Our Locations
Next Step Physio & Neurorehab Clinic
Have Any Questions?
(587) 855-4559
Our Locations
logo
Book An Appointment
  • Home
  • Vestibular Rehabilitation Edmonton

Vestibular Rehabilitation Edmonton

Supporting steady movement and visual stability through vestibular physiotherapy

Book An Appointment

Let’s Take the Next Step Together

Vestibular rehabilitation is exercise-based physiotherapy for dizziness, vertigo and imbalance caused by inner-ear or brain-related vestibular problems, including BPPV, vestibular neuritis, post-concussion dizziness and age-related unsteadiness. Treatment may include repositioning manoeuvres for BPPV, gaze-stabilization and habituation exercises, and balance retraining. Assessment at Next Step in Edmonton includes eye-movement and positional testing.

Vestibular Rehabilitation for Vertigo and Dizziness

Helping restore balance, coordination, and movement confidence through guided therapy

Feeling unsteady, lightheaded, or disoriented can affect even the simplest daily activities. Tasks like walking, driving, or turning the head may suddenly feel unpredictable. At Next Step Physiotherapy, our clinic provides structured care for individuals experiencing balance and dizziness concerns through Vestibular Rehabilitation in Edmonton. 

Our therapists help identify movement patterns and sensory challenges that affect balance and coordination. By focusing on controlled exercises and guided movement retraining, we help individuals regain confidence in daily motion, improve stability, and reduce symptoms that interfere with work, recreation, and everyday routines.

Contact Us
(587) 855-4559

What Is Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy?

Vestibular rehabilitation therapy is a physiotherapy-based approach designed to address balance and dizziness-related conditions. Our physiotherapists provide individualized programs that focus on retraining how the brain processes movement and position signals.

This form of care may include:

  • Eye–head coordination training
  • Balance retraining exercises and vestibular rehabilitation programs
  • Postural control strategies
  • Gaze stabilization techniques
  • Functional movement retraining

Treatment plans are progressive, meaning exercises are adjusted as tolerance and control improve over time.

Comprehensive Vestibular Rehabilitation Assessment

Before beginning any program, we conduct a thorough vestibular rehabilitation assessment. This first consultation is essential to comprehending your particular symptoms and medical history. During this evaluation, our therapists look at several factors:

1
Eye Movement Tracking
We observe how your eyes track movement to assess for signs of inner-ear dysfunction.
2
Balance and Gait Analysis
We watch how you walk and stand to identify specific patterns of instability.
3
Neck Mobility
Because the neck plays a significant role in balance, we assess for stiffness or tension that may contribute to your symptoms.
3
Positional Testing
We use specific movements to see if changes in head position trigger your vertigo.

This comprehensive assessment ensures that every exercise we provide is relevant to your recovery and allows us to design a plan that is tailored to your needs.

Conditions We Help Manage

Vestibular issues can stem from a wide range of causes affecting the inner ear, brain, or sensory processing systems. Our clinic provides physiotherapy-based support for numerous conditions that influence balance, spatial awareness, and visual stability. Through structured vestibular rehabilitation, we help individuals manage symptoms, improve coordination, and return to daily activities with greater confidence.

Concussion

Head injuries can disrupt the delicate balance sensors in the inner ear and how the brain processes visual and movement information. We provide vestibular rehabilitation after concussion to help reduce lingering dizziness, visual blurring, difficulty focusing, and motion sensitivity that may follow a traumatic brain injury. Our approach supports the brain’s ability to compensate for mismatched sensory signals through graded movement, gaze stabilization, and balance retraining.

Stroke

A stroke may affect areas of the brain responsible for balance in stroke recovery physiotherapy, coordination, and spatial awareness. We offer vestibular rehabilitation after stroke to support mobility and postural control. By emphasizing repetitive, task-specific movement and principles of neuroplasticity, our therapists help individuals improve coordination, adapt to sensory changes, and reduce fall risk during daily activities.

Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV)

BPPV occurs when tiny calcium carbonate crystals within the inner ear shift into the wrong semicircular canal. This can trigger brief but intense episodes of vertigo when the head is moved. Our physiotherapists use specific positional maneuvers to guide these crystals back to their proper location, often reducing symptoms within a few treatment sessions.

Meniere’s Disease

Meniere’s disease is characterized by fluctuations in inner-ear fluid levels, leading to episodes of dizziness, imbalance, and hearing changes. Physiotherapy focuses on balance retraining, gaze stabilization, and habituation exercises to help manage symptoms between episodes and improve functional stability.

Labyrinthitis

Labyrinthitis involves inflammation of the inner ear, often following a viral infection. Symptoms may include dizziness, nausea, and balance difficulties. Vestibular rehabilitation exercises help reduce motion sensitivity and support the brain’s adaptation to altered vestibular input.

Vestibular Neuritis

Vestibular neuritis affects the vestibular nerve, often resulting in a sudden onset of dizziness, imbalance, and difficulty with head movement. Our therapists use progressive vestibular rehabilitation exercises to support central compensation and restore steady movement patterns.

Persistent Postural-Perceptual Dizziness (PPPD)

PPPD is characterized by ongoing dizziness and unsteadiness, particularly when standing, walking, or in visually busy environments. Physiotherapy focuses on balance retraining, visual motion tolerance, and gradual exposure to symptom triggers to improve confidence in movement.

Age-Related Balance Changes

Changes in vision, proprioception, and vestibular input can affect balance as part of the aging process. Vestibular rehabilitation supports older adults by improving postural control, walking stability, and reaction to environmental challenges, helping reduce fall risk.

Motion Sensitivity and Visual Vertigo

Some individuals experience dizziness triggered by busy visual environments, scrolling screens, or rapid movement. Vestibular physiotherapy includes visual-motion desensitization and gaze-stabilization exercises to improve tolerance and reduce symptom severity.

Chronic Dizziness

Not all balance issues are linked to a clinical assessment. Individuals with long-standing dizziness or unexplained unsteadiness may benefit from a comprehensive vestibular rehabilitation assessment. Therapy focuses on identifying contributing movement patterns and restoring coordination through individualized care.

Post-Concussion Symptoms

Vestibular rehabilitation after concussion focuses on restoring balance, visual coordination, and tolerance for head movement. Symptoms such as dizziness, blurred vision, and motion sensitivity are commonly addressed.

Inner Ear Disorders

Conditions such as vestibular neuritis or labyrinthitis can disrupt balance signals. Targeted retraining helps recalibrate how the brain responds to inner ear input.

Chronic Unsteadiness and Fall Risk

Individuals who feel unsteady while walking or standing may benefit from balance-focused physiotherapy, particularly when daily activities feel unpredictable.

Techniques and Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy

Our approach to vestibular rehabilitation therapy involves a structured combination of manual techniques and movement-based exercises. The goal is to encourage the central nervous system to adapt to altered vestibular input and improve coordination between the eyes, head, and body. Programs are individualized and progressed based on symptom response, functional goals, and tolerance.

1. Canalith Repositioning Techniques

These guided head and body movements are used to manage benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV). The objective is to realign displaced calcium crystals in the inner ear.

Standard techniques may include:

  • Epley maneuver
  • Semont maneuver
  • Barbecue roll maneuver
  • Modified repositioning techniques based on symptom presentation

2. Gaze Stabilization Exercises

Gaze stabilization exercises help improve visual clarity during head movement. These exercises support coordination between the vestibular system and eye muscles.

Techniques may include:

  • Fixed-target head movements
  • Progression from slow to faster head turns
  • Horizontal and vertical gaze tasks
  • Visual tracking with head motion

3. Habituation Exercises

Habituation involves repeated exposure to movements or positions that provoke dizziness. Over time, this reduces the brain’s sensitivity to these triggers.

