Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy is a specialised form of physiotherapy that focuses on treating disorders related to the vestibular system. Such disorders include vertigo, imbalance and dizziness. 

Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy may help with the following conditions / disorders: 

• Vertigo
• Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV)
• Migraine & Vestibular migraine
• Persistent postural perceptual dizziness
• Post-concussion syndrome / Minor Traumatic Brain Injury (mTBI)
• Ocularmotor dysfunction
• Hypofunction as the result of Meneire’s Disease, Labyrinthitis and Vestibular Neuritis
• Cervicogenic (neck related dizziness)
• Chronic dizziness resulting in falls)
• Labyrinthitis

Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy offers various benefits:

• Improved balance & coordination
• Reduced risk of falling
• Reduced symptoms of dizziness
• Increased body strength
• Improved ability to stabilise your vision

The vestibular system is responsible for our sense of balance and spatial orientation. The vestibular system is located in the inner ear and consists of several structures that work together to help us maintain our balance and coordinate our movements.

It works closely with our brain and eyes to allow us to balance, react to sudden changes in environment and maintains our posture. It is essential in allowing us to carry out our daily tasks, exercise and for safety.

Vestibular disorders can be caused by a range of factors, including head injuries, viral infections, and age-related changes in the inner ear. Symptoms of vestibular disorders can include dizziness, vertigo, nausea, and difficulty with balance and coordination.

Physiotherapy and Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy can be effective treatments for vestibular disorders. There can be various causes of vertigo and dizziness, so different treatments are required to address the specific impairments and symptoms associated with these conditions.

A trained physiotherapist can help people with vestibular disorders to improve their balance and coordination, reduce dizziness and vertigo, and improve their overall quality of life.

This video features physiotherapist Mel Potgieter performing the Epley Maneuver. This is a technique used to treat benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV). The maneuver involves a series of head and body movements designed to move displaced calcium carbonate crystals in the inner ear back into their proper position.

In conjunction with medical history taking, our physiotherapists will perform a series of diagnostic tests to determine the severity of your condition and the factors contributing to it. These tests will also help determine the best course of treatment.

During a Vestibular Rehabilitation session, our physiotherapists will assess the patient's symptoms and functional limitations, and develop a personalised treatment plan to address these issues.

Treatments may include exercises to improve balance and coordination, as well as techniques to reduce dizziness and vertigo, such as gaze stabilization exercises and habituation exercises. Balance therapy may also be required for those who have been experiencing balance issues also.

What can I expect from the treatment?

The therapy can vary depending on the symptoms and issues identified. In most cases, treatments will usually be 40 minutes once per week. Some patients may start to notice improvements in their symptoms within a few weeks of starting the therapy, while others may require longer to see significant progress. It's essential to follow the treatment plan consistently and attend all scheduled appointments to achieve the best results.

If you would like to discuss your symptoms with our physiotherapists, please do not hesitate to contact us. We can help you to regain your balance and improve your quality of life.

Contact our clinics today to book your appointment or for more information.