Feeling Dizzy? Here's How Physio Can Help

Ever stood up too fast and felt lightheaded? Or had random dizzy spells that make you feel like the world is spinning? If so, your inner ear could be the culprit.

Vestibular therapy (also known as vestibular rehabilitation therapy or VRT) is a type of physiotherapy designed to help people dealing with dizziness, balance problems, and vertigo. While many assume these issues only affect older adults, they can happen to anyone—especially with today’s screen-heavy, sedentary lifestyles. Let’s break it down!

What Is Vestibular Therapy?

Vestibular therapy is a customized exercise program that helps retrain your brain and body to handle balance and movement better. It focuses on your vestibular system—the part of your inner ear and brain that controls balance, coordination, and spatial awareness.

If something disrupts this system—like an inner ear infection, a concussion, or even too much screen time—it can lead to dizziness, vertigo, unsteadiness, and nausea. Vestibular therapy uses specific exercises to help your brain adapt, improving balance and reducing symptoms.

If you’re dealing with any of the following, vestibular therapy could be exactly what you need:

• Frequent dizziness or vertigo – If it feels like the room is spinning, your vestibular system might be out of whack.

• Balance problems or unsteadiness – Do you feel wobbly, even when walking on flat ground?

• Motion sensitivity – Do quick movements, driving, or scrolling on your phone make you feel nauseous or off-balance?

• Post-concussion symptoms – If you’re still feeling “off” weeks or months after a concussion, vestibular therapy could help.

• Neck stiffness and headaches – Believe it or not, tight neck muscles and poor posture can mess with your balance, too.

• BPPV (Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo) – This common condition causes short but intense vertigo triggered by head movements. The good news? It’s highly treatable with vestibular therapy!

What Happens in Vestibular Therapy?

Your physiotherapist will start with a full assessment to figure out the root cause of your symptoms. From there, they’ll create a personalized treatment plan that may include:

• Balance exercises – To improve stability and coordination.

• Gaze stabilization drills – To help your eyes and brain work together more efficiently.

• Vestibular adaptation exercises – To train your brain to compensate for balance issues.

• Canalith repositioning maneuvers – If you have BPPV, your therapist may guide you through techniques like the Epley maneuver to reposition inner ear crystals and stop vertigo episodes.

  
  

Why Vestibular Therapy Matters

Dizziness and balance issues aren’t just “something you have to live with.” Many factors in our modern lifestyle can contribute to vestibular problems, such as:

• Too much screen time – Staring at screens all day can strain your vestibular system, leading to dizziness and motion sensitivity.

• Sedentary lifestyles – Less movement = weaker balance and coordination skills.

• Stress & anxiety – These can trigger dizziness and make vestibular symptoms even worse.

• Past head injuries – Concussions from sports, car accidents, or falls can cause long-term vestibular issues.

If dizziness or balance problems are affecting your daily life, don’t ignore them! Vestibular therapy can help you feel steady, confident, and back in control. It’s not about standing on one foot—it’s about retraining your brain and body to work together for better balance and less discomfort.

Think vestibular therapy might be right for you? Reach out to a physiotherapist who specializes in vestibular rehab and take that first step toward feeling better. Your inner ear (and your peace of mind) will thank you!