What Is Vestibular Therapy and Can It Help Your Dizziness?

February 12, 2026

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Vestibular therapy also called vestibular rehabilitation, is a specialized form of physical therapy that treats dizziness, vertigo and balance problems caused by inner ear or brain disorders. A trained physical therapist uses targeted exercises to help your brain and body work together again, so you can get back to daily life with less dizziness and more confidence on your feet.


Below, we cover the conditions it treats, what triggers symptoms and what to expect during therapy.

Vestibular Disorders That Cause Dizziness and Vertigo

The vestibular system is a simple link between your ear and brain, keeping you steady and balanced while moving and performing everyday tasks. Vestibular disorders are produced if this small, yet incredibly important system is damaged in any way.


Vestibular disorders present a variety of symptoms, often slightly different for every patient. However, serious dizziness (vertigo) and trouble with balance are frequently reported symptoms.


Vertigo is the sensation of feeling like you are moving when you are not. Furthermore, it presents itself as an intense, room-spinning feeling. This extreme dizziness is prompted by calcium crystals moving to an unnatural area within your ear, telling your brain that your body is in motion – even when you are completely still.


While these are among the most common symptoms, hearing and vision issues can also be present. Take note of a few of the most common vestibular disorders and symptoms below:

1. Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV)

For individuals suffering from BPPV, vertigo is one of the most common symptoms.

2. Labyrinthitis

Known simply as an inner ear infection, Known simply as an inner ear infection, Labyrinthitis occurs when your labyrinth – a sensitive structure within your ear – is irritated and inflamed. The symptoms of Labyrinthitis can be extensive, including hearing loss, ear pain, pressure, high fever, dizziness, and nausea.

3. Vestibular Neuritis

Dizziness, nausea, and difficulty with daily functions caused by Vestibular Neuritis often stems from a viral infection in the inner ear or somewhere else in the body, which then attacks the inner ear and can cause severe nausea, dizziness, and imbalance.

4. Meniere’s Disease

Often defined by severe bouts of vertigo, imbalance, and tinnitus (a ringing or roaring sound in the ears), Meniere’s Disease is triggered by excessive fluid production in the inner ear. Meniere’s should be treated right away as the disorder can lead to prolonged hearing damage and balance impairments. A good relationship with a vestibular physical therapist is extremely helpful in managing the symptoms of Meniere’s disease.

5. Perilymphatic Fistula (PLF)

Individuals can be born with PLF or develop it from an injury. PLF stems from a tear between the middle ear and inner ear that is now filled with fluid. As a result, this condition causes dizziness and potential hearing loss.

6. Concussion

Traumatic head injuries can occur from multiple incidents, including car accidents, sporting collisions, or accrued head trauma after a sudden fall. Whatever the cause, concussions often cause vestibular damage, and commonly result in dizziness, difficulty in maintaining balance, the inability to focus, headaches, and trouble stabilizing vision while in motion.

Common Triggers of Dizziness and Vertigo

Uncomfortable vestibular symptoms are often triggered by simple head position changes.


Individuals suffering from any of the previously listed disorders may have difficulty performing any of the following daily activities:


  • Rolling over in bed
  • Bending over
  • Turning head quickly
  • Looking up
  • Walking
  • Keeping balanced with eyes closed
  • Reading
  • Focusing on a single target while head is moving
  • Shifting eyes from one target to another
  • Walking through grocery stores
  • Riding in a car


How Does Vestibular Therapy Help?

Vestibular Therapy Techniques (VRT) are performed by specially-trained physical therapists.


For individuals suffering from vertigo, therapists can develop individualized treatment plans designed to improve each individual patient’s symptoms. Patients may be led through balance training that retrains the body to react properly to movement. Alternatively, they may be guided through specific eye/head movements that retrains the brain to react properly to vestibular information.


What Does Vestibular Rehabilitation Involve?

At your initial visit, your physical therapist may perform a preliminary evaluation to understand your symptoms, review medical history, and accurately assess your current condition. The examination may include evaluations of:


  • Balance
  • Eye and head movements
  • Gait (the way you walk)
  • Visual stability
  • Positional testing
  • Neck mobility


Once the initial assessment is complete, your physical therapist will assign and walk you through the best exercises for your specific condition.


Rock Valley Physical Therapy: Vestibular Therapy Specialists

Individuals who suffer from the effects of vestibular disorders can find significant relief and rehabilitation working with vestibular therapy specialists. At Rock Valley Physical Therapy, we are dedicated to helping individuals return to normal life. To get in touch with our team, feel free to request an appointment today!

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