Physical & Rehabilitative Care
Vestibular rehabilitation
Vestibular rehabilitation uses targeted exercises and sometimes positioning maneuvers for certain balance disorders.
Overview
A trained clinician assesses dizziness and balance before choosing exercises. Some inner-ear conditions respond to repositioning maneuvers, while others need gaze and balance practice.
What to expect
- Review dizziness triggers and falls.
- Assess eye movements, gait, and balance.
- Practice selected gaze or balance exercises.
- Use positioning maneuvers only when indicated.
Why people explore it
- People often explore it for dizziness related to inner-ear disorders.
- People often explore it for unsteadiness and fall concerns.
- People often explore it for visual discomfort with head movement.
These are common reasons people look into it — not a sign that it's right for you.
What the evidence says
Well-supported for specific uses
Strong research or clinical guidelines support it for particular problems — not for everything.
Better supported
- Targeted rehabilitation helps many peripheral vestibular disorders; repositioning helps appropriate cases of positional vertigo.
Promising, but limited or uncertain
- Results are less certain for unexplained dizziness or nonvestibular causes.
Not supported by evidence
- Dizziness is not always an inner-ear problem and should not be self-diagnosed.
Possible risks and precautions
- Get medical clearance and modified activity for cardiac or neurological conditions, recent concussion, or balance problems.
- Exercise may cause soreness or fatigue; tell the clinician about worsening pain, dizziness, or new weakness.
- Falls or reinjury are possible; use the agreed supports and follow any surgery or weight-bearing limits.
- Exercises may briefly provoke dizziness or nausea; sudden dizziness with weakness, severe headache, or speech trouble requires emergency assessment.
If you have a health condition, are pregnant, or take medicines, ask your healthcare provider first.
Who provides it
- Licensed physical therapists with vestibular training commonly provide care.
- Audiologists and physicians may assess vestibular disorders; scope and requirements vary by state.
Questions to ask before booking
- What findings suggest a vestibular cause for my symptoms?
- How will you reduce fall risk during practice?
- How will you adapt the session to my health history and comfort?
- What would mean I should stop or seek medical care?
Costs and coverage
- Ask for the full fee, evaluation charges, and any equipment or follow-up costs.
- Coverage depends on the service, provider, medical need, and plan rules; check with your plan about referrals, networks, and visit limits.
Coverage changes often and differs by plan. Always confirm with your insurer and the provider.
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Watch & learn
Related educational videos from trusted creators:
15 Minute Gentle Full Body Stretch
Source: Jessica Valant
A gentle full-body routine with seated and floor-based stretching.
Skip floor movements if getting down or back up is not comfortable for you.
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Sources
Content reviewed . Written for general education and not yet reviewed by a licensed clinician.
Educational only — not medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Supportive wellness practices do not replace necessary medical or mental-health care. Options are not equally effective, and not every option is right for every person. Please talk with a qualified healthcare professional about your own situation. In an emergency, call your local emergency number; in the US, call or text 988 for crisis support. Emergency help