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Read MoreWhat Is Vestibular Therapy?
Vestibular therapy treats dizziness, vertigo, imbalance and related symptoms. These issues often stem from inner ear problems, concussions or neurological conditions, and can make everyday activities feel difficult or even unsafe.
The purpose of vestibular therapy is to retrain the brain and body to interpret balance signals more effectively. Through targeted exercises and therapy techniques, patients can reduce dizziness, improve coordination and restore confidence in movement. Many people notice that symptoms lessen over time as the brain adapts to new input and builds resilience.
Your doctor may recommend this type of therapy for dizziness caused by conditions such as benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), post-concussion syndrome, vestibular neuritis, labyrinthitis, stroke or other neurological conditions. It can also help with age-related balance dysfunction or dizziness triggered by head movements or visual changes.
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Types of Vestibular Therapy
There are many techniques used in vestibular rehabilitation therapy, including:
Canalith Repositioning Maneuvers
Specialized head and body movements, such as the Epley maneuver, move loose crystals in the inner ear back to their proper place to relieve vertigo caused by BPPV.
Gaze Stabilization Exercises
These exercises train the eyes to stay focused during head movements, improving vision stability and reducing dizziness during everyday tasks.
Functional and Conditioning Exercises
Practicing daily activities and general conditioning builds endurance and confidence and improves your overall quality of life.
Additional Vestibular Therapies
Balance and Gait Training
Targeted activities strengthen the balance system, improve coordination and reduce fall risk.
Habituation Exercises
Controlled exposure to dizziness-triggering movements helps the brain adapt, reducing sensitivity over time.
What To Expect When You Have Vestibular Therapy
When you start vestibular therapy, you can expect a compassionate and structured approach to ease symptoms and restore your confidence. Your therapist will explain the evaluation process, which may involve checking your balance, testing eye movements and discussing how dizziness or vertigo affects your routine. This initial visit helps ensure your therapy plan reflects your unique needs and goals.
During treatment, sessions may include gentle repositioning maneuvers, customized vestibular rehabilitation exercises and interactive activities that challenge your balance safely. Some patients may feel mild dizziness while practicing habituation exercises, but this response is expected and helps the brain adapt. Therapists carefully guide you through each step, ensuring therapy remains safe and effective.
Over time, patients often notice improvements not only in physical steadiness, but also in daily confidence. With consistent participation and home practice, vestibular rehabilitation can make a meaningful difference in both your safety and quality of life.
