Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT) is a specialised form of physiotherapy designed to help the brain and central nervous system adapt to dysfunction within the inner ear that may be causing dizziness, vertigo, or balance problems. Through targeted exercises and specific treatment techniques, VRT encourages the body to compensate for vestibular deficits and restore stability and confidence with movement.
VRT can be effective in managing
- Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV)
- Reduced inner ear function on one or both sides, including Ménière’s disease
- Labyrinthitis
- Vestibular neuritis
Individuals with long-standing or unresolved vestibular disorders may still benefit from VRT, even after a period of medical management. It can also be highly effective following an acute or sudden loss of vestibular function, such as after illness or surgery.
Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV)
BPPV is one of the most common causes of vertigo. It occurs when tiny calcium carbonate particles (otoconia) become displaced within the inner ear and stimulate the balance system inappropriately, leading to sudden and often severe episodes of dizziness or spinning sensations.
If BPPV is identified during assessment, treatment typically involves a specific vestibular technique known as the Epley manoeuvre (a canalith repositioning procedure). Research shows this treatment is highly effective, resolving symptoms in approximately 80–90% of cases following the first treatment session.
What would be involved in your appointment
Your vestibular physiotherapist will begin with a comprehensive assessment, which may include:
- Observation and measurement of posture, balance, and walking patterns
- Identification of compensatory movement strategies
- Eye and head movement coordination testing
- Screening of the cervical spine
- Questionnaires to assess symptom severity, frequency, and impact on daily life
This thorough assessment allows us to accurately identify the underlying cause of your symptoms and tailor treatment accordingly. Following assessment, an individualised treatment program is developed, incorporating specific head, body, and eye exercises. These exercises retrain the brain to correctly interpret and integrate information from the vestibular system, vision, and proprioception (joint position sense).
The goals of VRT are to
- Reduce sensitivity to movements that provoke symptoms
- Improve balance and movement control
- Increase confidence with daily activities
- Restore physical fitness and functional independence
If you suspect you might have vertigo or a vestibular disorder, we ask that you call our reception team to make an appointment to ensure you are booked in with a vestibular physiotherapist.