Vestibular Physiotherapy: Managing Dizziness During Cold and Flu Season

Winter in Winnipeg means more than snowfalls, icy sidewalks, and chilly winds. For many, the cold and flu season brings on unpleasant symptoms like congestion, body aches, and fatigue. But did you know it’s also a common time for dizziness and balance issues to spike? At Pembina Physiotherapy & Sports Injury Clinic, we often see an increase in patients seeking help for vertigo, dizziness, and imbalance during the winter months. This blog will help you understand why these symptoms occur and how vestibular physiotherapy can offer effective, evidence-based relief.

Why Does Dizziness Worsen During Cold and Flu Season?

Dizziness is a frequent, but often underestimated, symptom during viral seasons. Colds and the flu can trigger inflammation and congestion in your sinuses and Eustachian tubes (the small passageways connecting the middle ear with the back of your nose and throat). When these tiny tubes become blocked, they can disrupt the normal function of your vestibular system—the intricate group of structures within your inner ear responsible for maintaining your balance and spatial orientation.

Other factors that contribute to dizziness in winter include dehydration, changes in activity levels, and medication side effects. For those prone to vestibular disorders such as benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), Meniere’s disease, or vestibular neuritis, viral infections can worsen symptoms or even cause new flare-ups.

What Is Vestibular Physiotherapy?

Vestibular physiotherapy is a specialized branch of physical therapy that focuses on treating dizziness, vertigo, balance disorders, and certain vision disturbances. At Pembina Physiotherapy & Sports Injury Clinic, our experienced physiotherapists are trained to assess and treat a wide variety of vestibular conditions using evidence-based techniques.

Treatment may involve guided exercises, manual therapy, repositioning maneuvers (such as the Epley maneuver for BPPV), gaze stabilization, and balance retraining. All interventions are customized to your specific symptoms, medical history, and daily lifestyle needs.

Common Symptoms Vestibular Therapy Can Address

During the cold and flu season, you may notice symptoms such as:

A sensation of spinning, rocking, or swaying (vertigo)
Lightheadedness or feeling “off-balance”
Unsteadiness when walking, especially in low-light or crowded spaces
Trouble focusing your eyes or blurred vision
Nausea, motion sensitivity, or increased falls

You don’t have to live with these symptoms. Early intervention with vestibular physiotherapy can improve your balance, restore confidence, and reduce your risk of falls or injury.

How Pembina Physiotherapy Can Help

At Pembina Physiotherapy & Sports Injury Clinic, we offer comprehensive vestibular assessments for Winnipeg residents experiencing dizziness. Your first visit will include a detailed review of your symptoms, medical history, and a series of functional tests to pinpoint the exact cause of your imbalance.

Depending on your diagnosis, your vestibular physiotherapist may:

Teach you balance and gaze stabilization exercises to retrain your brain and inner ear
Guide you through specific positional maneuvers to resolve vertigo
Advise you on strategies to minimize dizziness during daily activities, especially on slippery winter days
Provide education to prevent future flare-ups and manage symptoms at home

Our patient-centered approach ensures you feel comfortable, informed, and empowered throughout your recovery.

Tips for Managing Dizziness at Home This Winter

While professional assessment is essential, you can take steps at home to support your vestibular system during cold and flu season:

Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids, especially if you’re feeling unwell.
Rest: Give your body time to recover from illness; avoid sudden movements if you feel dizzy.
Sit or lie down immediately if you begin to feel unsteady.
Use proper lighting to navigate dark winter days.
Install grab bars or use mobility aids if you’re at risk of falling.

When to Seek Help

If your dizziness is persistent, sudden, or accompanied by symptoms like severe headache, slurred speech, or fainting, seek prompt medical attention. For ongoing issues related to balance, vertigo, or unsteadiness, a vestibular physiotherapy assessment is highly recommended.

Book Your Vestibular Physiotherapy Assessment Today

Don’t let dizziness disrupt your winter activities or quality of life. At Pembina Physiotherapy & Sports Injury Clinic, we are dedicated to helping Winnipeg residents get back on their feet safely and confidently. Our vestibular physiotherapists are ready to provide tailored care and effective treatment to help you manage and overcome dizziness this cold and flu season.

