Vestibular rehabilitation therapy

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What is vestibular therapy?

Vestibular therapy is a specialized form of physical and occupational therapy also known as vestibular rehabilitation therapy focusing on the vestibule (the inner ear) which accounts for our sense of balance. Vestibular therapy is designed to alleviate primary and secondary problems brought on by vestibular disorders, including bilateral vestibular hypofunction. Vestibular therapy uses various techniques and vestibular rehabilitation exercises to reduce symptoms like vertigo and dizziness, improve gaze stability, and improve postural stability, thus improving quality of life.

What kind of vestibular therapy treatments are provided at Spear?

Our certified vestibular therapists create customized vestibular rehabilitation programs orchestrated to meet individual patient needs, including those with inner ear disorders and bilateral vestibular hypofunction. These programs often incorporate vestibular rehabilitation exercises, addressing conditions like:

  • Dizziness or vertigo
  • Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV)
  • Ménière’s disease
  • Mal de Débarquement Syndrome
  • Migraines and other headaches
  • Balance disorders
  • Neuronitis
  • Labyrinthitis
  • Acoustic neuroma
  • Post-concussion syndrome
  • Ramsay-Hunt Syndrome
  • Unilateral as well as bilateral vestibular hypofunction
  • Cerebellar degeneration, age-related multisensory deficits, and multiple sclerosis.

Depending on the specific vestibular disorder and the patient’s unique symptoms, our therapists may employ various maneuvers, such as the Epley or modified Epley maneuver, and exercises, including balance retraining, gaze stability drills, postural retraining, and gait training.

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Therapists offering Vestibular rehabilitation therapy

