Restore Your Balance: How Vestibular Physiotherapy Can Help with Vertigo and Dizziness

Naosu Wellness
7 hours ago
3 min read

If you've ever felt the room spinning without warning, struggled to walk in a straight line, or felt persistently "off" — you know how disruptive vestibular problems can be. These symptoms affect far more than your physical balance. They impact your confidence, your ability to work, and your quality of life.

The good news: vestibular disorders are highly treatable — and physiotherapy is one of the most effective, evidence-based approaches available.

What Is the Vestibular System?

The vestibular system is the sensory system responsible for your sense of balance and spatial orientation. Located in the inner ear, it works in constant communication with your eyes, muscles, and brain to help you stay stable, upright, and coordinated during movement.

When this system is disrupted — whether through injury, illness, or dysfunction — the result can be dizziness, vertigo, nausea, blurred vision, and difficulty with everyday tasks like walking, driving, or even sitting still.

Common Vestibular Conditions We Treat

At Naosu Wellness Coquitlam, our physiotherapists assess and treat a wide range of vestibular conditions, including:

Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) The most common cause of vertigo. BPPV occurs when small calcium crystals in the inner ear become dislodged and move into the semicircular canals, triggering sudden episodes of intense spinning — often triggered by head movements like rolling over in bed or looking up.

Concussion-Related Vestibular Dysfunction Many patients experience vestibular symptoms following a concussion — including dizziness, balance issues, sensitivity to movement, and difficulty concentrating. Vestibular physiotherapy plays a critical role in post-concussion rehabilitation.

Vestibular Neuritis and Labyrinthitis Inflammation of the inner ear or vestibular nerve can cause sudden, severe dizziness and balance disruption. Physiotherapy supports recovery by retraining the brain's ability to compensate for the affected inner ear.

Chronic Dizziness and Balance Disorders Persistent dizziness that doesn't resolve on its own is often related to central or peripheral vestibular dysfunction — both of which respond well to targeted physiotherapy intervention.

What Does Vestibular Physiotherapy Involve?

Vestibular physiotherapy is not a one-size-fits-all approach. Treatment begins with a comprehensive assessment to identify the specific cause and nature of your vestibular dysfunction, followed by a personalized treatment plan.

Comprehensive Vestibular Assessment Your physiotherapist will evaluate eye movement, balance, gait, positional responses, and functional movement — building a clear clinical picture of what's contributing to your symptoms.

Canalith Repositioning Techniques (e.g. Epley Maneuver) For patients with BPPV, canalith repositioning maneuvers are highly effective at moving displaced inner ear crystals back into their correct position — often providing significant relief within one to three sessions.

Balance and Stability Training Targeted exercises are used to retrain the body's balance systems — improving coordination, reducing fall risk, and building confidence with movement.

Gaze Stabilization Exercises These exercises help the eyes and vestibular system work together more effectively, reducing symptoms triggered by visual motion or head movement.

Personalized Home Exercise Programs Recovery continues between sessions. Your physiotherapist will design a structured home program to reinforce clinic-based treatment and accelerate your progress.

Who Can Benefit from Vestibular Physiotherapy?

Vestibular physiotherapy is appropriate for a wide range of patients, including:

Those experiencing recurrent vertigo or dizziness episodes
Patients recovering from a concussion or head injury
Older adults experiencing balance decline and fall risk
Anyone with a recent inner ear infection or inflammation
Patients with unresolved dizziness following surgery or illness

If dizziness or balance issues have been affecting your daily life — even if you've been told to "just wait it out" — vestibular physiotherapy may provide the targeted intervention you need.

Why Naosu Wellness?

At Naosu Wellness Coquitlam, vestibular physiotherapy is delivered by an experienced physiotherapist trained in the assessment and treatment of vestibular conditions. Our approach is evidence-informed, patient-centred, and integrated with the broader multidisciplinary team at our clinic — including chiropractic care, massage therapy, acupuncture, and kinesiology — to support your full recovery.

We understand that vestibular symptoms can be frightening and disorienting. Our goal is to provide clear answers, targeted treatment, and the tools you need to feel steady, confident, and in control again.