Colleen Sleik – The Hands-On Guide To Vestibular Rehabilitation

olleen Sleik PT, DPT, OCS, NCS, began her journey into the specialized care of vestibular rehabilitation patients after evaluating a patient that she felt ill equipped to help. She needed to know more. Recognizing and treating BPPV itself is quite straightforward.

However, the care becomes much more complex for patients that are experiencing something that was initially thought to be BPPV or for those who have multiple conditions impacting their overall presentation. Advanced learning is required to understand how the systems function as a whole. This course was developed with these challenging patients in mind.

The recording begins with assessment and treatment techniques for BPPV, including a lab component to practice technique, hand positioning, and patient-specific modifications. You will become skilled to better recognize BPPV and subsequently recognize the presentations that do not fit the BPPV pattern. Further assessment and treatment of the non-BPPV diagnoses will also be addressed through functional assessments and treatment progressions.

Participants of this course will walk out with a deeper understanding of assessment, treatment techniques, patient-specific modifications, and differential diagnosis skills for the dizzy patient. Take your skills to a new level when you can pinpoint the areas where therapy can intervene to promote the desired functional gains for patients and the strategies to appropriately progress patients through each of those areas.

1. Perform assessment techniques for vestibular patients with proper technique and appropriate patient-specific modifications.
2. Analyze findings of a vestibular assessment to determine a therapy diagnosis.
3. Recognize key subjective reports to further enhance evaluation and differential diagnosis skills.
4. Evaluate findings that assist in differentiation of central, peripheral and cervicogenic dizziness.
5. Formulate a plan of care based on findings from assessments to improve functional outcomes.
6. Select proper treatment techniques from evidence-based guidelines for vestibular rehabilitation.
7. Evaluate prognosis based on accurate diagnostic procedures.
8. Develop appropriate goals for patients considering complete medical history and presenting factors that may modify rehab outcomes.

ASSESSMENT TECHNIQUES FOR DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSIS

• Position modifications for patients with mobility limitations or in environments with limited space such as home health or acute care
• Clinical decision-making large group activity to apply assessment techniques and interpret findings
• Recognize assessment findings that indicate central, peripheral, and cervicogenic dizziness diagnoses
• Determine a therapy diagnosis based on patient history, onset, symptoms and assessment

MEDICAL DIAGNOSES AND PROGNOSIS: PERIPHERAL & CENTRAL ORIGIN

• Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo
• Vestibular neuronitis, labyrinitis
• Meniere’s disease, endolymphatic hydrops, acoustic neuroma
• Central vertigo: CVA, multiple sclerosis, migraine-associated
• Cervicogenic vertigo
• Post-concussion syndrome
• Sensory integration/Multi-factorial balance dysfunction

EXAM LAB

• Clearing cervical spine: mVAT, Sharp-Purser test
• Occulomotor exam: Smooth pursuit, Saccades, Vergence and visual acuity
• Vestibular exam: Head thrust, Head-Shaking Nystagmus, Hallpike-Dix, Roll Test
• Assessing nystagmus: Horizontal, vertical, torsional
• Motion sensitivity quotient
• Balance assessment: mCTSIB, Dynamic Gait Index, Gait

VESTIBULAR REHABILITATION: DEVELOPING A PATIENT-SPECIFIC TREATMENT PLAN

• Canalith repositioning maneuvers: Epley maneuver, BBQ roll / quick BBQ roll, Cassani, Appiani, Brandt-Daroff Exercises
• Gaze stabilization: Basic and advancements
• Balance progression
• Sensory integration in balance Evidence-based Functional Assessment Tools
• Vestibular EDGE recommendations from the Academy of Neurologic Physical Therapy
• Direct each of the 4 areas of treatment for vestibular rehabilitation

Colleen Sleik – The Hands-On Guide to Vestibular Rehabilitation

Master Practical Techniques for Evaluating and Treating Dizziness, Vertigo, and Balance Disorders with Confidence

The Hands-On Guide to Vestibular Rehabilitation by Colleen Sleik, DPT, NCS, is an essential, clinically grounded course for healthcare professionals seeking to effectively assess and treat patients experiencing dizziness, unsteadiness, and vestibular dysfunction. This comprehensive training bridges the gap between theoretical knowledge and day-to-day clinical application, providing a structured, evidence-based roadmap for delivering exceptional vestibular care.

Whether you’re new to vestibular therapy or looking to sharpen your technique, this course offers a step-by-step approach to clinical mastery, with real patient demonstrations, reproducible tools, and clear algorithms to guide your treatment decisions.

What You’ll Gain from This Course

This isn’t just a lecture—it’s a fully immersive training built to elevate your practice. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll explore:

🔬 Differential Diagnosis Made Clear

Confidently distinguish between peripheral and central vestibular disorders through practical algorithms and targeted assessment protocols.

🧭 Comprehensive Clinical Assessment Tools

Gain hands-on proficiency in positional testing (Dix-Hallpike, Roll Test), gait evaluation, and oculomotor screening to uncover the root of your patient’s symptoms.

🧠 Simplified Neuroanatomy & Vestibular Function

Understand key inner ear structures and neurological pathways in a way that translates directly into smarter clinical decisions.

🌀 Effective Treatment Strategies

Master evidence-based maneuvers and exercises—from canalith repositioning (Epley, Semont) to adaptation, habituation, and substitution therapies.

🩺 Case-Based Learning With Real Patients

Observe how concepts are applied through live demonstrations, enhancing both clinical reasoning and patient communication skills.

📄 Take-Home Resources & Documentation Tools

Access printable handouts, clinical flowcharts, and forms to implement immediately into your evaluation and treatment sessions.

Who Should Take This Course?

This program is designed for clinicians involved in neuromuscular or vestibular care, including:

• Physical Therapists & Assistants (PT/PTA) working in outpatient, acute, or home health settings

• Occupational Therapists (OT) treating clients with dizziness or fall risk

• Neurologic Clinical Specialists seeking a structured framework for vestibular rehabilitation

• Rehabilitation Directors & Educators who want a turnkey training resource for clinical teams

• Healthcare Providers who frequently encounter patients with balance-related impairments and need better diagnostic clarity

About Colleen Sleik

Colleen Sleik, DPT, NCS, is a board-certified neurologic clinical specialist with years of experience teaching vestibular rehabilitation at the graduate, post-graduate, and continuing education levels. Known for her practical teaching style and patient-centered approach, Colleen brings clarity to complex topics and ensures that therapists walk away with tools they can use the next day in clinic.

Her course has helped thousands of clinicians transform their approach to dizziness, empowering them to deliver safe, accurate, and effective care with lasting results.

Why This Course Sets a New Standard

• Hands-On Demonstrations for better retention and immediate application

• Evidence-Aligned Content that reflects current best practices in vestibular rehab

• Highly Practical Format designed for busy clinicians who need results-driven tools

• Confidence-Building Framework that removes the guesswork from vestibular evaluation

Help Your Patients Regain Their Balance—And Their Lives

Dizziness doesn’t have to be a mystery. With The Hands-On Guide to Vestibular Rehabilitation, you’ll learn to identify the causes, treat them confidently, and help your patients move from fear and instability to strength and independence.

→ Enroll now and become a vestibular rehab clinician patients trust and refer to.