’s audio program.  Always willing to learn new things, Karen obtained her Professional Chocolatier certificate in 2022. 

Education

BMR P.T.
MSc (Rehabilitation)
Certificate of Competency in Vestibular Rehabilitation, University of Miami
Advanced Vestibular Rehabilitation, Emory University
Vestibular Masterclass, Johns Hopkins Hospital
Professional Chocolatier

As we believe strongly in progressive education, our therapists continually strive to use current trends and research principles in clinic.