Vestibular Rehabilitation: Simple Guide to Treat Dizziness and Balance

If you feel dizzy, unsteady, or your world spins, vestibular rehabilitation can help. This rehab is a set of targeted exercises and strategies that retrain your balance system. Therapists tailor plans to your symptoms, activity level, and medical history so you get exercises that actually match your problem.

Vestibular problems come from inner ear disorders, concussion, migraine, or nerve issues. Symptoms include spinning sensations (vertigo), lightheadedness, blurred vision when you move, and trouble walking in crowds. Good news: many people improve with consistent therapy in weeks to months, not years.

What vestibular rehab is

At its core, vestibular rehab focuses on three things: stabilizing your gaze, improving balance, and reducing dizziness with movement. Gaze stabilization trains your eyes and brain to work together during head motion. Balance training uses standing and walking exercises that get harder as you improve. Habituation reduces sensitivity by repeating movements that trigger symptoms until your brain adapts.

Exercises are simple but specific. For gaze work you might fix on a stationary object while turning your head. Balance tasks can be as basic as standing on one leg or walking with your eyes closed. Habituation often repeats small head turns or position changes. Your therapist will increase difficulty and add real life tasks like turning to look while carrying groceries.

How to start and what to expect

Start by seeing a physical therapist who specializes in vestibular disorders or an ENT if you need a diagnosis. The first session usually includes a movement exam and short tests for eye movement and balance. From there you get a home program and clinic sessions one or two times a week until you can do exercises mostly on your own.

Progress is measurable. Therapists use balance tests, symptom scales, and how well you handle daily tasks. Expect some temporary increase in symptoms when you begin exercises. That’s normal and often part of recovery. If symptoms spike and don’t settle, tell your therapist so they can change the plan.

Practical tips: do exercises daily for short blocks rather than skipping them, keep a simple symptom diary to track what helps, and avoid overprotecting yourself with too much rest. Also, check medicine side effects with your doctor since some drugs can worsen balance. For driving or working at heights, get professional clearance before returning.

If you want to find more resources, search for local vestibular therapists, balance clinics, or online exercise videos from reputable clinics. Vestibular rehab is not a quick fix for everyone, but with the right plan it often gives back confidence, reduces dizziness, and helps you move through everyday life without fear.

When choosing a therapist, ask about vestibular certification, experience with BPPV and concussion rehab, and whether they use video tests. Check if your insurance covers sessions or if telehealth follow-ups are offered. Many people start to feel safer within four to eight weeks, though some need longer. Update your therapist if symptoms or routines change and progress.