What Is Vestibular Rehabilitation?

The vestibular system is the part of the inner ear and brain responsible for your sense of balance and spatial orientation. When something goes wrong with this system, it can produce dizziness, vertigo, nausea, visual disturbance, and balance problems that significantly affect your daily life. Vestibular rehabilitation is a specialized form of physiotherapy that uses specific exercises and maneuvers to retrain and recalibrate this system.

At Physiolab, vestibular rehabilitation is provided by physiotherapists with specific training in vestibular assessment and treatment.

Conditions Vestibular Rehab Treats

  • Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV), the most common cause of vertigo
  • Labyrinthitis and vestibular neuritis
  • Concussion-related dizziness and vestibular dysfunction
  • Unilateral or bilateral vestibular hypofunction
  • Cervicogenic dizziness (dizziness originating from the neck)
  • Persistent Postural-Perceptual Dizziness (PPPD)
  • Age-related balance decline

BPPV: The Most Common Treatable Cause of Vertigo

BPPV occurs when calcium carbonate crystals in the inner ear become dislodged and move into the fluid-filled canals, causing brief but intense spinning sensations with position changes. It responds extremely well to specific repositioning maneuvers performed by a trained physiotherapist. Most people experience complete or near-complete resolution within 1 to 3 sessions.

What a Vestibular Assessment Involves

Your physiotherapist will take a detailed history of your dizziness, including when it occurs, how long it lasts, and what makes it better or worse. They will then perform a series of clinical tests to identify the source of your symptoms. Based on the findings, a treatment plan is created that may include repositioning maneuvers, gaze stabilization exercises, balance training, and habituation exercises.

Book Vestibular Rehabilitation in Vancouver

Available at Physiolab in Vancouver. Covered under most extended health plans with direct billing.

Dizziness and vertigo that disrupt your daily life can often be resolved in just a few sessions.

Book a vestibular physiotherapy assessment at Physiolab in Vancouver and get to the bottom of what is causing your dizziness. Book today.

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What Our
Patients Say

★★★★★
I cannot speak highly enough of Allison, the physiotherapist at Physiolab. From the very first appointment, she impressed me with her deep knowledge, professional expertise, and genuine compassion. She supported me every step of the way, ensuring my treatment was well-documented and my concerns were always addressed.
S
Stephanie Chan
★★★★★
I have seen a number of different practitioners here over the last few months. They have really supported me through what has been a challenging experience. I would highly recommend Leena, Mandy, Elliot, Dianne, and Brandon.
R
Rachel McPherson
★★★★★
My first time at Physiolab and I was extremely impressed. Jackson assessed the situation and did a combination of IMS and manual therapy. The results were immediate and I could feel the difference right away. The team here is genuinely skilled and attentive.
K
Ken Wong
★★★★★
After experiencing major back pain earlier this year, my friend recommended Physiolab. Jackson is very knowledgeable and has patiently listened to my concerns and provided clear information on the types of treatment and what to expect. My condition has improved significantly since starting treatment.
W
Wendy Luong

FAQs

Common questions about vestibular rehabilitation, BPPV treatment, and how physiotherapy addresses dizziness and balance problems in Vancouver.
What is vestibular rehabilitation and who needs it?

Vestibular rehabilitation is a specialized physiotherapy program for people with dizziness, vertigo, and balance problems caused by inner ear or vestibular system dysfunction. It uses targeted exercises and maneuvers to retrain the vestibular system and reduce symptoms.

What is BPPV and can physiotherapy cure it?

BPPV (Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo) is caused by displaced crystals in the inner ear that trigger brief spinning sensations with head position changes. It responds very well to specific repositioning maneuvers performed by a trained physiotherapist, with most cases resolving in 1 to 3 sessions.

How do I know if my dizziness needs vestibular physiotherapy?

If your dizziness comes on with position changes, is linked to head movement, follows a concussion, or has lasted more than a few days without clear cause, vestibular physiotherapy assessment is a good first step. A physiotherapist can determine the source of your symptoms and whether vestibular rehab is appropriate.

Can concussion cause vestibular problems?

Yes. Dizziness, visual disturbance, and balance problems are among the most common post-concussion symptoms and often have a vestibular component. Vestibular rehabilitation is a core part of concussion management at Physiolab.

How many vestibular rehab sessions will I need?

BPPV typically resolves in 1 to 3 sessions. Other vestibular conditions may require a longer course of treatment with ongoing home exercises. Your physiotherapist will assess your progress and adjust the plan accordingly.

Can vestibular physiotherapy help with chronic dizziness?

Yes. Conditions like Persistent Postural-Perceptual Dizziness (PPPD) and chronic vestibular hypofunction respond well to structured vestibular rehabilitation, including habituation exercises and balance training.

Is vestibular rehabilitation covered by extended health insurance?

Yes. Vestibular rehabilitation delivered by a registered physiotherapist is covered under most extended health plans. Physiolab offers direct billing.

What exercises are used in vestibular rehabilitation?

Common vestibular exercises include gaze stabilization exercises (focusing on a fixed point while moving the head), habituation exercises (gradual exposure to movements that provoke dizziness), and balance training. The specific program depends on your diagnosis and assessment findings.

Our
Locations

We are proud to serve multiple convenient locations, ensuring quality physiotherapy care is always within reach.