Vestibular rehabilitation is physiotherapy for dizziness, vertigo and balance problems linked to the inner ear and the way the brain processes balance. It uses assessment, specific head and eye movements, and a tailored exercise program to help you get back to everyday activities. At 101 Physio, vestibular physiotherapy is available from all of our physiotherapists at our Melton, Hoppers Crossing and Sunbury clinics. To book, call (03) 9746 6852 or book online.
What the vestibular system does
Your vestibular (balance) system sits in your inner ear. It tells your brain how your head is moving and works with your eyes, muscles and joints to keep you steady and your vision clear when you move. When part of that system isn't working well, you might feel the room spinning, feel light-headed or "off", feel unsteady on your feet, or find busy places and screens make you feel worse.
Many types of dizziness improve with the right exercises, because the brain can adapt and re-learn how to use balance information. Vestibular rehabilitation is designed to guide that process safely.
Conditions vestibular physiotherapy may help
- Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) — the most common cause of vertigo. Tiny crystals in the inner ear move out of place, causing brief spinning when you roll over in bed, look up or bend down.
- Vestibular neuritis or labyrinthitis — inflammation of the balance nerve or inner ear, once the first severe stage has been medically reviewed.
- Ongoing dizziness or unsteadiness after an inner-ear problem, including persistent postural-perceptual dizziness (PPPD).
- Dizziness after concussion, after medical clearance.
- Dizziness linked to the neck, often alongside neck pain or headache.
- Vestibular migraine and Ménière's disease, as part of the care your GP or doctor is managing.
- Balance problems and falls risk, especially in older adults (see also falls prevention physiotherapy).
When to get urgent medical help first
Dizziness is not always from the inner ear. Call 000 or go to an emergency department if dizziness or vertigo comes on suddenly with any of these: trouble walking or standing, weakness or numbness in the face, arm or leg, slurred speech, double vision or loss of vision, confusion, a sudden severe headache, or chest pain. If your dizziness is new and you haven't seen a doctor, we may ask you to see your GP before or alongside physiotherapy.
What to expect at your first visit
- History. What your dizziness feels like (spinning, light-headed or unsteady), what sets it off, how long episodes last, any hearing changes, your medicines and your health history.
- Screening. Checks for anything that needs a doctor's review.
- Eye-movement tests. Your physiotherapist watches how your eyes track and steady themselves as you or they move your head.
- Positional tests. Moving you into certain positions to check for BPPV. These can bring on dizziness for a short time, and we go at your pace.
- Balance, walking and neck checks.
- Plan. An explanation of what we found and a plan you can follow at home.
Please bring a list of your medicines, wear comfortable clothes and flat shoes, and if possible have someone drive you, in case testing leaves you dizzy for a while. Don't stop any medicine before your appointment without talking to your GP first.
What treatment may include
- Repositioning manoeuvres such as the Epley manoeuvre when BPPV is confirmed, guiding the crystals back to where they belong
- Gaze stabilisation exercises to help your vision stay steady when your head moves
- Habituation exercises that gradually make you less sensitive to movements or busy visual places that trigger symptoms
- Balance and walking retraining, progressed safely over time
- Neck treatment where the neck is contributing
- Education and a home program, plus coordination with your GP, audiologist or neurologist where helpful
How quickly things change depends on the cause. Some people with BPPV need only a few visits, while other conditions take a longer program. We review your progress at each visit and adjust the plan.
Where vestibular physiotherapy is offered
All of our physiotherapists provide vestibular rehabilitation, at each of our clinics:
- Melton — 7/211–223 Barries Road, Melton West.
- Hoppers Crossing — 369 Morris Road, Hoppers Crossing.
- Sunbury — 16-18 O'Shanassy Street, Sunbury (by appointment).
GPs can send referrals to wecare@101physio.com.au. See GP referrals.
Funding and payment options
- Private health insurance — HICAPS on site for on-the-spot claiming. Cover depends on your fund and level of extras.
- Medicare — eligible patients with a GP Chronic Condition Management Plan and a GP referral.
- WorkCover and TAC — for accepted claims, where the treatment is part of the approved plan.
- DVA — eligible Gold and White Card holders with a referral.
- NDIS — self- and plan-managed participants whose plan includes physiotherapy.
- Private payment — accepted. Contact reception for current fees.
Funding eligibility depends on your circumstances, referral, claim approval and appointment type. Please contact reception if you're unsure.
Related services
- Headache and migraine physiotherapy
- Neck pain physiotherapy
- Falls prevention physiotherapy
- Exercise rehabilitation
- Physiotherapy at 101 Physio
Frequently asked questions
Can physiotherapy help vertigo?
Often, yes, depending on the cause. BPPV, the most common cause of vertigo, can be treated with repositioning manoeuvres, and many other inner-ear and balance problems are managed with exercise. We'll explain what's likely in your case after the assessment.
Do I need a referral from my GP?
No. You can book physiotherapy directly. If your dizziness is new, or comes with other symptoms, we may suggest you see your GP as well. A referral is needed for Medicare, DVA, WorkCover and TAC.
Will the tests make me dizzy?
Some tests are designed to bring on your symptoms briefly, because that helps us find the cause. We explain each test first and go at your pace.
Can I drive to my appointment?
If your dizziness is bad or unpredictable, it's safer to have someone drive you. Ask your GP whether it's safe for you to drive while you have vertigo attacks.
How many sessions will I need?
It depends on the cause. Some people with BPPV need only a few visits, while other conditions need a longer home exercise program with regular reviews.
Ready to book?
Call (03) 9746 6852 or book online.
Related: headache physiotherapy · falls prevention · physiotherapy · all services
