Vestibular Rehab
Vestibular Rehab Physiotherapy
We provide rehabilitation to alleviate problems caused by vestibular disorders such as vertigo, dizziness, imbalance and falls.
Following a comprehensive assessment by our specialist vestibular physiotherapist Allison Cooper, a customised treatment plan will be provided, which will include elements of habituation, gaze stability and balance training.
We also provide repositioning manoeuvres, including the Epley manoeuvre, for patients with Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV).
What is vestibular rehabilitation?
Vestibular rehabilitation is a specialised form of physiotherapy designed to help people with dizziness, vertigo, balance problems, and other issues related to the inner ear and vestibular system. It involves exercises that aim to improve balance, reduce dizziness, and enhance the brain’s ability to compensate for inner ear dysfunction.
Who Can Benefit?
People with conditions such as:
- Vestibular neuritis or labyrinthitis (inner ear infections)
- Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV)
- Meniere’s disease
- Post-concussion syndrome
- Persistent postural-perceptual dizziness (PPPD)
- Motion sensitivity
- General balance disorders (often in older adults)
What Does It Involve?
Following a full vestibular assessment, a vestibular physiotherapist tailors exercises to the individual’s symptoms. Common techniques include:
- Gaze stabilization exercises (to improve vision control)
- Balance training (to improve stability and reduce fall risk)
- Habituation exercises (to decrease sensitivity to movement)
If BPPV is identified, the appropriate canalith repositioning manoeuvres can be provided in order to clear or reduce symptoms. This may be followed up with further exercises to be carried out at home.
The goal of vestibular rehabilitation is to help patients regain stability, confidence, and independence in daily activities. It typically requires a combination of clinic sessions and home exercises for best results.
The vestibular physiotherapist may also recommend the involvement of other colleagues such as soft tissue therapy, musculoskeletal physiotherapy or counselling in order to support vestibular rehabilitation.
How long is a typical vestibular rehabilitation program?
That depends on your situation. How much therapy you’ll need depends on why you have dizziness or balance issues and how you respond to therapy. Most people have six to eight weekly sessions. Some people may only need one or two sessions. Other people may need several months of ongoing treatment, including doing exercises on their own.
What are the advantages of vestibular rehabilitation therapy?
Studies show vestibular rehabilitation therapy helps:
- Reduce your risk of falling.
- Improve your balance.
- Reduce your dizziness symptoms.
- Improve your ability to stabilize your vision.
- Increase your body strength.
Meet our Specialist Physiotherapist;
Dr Allison Cooper
Specialist Vestibular and Neuro Physiotherapist
Allison graduated in Teesside in 1982 and worked in the NHS in Middlesbrough and then Newport for 27 years eventually specialising in neuro-rehabilitation and vestibular rehabilitation. She completed a MSc in Interprofessional Health Studies in 1996 and then her PhD in 2006 with research into gait patterns following stroke and implications for neuro-rehabilitation.
She took up a stroke research post based in Swansea University in 2006 where she continued her own stroke rehabilitation research as well as promoting research in Wales across the stroke pathway. She returned to clinical practice in 2018.
Allison has a special interest in peripheral vestibular disorders and initiated, designed and implemented a joint ENT, Audiology and Physiotherapy clinic for the assessment, diagnosis and management of the patient with dizziness and worked as an extended-scope practitioner in ENT in the NHS. She has continued to specialise in vestibular rehabilitation in private practise managing patients with various vestibular conditions such as BPPV, vestibular decompensation and bilateral vestibular hypofunction.
Allison has expertise in neurological gait and balance rehabilitation particularly following stroke and traumatic brain injury. She has a special interest in the use of video gait analysis and the use of body worn sensor technologies to inform treatment planning and enhance outcomes for patients.
Should you require any further information about the Pro Sports Medicine Vestibular Rehabilitation services – please complete the below contact form;
