Skip to main content
At Ease Physio logo
Book online
Balance & concussion

Vestibular Therapy

Evidence-based treatment for dizziness, vertigo, and balance disorders

Call +1 604 923 8323

What Is Vestibular Therapy?

Vestibular therapy is a specialized form of physiotherapy that targets conditions affecting the inner ear and balance system. Your vestibular system works closely with your visual system and proprioceptors to help you maintain balance, spatial orientation, and coordinated movement.

This evidence-based treatment approach addresses dizziness, vertigo, and post-concussion symptoms through carefully designed rehabilitation protocols. Rather than relying on medication to mask symptoms, vestibular therapy:

  • Targets the root cause of your balance dysfunction
  • Helps your brain adapt and compensate for inner ear deficits
  • Uses customized exercises to improve gaze stability and reduce motion sensitivity

Every vestibular rehabilitation program begins with a detailed oculomotor assessment. This comprehensive evaluation examines the relationship between your eye movements and inner ear function, identifying specific areas of dysfunction.

At At Ease Physio in South Surrey, our therapists have completed specialized training in vestibular rehabilitation, combining the latest research with hands-on clinical experience.

For a deeper understanding of how vestibular therapy works, read our guide on understanding vestibular physiotherapy. If you’re experiencing positional vertigo, learn about BPPV and its treatment. For those recovering from head injuries, our article on common concussion misconceptions may help clarify your recovery path.

Best for
Vertigo, dizziness, concussion recovery, and balance disorders
Typical course
3-8 sessions
Coverage
Extended health benefits (physiotherapy)

Who is this for?

  • Experience dizziness or vertigo — whether constant or episodic, mild or severe
  • Are recovering from a concussion with persistent dizziness, balance problems, or visual disturbances
  • Have difficulty walking on uneven surfaces, feel unsteady in crowds, or need to hold onto walls and furniture
  • Experience motion sensitivity from car rides, scrolling on your phone, or watching action movies

Conditions and concerns

How it helps

  • Vertigo Reduction

    Repositioning maneuvers and habituation exercises decrease the frequency and intensity of vertigo episodes

  • Balance Improvement

    Strengthens integration between vestibular, visual, and proprioceptive systems for stable movement

  • Gaze Stabilization

    Specialized eye movement exercises help maintain clear vision during head movement

  • Concussion Recovery

    Structured rehabilitation accelerates recovery and safe return to work, school, and sport

  • Motion Sickness Relief

    Gradual exposure protocols desensitize your vestibular system to provocative movements

  • Fall Prevention

    Improved balance control significantly reduces your risk of falls

What to expect

  1. Assessment

    Comprehensive oculomotor testing examines how your eyes coordinate with your vestibular system, plus balance evaluation through various standing and walking tasks.

  2. Treatment

    Specialized repositioning maneuvers for BPPV, habituation exercises for motion sensitivity, and progressive balance training tailored to your diagnosis.

  3. Home Program

    Customized daily exercises (10-20 minutes) with clear progressions. Regular follow-ups to monitor progress and adjust your program.

Meet the Practitioners

Our team of experienced physiotherapists and kinesiologists are ready to help you on your path to recovery.

Susannah Reid

Susannah Reid

Clinic Owner & Registered Physiotherapist

View Profile

New to physiotherapy?

Start with an assessment. You do not need to choose a treatment technique.

First visit & fees

Why choose At Ease Physio?

  • Specialized Vestibular Training

    Our therapists have completed advanced education in vestibular assessment and rehabilitation, ensuring specialized care for complex conditions.

  • Comprehensive Oculomotor Assessment

    We evaluate the intricate relationship between your eyes and inner ear, identifying subtle dysfunctions that might be missed elsewhere.

  • Integrated Approach

    We combine vestibular rehabilitation with craniosacral therapy and applied neurology to address multiple contributing factors.

  • Evidence-Based Protocols

    Treatment approaches grounded in current research and clinical best practices, continuously updated to reflect advances in vestibular science.

Frequently asked questions

How long until I feel better?
Recovery timelines vary by condition. BPPV often improves dramatically within one to three sessions. Other vestibular conditions typically require four to eight weeks of consistent rehabilitation, though you may notice improvements within the first few weeks.
Will the exercises make me dizzy?
Some vestibular exercises are designed to provoke mild symptoms as part of the habituation process. This controlled exposure is necessary for your brain to adapt. Your therapist will carefully grade exercise intensity to ensure symptoms remain manageable and subside quickly after exercise.
What is BPPV and how is it treated?
BPPV (Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo) occurs when tiny calcium crystals in your inner ear become dislodged and float into the semicircular canals. Treatment involves specific repositioning maneuvers that guide these crystals back to their proper location, often providing immediate and lasting relief.
Can vestibular issues be completely cured?
Many vestibular conditions can be fully resolved with appropriate treatment. BPPV has an excellent cure rate with repositioning maneuvers. Other conditions may involve permanent changes, but rehabilitation helps your brain compensate effectively, often eliminating symptoms entirely.
Is vestibular therapy covered by insurance?
Vestibular therapy is provided by registered physiotherapists and is covered under most extended health benefit plans that include physiotherapy coverage. We provide detailed receipts for insurance submission, and many plans offer direct billing options.

Tired of Feeling Off-Balance?

Dizziness and vertigo don't have to control your life. Book an assessment to discover what's causing your symptoms and how we can help.

Book an appointment Contact Us