Who Should Consider Vestibular Rehab for Their Symptoms?

 

Vestibular rehabilitation is a specialized form of physiotherapy designed to treat dizziness, vertigo, balance disorders, and other issues linked to the vestibular system—the sensory system that contributes to our sense of balance and spatial orientation. While these symptoms can appear to be minor or temporary, they often point to underlying vestibular dysfunction that, if left untreated, can interfere with daily life. So, who exactly should consider vestibular rehab? The answer is: more people than you might think.

If you've ever experienced a sensation of spinning (vertigo), unsteadiness when walking, frequent falls, lightheadedness, or a feeling of floating or rocking, you may be dealing with a vestibular issue. These symptoms often arise after head injuries, viral infections, aging, or neurological conditions such as multiple sclerosis or stroke. Even seemingly minor symptoms like blurred vision during head movement or difficulty focusing can be signs that your vestibular system needs support.

One of the most common causes of vertigo is Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV), which occurs when tiny crystals in the inner ear shift out of place and disrupt the normal flow of balance information to the brain. People with BPPV often feel a sudden spinning sensation when changing positions, such as getting out of bed or looking up. Vestibular rehabilitation offers safe, guided techniques—like canalith repositioning maneuvers—that can help reset these crystals and eliminate vertigo in a short amount of time.

Those recovering from concussions or traumatic brain injuries are also strong candidates for vestibular rehab. After a concussion, many individuals experience prolonged symptoms like dizziness, nausea, visual disturbances, and poor balance. Vestibular therapy helps retrain the brain to interpret sensory signals correctly and supports a smoother, more complete recovery. It's not just about symptom relief; it’s about restoring function and preventing long-term complications.

Older adults are another group that benefits significantly from vestibular therapy. As we age, natural degeneration of the inner ear and slower reflexes can impair balance. This increases the risk of falls, which can lead to severe injury and loss of independence. Vestibular rehab can help improve stability, coordination, and confidence in movement, allowing older adults to remain active and reduce their fall risk.

People with chronic dizziness or motion sensitivity should also consider vestibular rehabilitation. If you find yourself struggling with symptoms in busy environments—like grocery stores, elevators, or while scrolling on your phone—you might be experiencing visual vertigo or vestibular hypersensitivity. These symptoms are often overlooked or mistaken for anxiety, but they can be effectively addressed with targeted exercises that help the brain adjust to sensory input.

Even individuals with unexplained nausea or dizziness after an illness, especially viral infections, may benefit. Conditions like vestibular neuritis or labyrinthitis involve inflammation of the inner ear and can cause a sudden onset of balance issues. Vestibular rehabilitation works by helping the brain compensate for any damage or imbalance in the vestibular system, allowing you to regain control and reduce lingering symptoms.

At Instep Physiotherapy, we tailor vestibular rehab to each patient’s symptoms and diagnosis. Our skilled physiotherapists conduct a detailed assessment to determine the root cause of your symptoms and build a personalized treatment plan. This may include balance retraining, gaze stabilization exercises, habituation techniques, and functional movement strategies to help you safely return to your everyday activities without fear of dizziness or instability.

We understand that sudden dizziness and balance problems can feel overwhelming, especially when they impact your independence. That’s why we offer direct billing, same-day appointments, and welcome walk-in patients—with no referrals needed. Our clinic is wheelchair accessible, and we provide free parking to make your visit as easy and stress-free as possible. Whether you’re recovering from a concussion, managing age-related balance issues, or dealing with chronic vertigo, we’re here to help.

If you’re experiencing dizziness, unsteadiness, or difficulty focusing, vestibular rehab may be the missing piece in your recovery. Don’t let balance issues disrupt your life any longer.

Take the next step—book an appointment today with Instep Physiotherapy and let our experienced team help you regain control, stability, and confidence in your movement.