Dizziness, vertigo, and balance difficulties can significantly affect daily activities, making simple tasks such as walking, driving, or even standing still more challenging. These symptoms often stem from problems in the vestibular system—a part of the inner ear and brain that helps control balance and spatial orientation. Vestibular rehabilitation is a form of physiotherapy designed to address these challenges, aiming to reduce symptoms and restore confidence in movement.
Vestibular disorders may occur after head injuries, inner ear infections, certain illnesses, or degenerative conditions. In some cases, symptoms may also appear gradually due to age-related changes or issues with neck mobility and vision. Individuals may describe sensations such as spinning (vertigo), feeling unsteady, or experiencing nausea and disorientation. Without proper care, these symptoms can persist and affect independence, productivity, and quality of life.
Vestibular rehabilitation physiotherapy begins with a comprehensive assessment to determine the root cause of dizziness or imbalance. A physiotherapist examines eye movements, posture, gait, neck mobility, and balance responses to identify the affected components of the vestibular system. This evaluation guides the creation of a personalized program to target each patient’s unique needs.
Treatment may involve specific exercises that retrain the brain to interpret balance signals more effectively. These can include gaze stabilization exercises to improve focus during head movements, habituation techniques to reduce motion sensitivity, and balance retraining exercises to enhance stability. In some cases, manual therapy for the neck or postural alignment may also be incorporated, especially if neck tension or stiffness contributes to the symptoms.
For those experiencing dizziness after a concussion, vestibular rehabilitation can be combined with other physiotherapy approaches to address lingering post-injury symptoms. Likewise, if vertigo is caused by benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), specialized repositioning maneuvers can be used to move displaced inner ear crystals back to their correct location, often resulting in significant symptom improvement.
At Family Physiotherapy Edmonton Clinic, our team provides targeted vestibular rehabilitation with the aim of reducing dizziness, improving balance, and restoring day-to-day function. We understand that each patient’s experience is different, so treatment is adapted to individual goals and comfort levels. Many people notice improvements within a few sessions, while others may require ongoing therapy for more complex conditions.
We also provide direct billing, most insurance covered, same day appointments, no referrals needed, walk-in patients welcome, free parking, and wheelchair accessibility to make your visit as smooth and stress-free as possible.
Book your appointment with Family Physiotherapy Edmonton Clinic to explore how vestibular rehabilitation may help restore your balance, reduce dizziness, and improve your confidence in daily movement.