Vestibular rehabilitation is a proven physiotherapy approach for relieving dizziness and vertigo. Following a thorough assessment of the balance system located in the inner ear, your physiotherapist will develop a personalized treatment plan aimed at reducing the intensity, frequency, and duration of your symptoms — or even eliminating them — to help you regain a better quality of life.
What does vestibular rehabilitation involve?
Vestibular rehabilitation is a physiotherapy intervention that targets balance and movement perception disorders. Using specific exercises and tailored techniques, vestibular rehabilitation stimulates the brain’s compensation mechanisms to stabilize posture, improve coordination, and reduce discomfort during movement. It helps you regain ease in daily activities despite disruptions in the vestibular system.
The main goal of vestibular rehabilitation is to stimulate the vestibular system to adapt or compensate for deficits. This helps to:
- Reduce the intensity, frequency, and duration of dizziness and vertigo;
- Improve static and dynamic balance;
- Decrease the risk of falls;
- Lower anxiety related to symptoms;
- Support a safe return to activities, work, or sports.
Why consult a physiotherapist specialized in vestibular rehabilitation?
A physiotherapist trained in vestibular rehabilitation can accurately assess balance-related disorders and offer targeted treatment, even if symptoms have been present for a long time. With personalized care, it is possible to regain a better quality of life and return to daily activities more quickly.
The most common causes of dizziness and vertigo treated in physiotherapy include:
- Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV);
- Labyrinthitis;
- Ménière’s disease;
- Vestibular neuritis (or neuronitis);
- Vestibular hypofunction;
- Concussion;
- Cervical spine (neck) issues.
In addition to vertigo, a vestibular disorder can also cause:
- A sensation of imbalance;
- Nausea or vomiting;
- Visual disturbances (blurred vision or image movement);
- Headaches;
- Hypersensitivity to movement.
Vestibular physiotherapy often complements the care provided by a physician, ENT specialist, or pharmacist, especially when medication is involved.
Book an appointment today at a clinic near you.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the vestibular system?
The vestibular system is located in the inner ear, beneath the temporal bone of the skull. It plays an important role in maintaining balance, body orientation in space, and coordination of reflex movements of the head, neck, and eyes. These reflexes are crucial for keeping focus on moving objects during our own movements. For instance, they prevent us from feeling dizzy when the windshield wipers are operating or when we quickly turn around to look behind us.
What happens during the first session (evaluation)?
A comprehensive assessment is essential to identify the source of the symptoms. It includes:
- A detailed medical history (onset, frequency, and circumstances of episodes);
- Vestibular function tests;
- Balance and gait analysis;
- Observation of eye-head coordination and posture;
- If needed, the use of tools such as video goggles (videonystagmography) to assess eye movements.
What can you expect in the treatment plan?
Each treatment plan is personalized based on the cause of the symptoms and the individual’s overall condition. The approach may include:
- Specific exercises for gaze and head stabilization;
- Repositioning maneuvers in cases of BPPV;
- Balance and coordination exercises;
- Education on coping strategies and behaviors to adopt in daily life.
