Every Time.
We are a team of Chartered Physiotherapists in Ennis that specialise in providing evidence-based practice to our clients. Our physiotherapists are members of the Irish Society of Chartered Physiotherapists and State Registered with CORU.
What is Vestibular Rehabilitation?
Vestibular rehabilitation is a specialised form of physiotherapy that focuses on the balance system, including the inner ear and its connection with the brain. It uses individually tailored exercises and treatment techniques to improve balance, gaze stability, coördination, and tolerance to movement.
Who can benefit?
Vestibular rehabilitation may help people experiencing:
- Vertigo and BPPV: a spinning sensation, particularly when rolling in bed, looking up, or changing head position.
- Dizziness and motion sensitivity: symptoms triggered by head movements or everyday activities.
- Balance difficulties: unsteadiness when standing, walking, or turning.
- Vestibular hypofunction: difficulty maintaining clear vision during head movements or problems with balance due to reduced vestibular function.
- Reduced confidence with movement: difficulty returning to normal daily activities because of dizziness or imbalance.
The appropriate treatment depends on the underlying cause of the symptoms. Some conditions require medical assessment or referral alongside physiotherapy.
Vestibular Rehabilitation Techniques & Exercises
Vestibular rehabilitation begins with an individual assessment of symptoms, eye movements, balance, walking and relevant functional limitations. A personalised treatment plan is then developed to help improve balance, movement tolerance, visual stability and confidence in daily life.
Treatment may include canalith repositioning manoeuvres, such as the Epley manoeuvre for appropriate cases of BPPV, or the Lempert (barbecue roll) manoeuvre for suitable horizontal-canal BPPV. These manoeuvres are selected according to the affected semicircular canal and clinical findings.
Other techniques may include gaze-stabilisation training, balance retraining, habituation exercises, gait training and functional movement practice. Each programme is individualised to address the patient’s specific symptoms and rehabilitation needs.
Exercises may include gaze stabilisation to improve visual stability during head movement; controlled head and eye movements; and balance exercises performed in different positions and on different surfaces.
Depending on the person’s ability and goals, rehabilitation may also include walking with head turns, sit-to-stand practice, stepping exercises, turning, and graded exposure to movements that provoke dizziness. Exercises are progressed according to symptoms, safety and clinical response.
Following a comprehensive individual assessment, your physiotherapist will develop a personalised rehabilitation programme based on your symptoms and goals.
Treatment may include:
- Canalith repositioning manoeuvres for suitable cases of BPPV.
- Gaze-stabilisation exercises to improve visual clarity during head movements.
- Balance and walking exercises to improve stability and coordination.
- Habituation exercises to help reduce sensitivity to specific movements.
- A tailored home exercise programme to support recovery and progress.
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