This approach includes:

  • Repetitive head position changes
  • Gradual exposure to motion-based activities
  • Controlled transitions such as sit-to-stand or turning
  • Progression based on symptom tolerance

4.Balance Retraining

Balance retraining focuses on improving postural control and stability during functional activities. Exercises are adapted to challenge different sensory systems.

Balance retraining involves:

  • Static and dynamic standing tasks
  • Weight-shifting activities
  • Walking with head movements
  • Reduced visual or surface stability challenges

5. Postural Control and Proprioceptive Training

Postural exercises help improve body awareness and coordination between joints and muscles.

This may include:

  • Single-leg stance training
  • Coordinated upper and lower body movements
  • Surface variation exercises
  • Alignment and posture correction strategies

6.Visual Motion Sensitivity Training

Visual motion sensitivity training is used for individuals who experience dizziness in busy visual environments.

Techniques include:

  • Exposure to moving visual patterns
  • Screen-based or environment-based visual challenges
  • Gradual progression in visual complexity
  • Integration of head and eye movements

7. Functional Gait Training

Gait-based exercises help translate balance improvements into everyday walking.

This includes:

  • Walking with directional changes
  • Dual-task walking activities
  • Speed variation drills
  • Obstacle navigation

8. Cervicogenic Integration

Neck movement and posture can influence balance and dizziness. Therapy may include gentle manual techniques and movement retraining to improve cervical mobility and coordination with head movement.

Vestibular Rehabilitation at Home

Home-based vestibular rehabilitation supports consistency and progression between clinic visits. Our physiotherapists provide explicit instructions and progression strategies.

Home programs may include:

  • Daily gaze stabilization drills
  • Balance exercises using household supports
  • Movement tolerance training
  • Symptom tracking guidance

Vestibular rehabilitation supports more than symptom reduction; it helps restore participation in everyday life. As balance improves, individuals often report greater confidence when walking, driving, and engaging in recreational activities.

Motor Vehicle Accident Physiotherapy Edmonton treatment session with therapist providing gentle neck therapy to a patient

Targeted Vestibular Rehabilitation Exercises

Movement is the key to recovery. We provide a variety of vestibular rehabilitation exercises that you can perform under our supervision and eventually continue independently. These exercises are not one-size-fits-all; they are tailored to your progress.

1
Visual Tracking
Keeping your head motionless, follow a moving object with your eyes.
2
Static Balance Tasks
Standing on one leg or on a foam surface to challenge your equilibrium.
3
Dynamic Walking
Practicing walking while turning your head or performing cognitive tasks.
3
Substitution Exercises
Learning to use your vision and the sensations in your feet to make up for lost inner ear function.

Your Path to a Steadier Future

Finding the right support is the first step toward reclaiming your life from balance-related issues. Our clinic offers the tools, strategies, and assistance you require to overcome vestibular dysfunction’s obstacles. By choosing Vestibular Rehabilitation in Edmonton at Next Step Physiotherapy, you are opting for a thorough and compassionate approach to your recovery. We invite you to reach out to learn how we can help you regain your balance and move forward with confidence.

Next Step Physio & Neurorehab Clinic offers vestibular physiotherapy from our Edmonton clinic at Suite 106A, 7319–29 Avenue NW in Southeast Edmonton for individuals experiencing dizziness, vertigo, and balance problems. Our physiotherapists perform specialized assessments and create targeted rehabilitation programs to improve stability, coordination, and daily function.

Conveniently located near neighbourhoods such as Mill Woods, Kameyosek, Meyonohk, and Tawa, our clinic provides accessible vestibular physiotherapy services for patients seeking care close to home.

Residents across Edmonton choose Next Step Physio & Neurorehab Clinic when searching for vestibular physiotherapy near them, trusting our clinic for professional balance and dizziness rehabilitation.