Kyle Luna

Physical Therapist PT , DPT

Tessy Philip

Physical Therapist PT , DPT

Amanda Bui

Physical Therapist PT , DPT

Vinnie Puglia

Physical Therapist PT , DPT

Riya Shah

Physical Therapist PT , DPT

Shashank Mishra

Physical Therapist PT , MS

Lexi Burski-Edwards

Physical Therapist PT , DPT , CSCS

Megan Forbes

Physical Therapist PT , DPT

Shash Kankaria

Physical Therapist PT , MS

Sabrina Philippe

Physical Therapist PT , DPT

Riddhi Kate

Physical Therapist PT

Kingston Wong

Physical Therapist PT , DPT

Max Braccia

Physical Therapist PT , DPT

Martin Locsin

Assistant Director PT , DPT

Kranthi Reddy Nalla

Physical Therapist PT , MS

Fenny Vajani

Physical Therapist PT , MS , AIB-VRC

Jennifer Lee

Physical Therapist PT , DPT

Apurva Joshi

Physical Therapy Assistant PT , MS

Puja Gaikwad

Physical Therapist PT , DPT

Gigi Chan

Physical Therapist PT , DPT

Alexandra Wright

Physical Therapist

Andrew Medlin

Physical Therapist PT , DPT , CSCS

Emily Troy

Physical Therapist PT , DPT

Gabby Skolnik

Physical Therapist PT , DPT , ATC

Matt Tingson

Physical Therapist

Matt Simms

Physical Therapist PT , DPT

Ninisha Patil

Assistant Director PT , DPT

Lisa Shaw

Physical Therapist

Clyde Staley

Clinical Director PT , DPT , CSCS

Radhika Patel

Physical Therapist PT , DPT , AIB-VRC

Rachel Klazmer

Physical Therapist PT , DPT , LSVT BIG

Stratton Drivanos

Physical Therapist PT , DPT

Ranjitha Mohan

Physical Therapist PT , DPT

Camryn Gessner

Physical Therapist PT , DPT

Sheena Shah

Physical Therapist PT , DPT

Zach Cogavin, PT, DPT

Assistant Director PT , DPT

Kieran Morrissey

Occupational Therapist MS , OTR/L

Kyle Davis, PT, DPT

Site Coordinator of Clinical Education PT , DPT , OCS

Genevieve Smith

Physical Therapist PT , DPT , AIB-VRC , OCS

Melissa Wint, PT, DPT

Physical Therapist PT , DPT

Molly Polizotto

Physical Therapist PT , DPT

Justin Lugtu

Clinical Director PT , DPT , CSCS

Jennifer Baudhuin, PT, DPT

Physical Therapist PT , DPT

Sean Vitale

Physical Therapist PT , DPT , NCS

Leanna Gearhart

Physical Therapist PT , DPT , MS , OCS

Katy Metz

Assistant Director PT , DPT

Andrea Kwok

Clinical Director PT , DPT

Jamie Golubitsky

Clinical Director PT , DPT , OCS

Alyssa Reyes

Area Director PT , DPT

John Mackarey

Area Director PT , DPT

Kristen Markoe

Clinical Director PT , DPT
View all therapists

Schedule with Spear

Ready to get moving? Our expert team will guide you through your entire experience, from setting up your first appointment and verifying your insurance to building at-home treatment plans.

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Frequently asked questions about Vestibular rehabilitation therapy

When is vestibular therapy recommended?
Vestibular rehabilitation therapy is recommended when a patient experiences recurrent or persistent symptoms of a vestibular disorder, which may result from various causes, including congenital defects, ear disorders, age-related wear and tear, and traumatic brain injury. Symptoms include difficulty focusing, frequent dizziness, balance issues, disruptions to the sensory system, and manifestations related to vestibular pathology. Spear therapists can help with a wide range of problems, from fundamental balance issues to particular diagnoses such as benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) and Meniere’s disease. Vestibular physical therapy can also succor patients with post-concussion syndrome, migraines, acoustic neuroma, labyrinthitis, and other vestibular disorders.
What is the goal of vestibular therapy?
The primary goal of vestibular therapy is to boost vestibular function, which is crucial for maintaining balance and preventing falls, especially in balance disorders.  Therapists work to reduce the patient’s risk of falling, improve their spatial orientation, increase their fitness levels, and enhance their overall ability to carry out day-to-day activities. Through habituation exercises, patients learn to manage disruptive symptoms with specific movements or positional changes. 
What does vestibular therapy treatment involve?
A comprehensive evaluation by a licensed vestibular physical therapist is the first step in vestibular therapy. An evaluation of the patient’s symptoms, medical background, functional capacity, and the severity of their balance issues are frequently part of this. Based on the results of this assessment, the physical therapist creates an individualized therapy plan that frequently consists of a variety of vestibular rehabilitation activities.
How long does vestibular therapy take to work?
The length of time it takes for vestibular therapy to work varies significantly from patient to patient. While some patients may experience relief within a few sessions, others may require a more protracted treatment period, spanning several weeks or months.
What is the success rate of vestibular therapy?
Vestibular therapy is an effective treatment for many types of vestibular disorders. While it may not cure all cases, it often significantly reduces symptoms and improves the patient's quality of life.
What are some symptoms of vestibular problems?
Some common symptoms of vestibular disorders include dizziness, vertigo, balance problems, blurred vision, disorientation, and difficulties with concentration and memory.
Can you do vestibular rehab at home?
Yes, many of the exercises prescribed in vestibular therapy can be performed at home under the guidance of a physical therapist.
What are the side effects of vestibular therapy?
Vestibular therapy is generally well tolerated. However, some exercises may initially cause a temporary increase in dizziness or unsteadiness. These symptoms usually decelerate with time as the body adapts.
What makes vestibular issues worse?
Several factors can exacerbate vestibular symptoms, including stress, lack of sleep, certain medications, and the consumption of caffeine or alcohol. It's important to discuss these factors with your therapist to manage your symptoms effectively.
What to avoid with vestibular therapy?
Patients undergoing vestibular therapy should refrain from doing anything that could make them more likely to fall or make their symptoms worse without a therapist's supervision. Inadequate sleep, a bad diet, and drinking too much alcohol or caffeine can all have a negative impact on recuperation.