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Vestibular & Concussion Rehab

Physical Therapy for Dizziness & Concussions

What Is Vestibular Rehabilitation?

Vestibular rehab is a specialized physical therapy program that helps reduce:

  • Dizziness
  • Motion sensitivity
  • Vertigo
  • Balance problems

These symptoms often come from issues in the vestibular system, which works with your vision, sense of body position (proprioception) & your inner ear to keep you balanced and steady.

When these three system working well together, even simple tasks like getting out of bed or turning your head while walking can feel disorienting.

How Does Vestibular Rehab Work?

A certified physical therapist will:

  1. Review your symptoms and medical history.
  2. Perform tests to check your balance, reflexes, and how you respond to movement.
  3. Identify the cause of your dizziness.
  4. Create a personalized treatment plan.

Common Conditions Treated

  • BPPV (Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo): Caused by loose crystals in the inner ear. Treated with simple head movements (canalith repositioning) that often work in just 1–2 visits.
  • Other causes: Vestibular neuritis, Meniere’s disease, migraines, cervicogenic dizziness, and more.

Types of Exercises Used

  • Adaptation: Strengthens the connection between your eyes, ears, and brain.
  • Substitution: Trains your body to rely on other senses for balance.
  • Habituation: Repeated exposure to dizziness triggers to reduce sensitivity over time.

Treatment length varies—some people improve in 1-2 sessions, others may need a few weeks or months of rehab depending on complexity.

Common Symptoms

  • Dizziness or vertigo
  • Blurry vision
  • Headaches
  • Light/sound sensitivity
  • Balance issues
  • Anxiety or depression
  • Feeling pulled to one side
  • Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)

What Is a Concussion?

A concussion is a mild brain injury caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head. It disrupts brain function temporarily and can happen from:

  • Falls
  • Car accidents
  • Sports injuries
  • Hitting your head

Concussion Symptoms

  • Headaches and neck pain
  • Dizziness or balance problems
  • Blurry vision
  • Trouble concentrating or remembering
  • Fatigue
  • Sensitivity to light or sound
  • Sleep issues
  • Emotional changes
  • Difficulty exercising

How Physical Therapy Helps After a Concussion

Most people recover in days or weeks, but some need more time. Physical therapy can speed up recovery and ease lingering symptoms.

What to Expect

Your therapist will assess your symptoms and create a custom plan. Treatment may include:

  • Eye and head movement training
  • Balance exercises
  • Manual therapy and neck exercises for headaches and neck pain
  • Heart rate regulation if you have trouble with exercise (dysautonomia)
  • Education to help you safely return to work, school, and daily life