What Is Vestibular Physiotherapy?
Vestibular physiotherapy — also called vestibular rehabilitation — is a specialized, exercise-based approach to treating dizziness, vertigo, and balance problems. Your sense of balance depends on the vestibular system in your inner ear working together with your vision and your body's position sense. When that system is disrupted, the result can be spinning sensations, unsteadiness, nausea, and a loss of confidence with everyday movement.
At C.S. Physiotherapy & Wellness Centre, we assess the root of your dizziness and use targeted manoeuvres and exercises to settle symptoms and help your brain recalibrate — so you can move, turn your head, and get on with your day without the world tipping.
Conditions We Help With
- Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) — brief spinning with head or position changes
- Vestibular neuritis and labyrinthitis (inner-ear inflammation)
- Persistent dizziness and light-headedness
- Post-concussion dizziness and visual-motion sensitivity
- Balance problems and unsteadiness
- Increased falls risk, particularly in older adults
- Motion sensitivity and difficulty with busy visual environments
Vertigo with certain head movements? The most common cause of vertigo is BPPV — displaced crystals in the inner ear. It's very treatable, often with a simple repositioning manoeuvre, and many people feel dramatically better within one or two visits.
What to Expect at Your Assessment
Your first visit starts with a detailed history of your symptoms — what brings them on, how long they last, and how they affect your life. Your physiotherapist then carries out specific tests of your eyes, head movements, and balance to identify what's driving your dizziness. These tests are how we tell BPPV apart from other vestibular conditions, which matters because the treatments differ.
Your Treatment May Include
- Canalith repositioning manoeuvres such as the Epley manoeuvre for BPPV
- Gaze stabilization exercises to steady your vision when your head moves
- Habituation exercises to reduce motion sensitivity over time
- Balance and gait retraining to rebuild steadiness and confidence
- Strength and falls-prevention work where appropriate
- A personalized home program so progress continues between visits
Dizziness After a Concussion
Dizziness, unsteadiness, and sensitivity to busy visual environments are common after a concussion. Vestibular rehabilitation is a key part of concussion recovery, and we frequently combine it with our broader concussion management approach to help you return to work, school, and sport safely.
Frequently Asked Questions
How quickly will my vertigo improve?
It depends on the cause. BPPV often responds very quickly — many people feel markedly better after one or two repositioning treatments. Other vestibular conditions improve more gradually over a few weeks of exercises as your balance system recalibrates.
Do I need a referral for vestibular physiotherapy?
No. Physiotherapists in Ontario are primary care practitioners, so you can book a vestibular assessment directly. Some extended health plans request a physician referral for reimbursement, so it's worth checking your specific policy.
Is the treatment safe if movement makes me dizzy?
Yes. Some exercises may briefly provoke symptoms — that's part of how your system recalibrates — but your physiotherapist progresses things at a pace you can tolerate and is there to support you throughout.
Is vestibular physiotherapy covered by insurance?
Yes, in most cases. Because it's delivered by a registered physiotherapist, it's typically covered under the physiotherapy portion of extended health plans. Coverage varies — call us and we can help you understand your plan.
Kingston's Vestibular Physiotherapy Clinic
We're located at 1479 John Counter Boulevard, Unit 201 in Kingston, Ontario. If vertigo, dizziness, or unsteadiness is affecting your daily life, call us at 613-384-2664 or reach out through our contact form to book an assessment.