Feeling Dizzy? Vestibular Rehabilitation Can Help You Regain Balance

Have you ever experienced that uncomfortable, spinning feeling when you stand up too fast or turn your head too quickly? Or maybe it feels like the room is tilting, even though you're standing perfectly still? If you’ve ever experienced this kind of dizziness, you might be dealing with something called vertigo.

Vertigo isn’t just a fancy word for dizziness. It’s that unsettling sensation that you (or the world around you) is spinning, even when everything’s standing still. It can last for a few seconds or stick around for hours. And it’s not just about feeling off-balance, vertigo can bring along unwanted symptoms like nausea, headaches, and even trouble focusing.

There are different causes of vertigo, but one of the more common culprits is something called Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV). This happens when tiny crystals in your inner ear (called otoconia) are loose and float where they shouldn't. When that occurs, your brain becomes confused about where your body is in space; consequently, you experience the spinning sensation.

Your inner ear is like your body’s built-in GPS system. It’s part of your vestibular system, which helps control balance and tells your brain where your head is in relation to the rest of your body. When something goes haywire in that system, your brain receives mixed signals and that’s when dizziness, imbalance, and vertigo hit.

Do you feel like the ground is moving beneath your feet? Issues with your vestibular system impact your balance, making it feel like you’re rocking back and forth. This can lead to unsteady walking, trouble concentrating, and even anxiety because, let’s be honest, it’s frightening when your body feels out of control.

Okay, so now for the good news: vestibular physiotherapy can help retrain your brain and body. Think of it as a workout for your balance system. A vestibular physiotherapist (also known as a vestibular rehab specialist) uses specific exercises to improve how your brain processes signals from your inner ear.

Here’s how it works:

✅ Balance and Gait Training – If you’re feeling unsteady, your therapist will guide you through exercises that challenge your balance and coordination. Over time, your brain learns to adapt and correct those mixed signals.

✅ Habituation Exercises – These are designed to gradually desensitize your brain to the movements that trigger dizziness. It’s a bit like exposure therapy for your balance system.

✅ Eye and Head Coordination Work – Since your vision and balance are connected, certain exercises can improve how your eyes and head work together, reducing those dizzy spells.

What to Expect During Vestibular Rehabilitation

If you’re wondering what a vestibular physiotherapy session looks like, don’t worry, it’s not as intimidating as it sounds. Your physio will assess your symptoms, test your balance and eye movements, and determine what’s causing your vertigo. Then, they’ll create a customized plan to help retrain your vestibular system.

Sessions typically involve a mix of head movements, balance challenges, and visual exercises. And while it might feel a little strange at first, usually our clients will notice improvements after just a few sessions.

When Should You See a Physiotherapist?

If you’ve been dealing with dizziness, unsteadiness, or vertigo for more than a few days, it’s worth checking in with a vestibular physiotherapist. They can help pinpoint the cause and help you feel steady again.

Don’t wait for your condition to deteriorate. Even if you’re just feeling a little “off” now and then, getting assessed early can prevent things from worsening.

Final Thoughts: Don’t Let Dizziness Control Your Life

Living with vertigo or chronic dizziness can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t need to be your new normal. Vestibular rehabilitation is a safe, effective way to regain control, improve your balance, and say goodbye to that constant spinning sensation. So if you’re tired of feeling like you’re walking through a funhouse, it might be time to give your inner ear some love and check out vestibular rehab.

BOOK YOUR PHYSIOTHERAPY APPOINTMENT NOW