Contact us today or book your appointment online at www.pembinaphysiotherapy.com. Experience the expert, patient-centered care that has made us Winnipeg’s trusted choice for rehabilitation and wellness since 1985. Start your path to better balance and a healthier, safer winter!

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New Year, Stronger You: Setting Realistic Rehab Goals Post-Surgery

January 7, 2026

A new year brings new beginnings—and for many in Winnipeg, it also marks a fresh start on the road to recovery after surgery. Whether you’ve had a joint replacement, sports injury repair, or any other surgical procedure, this is the perfect time to set realistic rehabilitation goals to regain your strength, mobility, and independence. At Pembina Physiotherapy & Sports Injury Clinic , we’re here to guide you through every step of your recovery journey, helping you make 2026 your healthiest year yet. Why Post-Surgical Rehab Matters After surgery, your body needs time, targeted movement, and professional care to heal properly. Post-surgical physiotherapy is critical for restoring muscle strength, improving joint mobility, and preventing complications such as stiffness or re-injury. Without a clear plan and expert guidance, it’s easy to lose motivation or push too hard, risking setbacks. That’s why setting achievable goals and working closely with a skilled physiotherapist can make all the difference. At Pembina Physiotherapy & Sports Injury Clinic, our team creates personalized, evidence-based rehabilitation plans designed to help you safely meet your milestones. Setting SMART Rehab Goals: A Framework for Success The most successful recovery plans use SMART goals—Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. Rather than vague aspirations like “get better soon,” SMART goals give you a clear path to follow and make it easier to track your progress. For example: Specific: “I want to walk unaided for 10 minutes.” Measurable: “I will record my walking time each week.” Achievable: “Based on my progress, this is within reach this month.” Relevant: “This supports my independence and daily routine.” Time-bound: “I aim to achieve this by the end of January.” Your Pembina physiotherapist will help you break down your overall recovery into manageable steps, ensuring you stay motivated and celebrate each success along the way. Top Tips for Setting and Achieving Post-Surgical Rehab Goals 1. Know Your Baseline At your first post-surgical assessment, your physiotherapist will evaluate your current function, strength, and range of motion. Understanding your starting point is key for setting appropriate goals and tracking improvement. 2. Focus on What Matters Most to You Whether you want to get back to hiking the Winnipeg trails, playing with your grandchildren, or simply walking pain-free, let your therapist know what activities matter most. Personal goals are more motivating and make your rehab program feel truly relevant. 3. Pace Yourself Recovery takes time. Trying to rush the process can lead to setbacks or injury. Your physiotherapist will guide you through each stage at a pace that’s safe and effective for your body. 4. Stay Consistent with Home Exercises In-clinic treatments are important, but your effort at home will accelerate your progress. Follow your therapist’s instructions carefully, and communicate if you have difficulty with any exercises. Consistency is key! 5. Celebrate Small Wins Recovery is a journey, not a sprint. Take time to recognize every bit of progress, whether it’s increased flexibility, decreased pain, or regaining independence with daily tasks. Positive reinforcement keeps you motivated. How Pembina Physiotherapy & Sports Injury Clinic Supports Your Recovery At Pembina Physiotherapy & Sports Injury Clinic, we offer: Individualized post-surgical assessments to design your unique recovery plan Hands-on manual therapy, exercise prescription, and education to build strength and function Guidance for safe return to daily activities, work, and recreation Direct billing to many insurance providers for hassle-free service We work with you to overcome obstacles, adjust goals as needed, and provide ongoing encouragement. Our team uses the latest research and advanced techniques to ensure you receive the highest standard of care, right here in Winnipeg. Start Your New Year Strong: Book Your Post-Surgical Rehab Assessment Today As you set your intentions for the year ahead, prioritize your health and recovery. With the right support and clear, achievable goals, you can return to the activities and lifestyle you love. Pembina Physiotherapy & Sports Injury Clinic is proud to be Winnipeg’s trusted partner in post-surgical rehabilitation. Don’t wait to take the first step toward a stronger, more active you. Call us today or book your assessment online at www.pembinaphysiotherapy.com . Let’s make 2026 the year you reclaim your strength, confidence, and independence—one milestone at a time.