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Southeast Physiotherapy is committed to helping clients return to sports and recreational activities safely. Besides. providing treatment of acute or ongoing injuries, Southeast Physiotherapy therapists also screen to prevent future injuries from hidden weaknesses or imbalances. 

Vestibular Physiotherapy

Dizziness • Vertigo • Balance Therapy

If you’re experiencing dizziness, vertigo, or balance issues, you’re not alone—and you don’t have to live with it. At Southeast Physiotherapy, we offer specialized vestibular rehabilitation to help you feel steady, confident, and back in control of your daily life.

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What is the Vestibular System?

Your vestibular system is part of your inner ear and brain that helps control your balance, coordination, and sense of position. It works closely with your eyes and muscles to keep you steady when you move.

When this system isn’t working properly, your brain receives mixed signals—leading to symptoms like dizziness, spinning sensations (vertigo), or unsteadiness.

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What is Vestibular Physiotherapy?

Vestibular physiotherapy is a specialized form of treatment designed to reduce dizziness and vertigo, improve balance and stability, and decrease the risk of falls. It also aims to help your brain adapt and compensate for inner ear issues. The treatment is tailored to your individual needs and may include repositioning techniques for benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), balance and coordination training, gaze stabilization exercises that combine vision with head movement, and gradual exposure to movement.

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Common Conditions We Treat

  • Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV)

  • Vestibular neuritis & labyrinthitis

  • Concussion-related dizziness

  • Cervicogenic (neck-related) dizziness

  • Vestibular migraines

  • Age-related balance decline

  • Persistent dizziness or unexplained imbalance

What Causes Vestibular Problems?

Vestibular issues can arise from a variety of underlying conditions affecting the inner ear, brain, or even the neck. Because your balance system relies on multiple systems working together, disruption in any one area can lead to dizziness or instability.

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Inner ear conditions or infections
Problems within the inner ear are one of the most common causes of dizziness. Conditions such as BPPV, vestibular neuritis, and labyrinthitis can disrupt how balance signals are sent to the brain. Inflammation—often caused by viral or bacterial infections—can affect the vestibular nerve or inner ear structures 

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Head injuries or concussions
Head trauma can damage the inner ear or the brain’s ability to process vestibular input. Concussions are a common cause of persistent dizziness, visual disturbances, and balance impairments.

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Aging changes in the balance system
Age-related degeneration of the vestibular system, along with changes in vision and strength, can reduce balance control and increase fall risk.

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Nervous system conditions
Vestibular dysfunction can also originate in the central nervous system. Conditions such as stroke, vestibular migraine, and other neurological disorders can impair how the brain processes balance signals.

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Medication side effects or toxins
Certain medications are ototoxic, meaning they can damage inner ear structures and lead to dizziness or imbalance. This risk may increase with prolonged use or higher doses.

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Neck dysfunction (Cervicogenic dizziness)
The cervical spine contributes to balance through proprioceptive input. Dysfunction in the neck—due to injury, stiffness, or poor posture—can contribute to dizziness and unsteadiness.

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In many cases, dizziness is a symptom—not a diagnosis. Vestibular disorders may have multiple contributing factors, making a thorough assessment essential for identifying the root cause and guiding effective treatment.

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Meet Leann

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is dizziness normal?

Occasional dizziness can happen—for example, when you stand up too quickly or are dehydrated. However, recurrent, persistent, or unexplained dizziness is not normal and should be assessed. Ongoing symptoms may indicate an issue with your vestibular system, neck, or nervous system that can often be treated effectively with physiotherapy.

2. What is the difference between dizziness and vertigo?

These terms are often used interchangeably, but they describe different sensations:

  • Dizziness: a general feeling of lightheadedness, unsteadiness, or feeling “off”

  • Vertigo: a specific sensation that you or your surroundings are spinning or moving

Understanding the type of symptom you’re experiencing helps guide diagnosis and treatment.

3. How long does vestibular physiotherapy take?

Recovery time depends on the cause and severity of your symptoms:

  • BPPV: often resolves in 1–3 sessions

  • Post-concussion or persistent dizziness: may take several weeks to months

  • Chronic balance issues: may require ongoing exercise and progression

Most patients begin noticing improvement within the first few visits when exercises are done consistently.

4. Will treatment make me feel dizzy?

Some exercises are designed to gently reproduce your symptoms in a controlled way. This helps your brain adapt and recalibrate the balance system.
You may feel temporarily dizzy during or shortly after treatment, but this is expected and typically improves over time as your system becomes less sensitive.

5. Do I need a doctor’s referral?

No referral is required to see a physiotherapist. You can book directly with us.
However, if your symptoms suggest a more complex or medical condition, we may collaborate with your physician to ensure you receive the most appropriate care.

6. What should I expect after my first session?

After your assessment, you may:

  • Feel slightly fatigued or dizzy (temporary)

  • Be given specific exercises to do at home

  • Gain a better understanding of what is causing your symptoms

Consistency with your home program is key to improving outcomes.

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