Book An Appointment

Meet Our Vestibular Rehabilitation Physiotherapists

avatar-profile-icon

Jaiganesh Ravindra Babu

Physiotherapist

Jaiganesh provides physiotherapy care for individuals experiencing dizziness, balance changes, and movement-related challenges. His approach emphasizes structured assessment, progressive vestibular rehabilitation exercises, and functional balance retraining to support coordination, stability, and confidence during daily activities.

profile

Mercy Manoharan

Registered Physiotherapist

Mercy supports individuals with vestibular and balance-related concerns through personalized physiotherapy programs. She focuses on guided movement retraining, gaze stabilization, and balance exercises to help improve postural control, reduce motion sensitivity, and support steady movement across daily environments.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

FAQ

Assessment & Clinical Approach

How does a vestibular rehabilitation assessment differ from a standard physiotherapy assessment?

A vestibular rehabilitation assessment focuses on eye movements, head-motion tolerance, balance reactions, and sensory integration. It evaluates how visual, vestibular, and proprioceptive systems interact, helping therapists identify movement patterns that contribute to dizziness or instability during daily activities.

What role do eye movement tests play in vestibular assessment?

Eye movement testing helps assess how effectively the vestibular system communicates with the visual system. Abnormal responses may indicate reduced gaze stability or sensory mismatch, guiding the selection of targeted exercises to improve visual clarity during head movement.

Why is symptom provocation included during vestibular testing?

Controlled symptom provocation helps identify specific movements or positions that trigger dizziness. This information allows therapists to design graded exposure exercises that encourage central nervous system adaptation while avoiding unnecessary symptom flare-ups.

Why Is Early Neurodevelopmental Therapy Important For Motor Skill Development?

Early intervention supports the brain during critical learning stages. Addressing movement challenges early helps reduce compensations and supports proper motor skill development. This improves long-term movement confidence and independence.

Conditions & Recovery Considerations

How does vestibular rehabilitation differ after a concussion versus inner ear disorders?

After a concussion, rehabilitation often emphasizes visual motion tolerance, cognitive-motor integration, and head–eye coordination. Inner ear disorders typically focus more on gaze stabilization and balance retraining. Programs are adjusted based on neurological involvement and symptom presentation.

Can vestibular rehabilitation support recovery when dizziness persists months after injury?

Yes. Persistent dizziness often reflects incomplete central compensation rather than ongoing tissue damage. Vestibular rehabilitation provides structured movement exposure that helps recalibrate sensory processing, even when symptoms have been present for extended periods.

How does vestibular rehabilitation assist individuals after a stroke?

Vestibular rehabilitation after stroke focuses on improving postural control, sensory integration, and movement coordination. Exercises support neuroplasticity by encouraging the brain to adapt to altered sensory input, improving balance, confidence and functional mobility.

Is vestibular rehabilitation appropriate for individuals with fluctuating symptoms?

Yes. Programs are designed to accommodate symptom variability by adjusting intensity, duration, and movement complexity. This flexible approach allows individuals to continue progressing without overwhelming the nervous system during periods of increased sensitivity.

Treatment Techniques

How do canalith repositioning techniques address positional vertigo?

Canalith repositioning uses specific head and body movements to guide displaced calcium particles within the inner ear back to their correct location. This reduces inappropriate stimulation of balance receptors that cause positional vertigo symptoms.

What is the purpose of habituation exercises in vestibular rehabilitation?

Habituation exercises reduce dizziness by repeatedly exposing the nervous system to symptom-provoking movements in a controlled manner. Over time, the brain becomes less reactive, decreasing symptom intensity during everyday activities.

How does balance retraining improve real-world stability?

Balance retraining challenges multiple sensory systems simultaneously. Exercises progress from stable to dynamic environments, helping individuals improve postural responses, walking control, and confidence during tasks such as turning, reaching, and navigating uneven surfaces.

Why is gaze stabilization critical in vestibular rehabilitation?

Exercises for gaze stabilization enhance the capacity to maintain sharp vision when moving the head. This supports daily activities such as reading signs, driving, or walking in busy environments where visual clarity and balance must work together.

Program Structure & Progression

How are vestibular rehabilitation exercises progressed over time?

