Vestibular Rehabilitation 

Vestibular rehabilitation is a specialized form of physical therapy designed to help people experiencing dizziness, vertigo, imbalance, or unsteadiness. It uses targeted, progressive exercises to help the brain and balance systems adapt, improving symptom control and confidence with daily activities. [2][4][5]

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The vestibular system—made up of structures in the inner ear and brain—helps regulate balance, eye movement, and spatial orientation. When this system is disrupted, symptoms such as dizziness, spinning sensations, or unsteadiness can occur. Vestibular rehabilitation focuses on restoring function through retraining rather than rest or avoidance.

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What to Expect During Vestibular Rehabilitation

Care is individualized based on your symptoms, triggers, goals, and daily demands. Your physiotherapist will complete a detailed assessment and design an exercise program that may include: [1][5]

• Gaze stabilization exercises, which help maintain clear vision while moving your head [6–7]

• Balance and walking exercises to improve stability and reduce fall risk [6][8]

• Habituation exercises, which involve repeated, controlled exposure to symptom-provoking movements to help the brain adapt over time [8]

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Most vestibular rehabilitation programs last 6–8 weeks, with short daily exercise sessions (typically 10–20 minutes). Appointments may occur weekly and can be delivered in person or, in some cases, through supported virtual care. [8–9]

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What the Evidence Says

A large and growing body of research supports vestibular rehabilitation as a safe and effective first-line treatment for dizziness and balance disorders. Studies involving thousands of patients show that:

• People who complete vestibular rehabilitation are more than twice as likely to experience improvement in dizziness compared to those who do not [2][5]

• Vestibular exercises significantly reduce how much dizziness interferes with daily life [2–4]

• Earlier initiation of vestibular rehabilitation (within the first two weeks of symptoms) leads to better outcomes [3][9]

• Patients who receive physical therapy for dizziness within three months have an 86% lower risk of falling over the following year [4]

• Improvements can be maintained for up to three years after completing treatment [10]

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These benefits are driven by the brain’s ability to adapt and reorganize in response to consistent, well-designed movement challenges.

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What Improvement Typically Looks Like

Most people notice meaningful improvement within 4–6 weeks of starting vestibular exercises. Common changes include: [1][8]

• Less frequent or less intense dizziness

• Improved balance and steadiness

• Increased confidence with movement

• Reduced anxiety around symptoms

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Some exercises may temporarily increase dizziness. This is expected and does not indicate harm—rather, it reflects the brain being challenged in a controlled way to improve tolerance and function. [1][7]

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Who Vestibular Rehabilitation Is For

Vestibular rehabilitation can help people with a wide range of balance and dizziness concerns, including inner ear conditions and certain neurologic causes. It is effective for both recent onset symptoms and symptoms that have persisted for months or even years. [1–3][10]

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Research also shows that online and supported virtual vestibular programs can be effective alternatives to in-person care for many individuals, improving access without compromising outcomes. [2][5][9–10]

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Getting Started

If dizziness or balance problems are affecting your daily life, vestibular rehabilitation may help. Earlier intervention is associated with better outcomes, but it is never “too late” to benefit from treatment. [3][6]

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At Stride Physio & Performance, we focus on education, reassurance, and progressive exposure—helping you move with confidence rather than fear.