What Is Vestibular Rehabilitation and When May It Be Considered?

 

Vestibular rehabilitation is a form of physiotherapy that may support individuals who are experiencing dizziness, imbalance, vertigo, or other issues related to the inner ear and balance systems. These symptoms can be unsettling and may interfere with daily activities, movement confidence, and overall well-being. Vestibular rehabilitation uses exercises and therapeutic strategies designed to retrain the brain and body to process balance signals more effectively. When dizziness or balance challenges are persistent, this approach may be considered as a non-invasive way to help improve stability and comfort during everyday movement.

The vestibular system is located within the inner ear and plays a vital role in maintaining balance, coordinating eye movements, and detecting changes in head position. When this system is affected—whether by injury, illness, or age-related changes—it may result in symptoms such as spinning sensations, light-headedness, unsteadiness, nausea, or difficulty focusing. In some cases, people may feel as though they are tilting or that the ground is moving beneath them. These sensations may be triggered by sudden movements, turning the head, or standing up quickly. Vestibular rehabilitation aims to reduce these symptoms and help individuals move more safely and confidently.

The first step in vestibular physiotherapy usually involves a thorough assessment by a physiotherapist. This evaluation may include testing balance, walking patterns, eye tracking, head movements, and positional changes. The physiotherapist will also ask about the individual’s symptoms, when they occur, and how they affect daily life. Based on the findings, a personalized treatment plan is developed to address the underlying issues and work toward improving stability, mobility, and function.

Treatment may consist of exercises that are designed to challenge and retrain the brain’s ability to process information from the vestibular system, the eyes, and the body. These may include gaze stabilization exercises, head movement coordination, balance retraining, and walking tasks that are gradually progressing in difficulty. As the brain adapts, symptoms may lessen, and individuals may find it easier to move without triggering dizziness or imbalance. The exercises are usually simple, but consistency and proper guidance are key to achieving lasting results.

Vestibular rehabilitation may be considered for a range of conditions. One of the most common is benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), a condition where small crystals in the inner ear become displaced and lead to brief episodes of vertigo during certain head movements. In such cases, a physiotherapist may perform specific repositioning maneuvers to help restore the crystals to their proper location. Vestibular physiotherapy may also be helpful for individuals recovering from vestibular neuritis, labyrinthitis, concussion, or for those who have developed persistent dizziness without a clear diagnosis. People with balance problems due to aging or neurological conditions may also benefit.

Every individual’s experience with vestibular dysfunction is different, and not all treatment approaches work the same way for everyone. That’s why care at Granville Physiotherapy is tailored to the individual. The team understands that dizziness and imbalance can be distressing and sometimes invisible to others. With a calm and attentive approach, they focus on creating a safe space for assessment, education, and gradual progress. Whether symptoms are recent or long-standing, the physiotherapy team is prepared to offer support in ways that match the patient's goals and daily needs.

To make care as accessible as possible, Granville Physiotherapy offers direct billing to most insurance providers. No referral is required to begin treatment, and same-day appointments are often available. Walk-in patients are welcome, and the clinic provides free parking and full wheelchair accessibility to ensure a smooth and welcoming experience for all patients.

If you’re dealing with dizziness, vertigo, or balance issues, Granville Physiotherapy is ready to help. Through personalized vestibular rehabilitation, the team can work with you to reduce your symptoms and support a more stable, confident approach to movement. Help is available—and you don’t have to navigate these symptoms alone.