Exercises are progressed by modifying speed, range of motion, visual complexity, or surface stability. Progression is guided by symptom response, ensuring the nervous system is consistently challenged without exceeding tolerance levels.

How frequently should vestibular exercises be performed for effective adaptation?

Short, frequent practice sessions are typically recommended to encourage neurological adaptation. Consistency is more important than duration, as repeated exposure helps reinforce new sensory processing patterns and improves long-term symptom control.

What role does home-based vestibular rehabilitation play in recovery?

Vestibular rehabilitation at home reinforces clinic-based treatment. Home exercises promote consistent sensory exposure, support nervous system adaptation, and help integrate balance strategies into everyday environments where symptoms commonly occur.

Safety & Expectations

Is it normal to feel temporary dizziness during vestibular exercises?

Mild, short-lived symptom reproduction is expected and often necessary for progress. Exercises are designed to provoke manageable symptoms that resolve within a reasonable timeframe, supporting adaptation rather than symptom avoidance.

How does vestibular rehabilitation address fall risk?

By improving sensory integration, reaction time, and postural control, vestibular rehabilitation helps individuals respond more effectively to balance challenges. This reduces instability during walking and transitions, supporting safer movement in daily environments.

Can neck movement influence vestibular symptoms?

Yes. Cervical mobility and proprioception contribute to balance and spatial awareness. Restricted or poorly coordinated neck movement can amplify dizziness, which is why cervical movement integration is often included in vestibular rehabilitation programs.

Outcomes & Functional Integration

When do individuals typically notice functional improvements?

Mild, short-lived symptom reproduction is expected and often necessary for progress. Exercises are designed to provoke manageable symptoms that resolve within a reasonable timeframe, supporting adaptation rather than symptom avoidance.

Does vestibular rehabilitation address visual sensitivity in busy environments?

Yes. Visual motion sensitivity training helps individuals tolerate complex visual stimuli, such as crowds or scrolling screens, by improving coordination between visual input and vestibular processing during controlled exposure.

How does vestibular rehabilitation support return to daily activities?

Therapy emphasizes task-specific movement retraining, allowing balance improvements to transfer into walking, driving, work tasks, and recreational activities. This functional focus supports confidence and consistency in real-world movement demands.
CLIENT TESTIMONIAL

Patient Experiences with Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy

Movement is the key to recovery. We provide a variety of vestibular rehabilitation exercises that you can perform under our supervision and eventually continue independently. These exercises are not one-size-fits-all; they are tailored to your progress.

"It was a wonderful experience working with Mercy. She is very knowledgeable and a good listener. I was treated well for my vertigo and carpel tunnel issue. Highly recommend .”
Armeen Budhwani
"Jaigenash fixed my vertigo in essentially one session! Prior to seeing him, it was so severe I couldn’t walk, see straight, or even think about going to work! It was easy to book an appointment and they direct bill to benefits which is also a bonus!! ”
Ashleigh Bean
"Next step physio clinic is place where to get physio and concussion treatment at the best . Physiotherapists at this clinic are very professional and knowledgeable and they try their best to feel you better to get away from the aches. Highly recommended. Specially front staff is so accommodating and helpful. Many thanks for everything and looking after us. Keep up the good work guys ”
Abhishek mahajan
"They were able to give me recommendations on things my previous physio clinic couldn't fix. They're always attentive and helpful, even when I hurt so much I can't get off the bed by myself and reception came to the rescue. Reception is friendly as well. ”
Adrian Petersen

Vestibular Rehabilitation is part of our Neurological Physiotherapy program in Edmonton. Related services: Stroke Rehabilitation, Parkinson’s Physiotherapy, Multiple Sclerosis Physiotherapy, Cerebral Palsy Physiotherapy, Vertigo & Dizziness Treatment, BPPV Treatment. Common questions: Can BPPV be fixed in one visit?

Nextstep New Logo

Book An Appointment
nextstep logo
Book An Appointment