Vestibular Physiotherapy for Vertigo, Balance Issues and Dizziness

What is Vestibular Physiotherapy?

Vestibular rehabilitation is a physiotherapy lead treatment program for those presenting with vestibular dysfunction which most commonly presents as dizziness or vertigo, motion sensitivity and balance difficulties as a result of inner ear pathology. Vestibular physiotherapy uses specific exercises and hands-on techniques to retrain the brain and body to process balance signals correctly. The goal of this treatment is to reduce dizziness, improve stability and balance, and lessen sensitivity to head movements. 

What Conditions Can Vestibular Physiotherapy Help With?

Vestibular Rehabilitation is commonly used to treat and manage symptoms of the following conditions:

Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV)

A common inner ear disorder that causes vertigo, a sensation of spinning or movement.

Meniere’s Disease (supportive management of symptoms)

An inner ear disorder that can cause vertigo, tinnitus, hearing loss and ear pressure.

Motion Sensitivity

Experiencing dizziness, nausea, or imbalance when exposed to moving visuals or complex visual surroundings, such as crowds or scrolling screens.

Age-related Balance Decline

Degeneration of the vestibular system with age can contribute to impaired balance, resulting in dizziness and an elevated fall risk among older adults.

Vestibular Neuritis or Vestibular Labyrinthitis

Inflammation of the nervers in the inner ear, or the vestibular labyrinth which causes vertigo, dizziness, imbalance, nausea, and vomiting.

Dizziness

Vestibular Physio can be used to treat dizziness resultant from neurological conditions such as multiple sclerosis or acquired brain injuries, post-concussion dizziness or dizziness in the elderly.

Vestibular migraine

A neuroligcal condition where an individual experiences migrained headaches alongside symptoms of dizziness, vertigo and sometimes, balance problems.  

How Effective is Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT)?

VRT is highly effective for vestibular hypofunction and other inner ear disorders. Research consistently shows reduced dizziness, better balance, and improved quality of life. Many clients begin to see results in 3–6 sessions, especially when following their prescribed home exercises.

How Long Does It Take to See Improvements?

Some clients feel immediate relief (especially in BPPV), while others notice steady progress over 3–6 weeks. Recovery time depends on the condition, severity, and how consistently home exercises are done.

Do I Need a Referral to See a Physiotherapist for Vestibular Dysfunction?

No referral is needed for private appointments. You can book directly with us.

However, if you’re using Medicare (EPC) or WorkCover, a GP referral is required. At Hiya Health, we accept a range of funding.

Take the first step towards better health

If dizziness or balance issues are impacting your day-to-day life, our experienced physiotherapists at Hiya Health are here to help. Contact us today to book your vestibular assessment and start your journey toward feeling stable and confident again.

At Hiya Health, our team supports individuals with vestibular conditions to regain confidence, reduce symptoms, and improve daily functioning.
Treatment is available at our Burleigh Heads, Labrador and Sunnybank Hills Clinics only.

Vestibular Physiotherapy Frequently Asked Questions

What other symptoms could I experience from Vestibular Dysfunction?

Vestibular dysfunction can also present with a multitude of other symptoms including headaches, nausea, blurry vision or light headedness. There are many different causes of vertigo but symptoms are often as a result of your balance systems and inner ear reporting different information to your brain, causing symptoms to arise.

How Does Vestibular Physiotherapy Help With Dizziness?

Vestibular physiotherapy uses specific exercises and hands-on techniques to retrain the brain and body to process balance signals correctly from the inner ear, eyes, and body. This helps reduce dizziness, improve stability, and lessen sensitivity to head movements. It is particularly effective for inner ear disorders like BPPV, vestibular migraine and vestibular neuritis.

How is BPPV Diagnosed and Treated?

BPPV (Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo) is diagnosed through multiple provocative positional tests, where your physiotherapist will look for characteristic eye movements (nystagmus).

Treatment involves canalith repositioning maneuvers to move displaced crystals out of the inner ear canals—usually providing relief in just 1–2 sessions.

Can Vestibular Rehabilitation Help With Balance Issues in Older Adults?

Yes! Vestibular rehab is particularly beneficial for older adults. It reduces fall risk, enhances postural control, and improves confidence with walking and everyday activities. Programs often include balance retraining, visual-vestibular exercises, and gait re-education tailored to each person.

Do I need to do home exercises as part of my treatment?

Yes. Home exercises are an essential component of vestibular therapy and may include:

• Gaze stabilization drills (e.g. VOR x1)
• Static and dynamic balance exercises
• Habituation exercises to reduce symptom triggers 

These are always prescribed based on your individual condition and progress.

Submit an Enquiry for Vestibular Physiotherapy

Have a question or need more information about our therapy services for Vestibular Dysfunction? Submit the form below and we will get back to you.