Stop the Spinning, Find Your Balance
Vestibular Rehabilitation
If the world feels like it's spinning, your independence is at risk. Simple things like rolling over in bed, looking up at a shelf, or walking through a busy store can suddenly feel unsafe. Vestibular rehabilitation is a specialized, exercise-based program designed to retrain your brain and inner ear to work in harmony. At Port Credit Physio & Rehab, our physiotherapists find the cause of your dizziness and build a treatment plan to reduce the spinning, restore your confidence, and get you back to living without fear of falling. Your vestibular system, located in your inner ear, works with your eyes and body to tell your brain where you are in space. When part of that system is injured or isn't working properly, your brain receives mixed signals. The result can be vertigo, dizziness, unsteadiness, or blurred vision when you move. Vestibular rehabilitation therapy (VRT) uses targeted exercises to help your brain adapt and recalibrate — for many people, it reduces symptoms significantly and lowers their risk of falling.
Call 911 or go to the emergency department if your dizziness comes with sudden severe headache, slurred speech, facial drooping, weakness or numbness, double vision, or loss of consciousness. These can be signs of a stroke or another medical emergency.
Vestibular Rehabilitation Techniques
Your program is built from a combination of:
Habituation Exercises — controlled, repeated exposure to the movements or visual environments that trigger your dizziness, so your brain learns to tolerate them over time
Gaze Stabilization Exercises — train your eyes to stay focused on a target while your head moves, improving the reflex that keeps your vision clear during everyday activities
Balance Training — progressive exercises, from standing still to walking and turning, that build steadiness and confidence
Postural Training & Neck Mobility — improving neck mobility and posture to support better balance and reduce symptoms
Canalith Repositioning Manoeuvres — for BPPV, specific head and body positions such as the Epley manoeuvre move displaced inner-ear crystals back into place; many patients notice improvement within a few sessions
Conditions We Treat
Vertigo
A false sense that you or your surroundings are spinning. Vertigo is a symptom with several possible causes, so a thorough assessment is the first step to effective treatment.
BPPV (Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo)
The most common cause of vertigo. Tiny calcium crystals in the inner ear shift out of place, causing brief, intense spinning with certain head movements, often when getting in or out of bed. It is often treated with gentle repositioning manoeuvres, such as the Epley manoeuvre, that guide the crystals back where they belong.
General Imbalance & Lightheadedness
Ongoing unsteadiness or feeling "off" can increase your risk of falls, especially as you age. Your physiotherapist will assess whether your inner ear, vision, strength, or another factor is involved, and will refer you to your doctor if your symptoms need medical investigation.
Post-Concussion Dizziness
Dizziness, balance problems, and visual disturbances are common after a concussion, including from a motor vehicle accident. Vestibular rehab helps your brain recover its ability to process movement, so you can return to work, school, and sport safely.
Signs You May Benefit From Vestibular Rehab
A spinning sensation when you roll over in bed, lie down, or tilt your head back
Dizziness or lightheadedness that comes and goes
Feeling unsteady, off-balance, or "pulled" to one side when walking
Blurred or jumpy vision when you move your head
Avoiding busy places, stairs, or certain movements because they trigger dizziness
Lingering dizziness after a concussion or head injury
What to Expect at Your First Visit
Your physiotherapist will:
Ask About Your Symptoms
When they started, what triggers them, and how long they last.
Assess
Your eye movements, balance, walking, and neck.
Check for BPPV
Perform positional tests to check for BPPV.
Explain
The likely cause of your dizziness, in plain language.
Start Treatment
Begin treatment and give you a home exercise program.
A Note on Your First Visit
Some tests may briefly bring on your dizziness. That's normal, and it helps pinpoint the cause. We recommend arranging a ride home after your first visit if your symptoms are severe.
Why Choose Port Credit Physio & Rehab
Thorough assessment to find the cause, not just manage the symptoms
Personalized home programs so you keep progressing between visits
Open 7 days a week, weekdays 10 AM–8 PM, Saturdays 10 AM–4 PM, and Sundays 10 AM–2 PM
No referral needed — book directly with a registered physiotherapist
Direct billing to most major insurers, so you often won't pay out of pocket
Conveniently located on Lakeshore Road East in Port Credit, serving Mineola, Lorne Park, Lakeview, Clarkson, and all of Mississauga
Physician referrals welcome, though never required
Vestibular Rehabilitation FAQs
Can physiotherapy really help with vertigo?
Yes. Vestibular rehabilitation is a research-supported treatment for many types of vertigo and dizziness, including BPPV, inner-ear disorders, and post-concussion symptoms.
How many sessions will I need?
It depends on the cause. BPPV often improves within a few sessions, while inner-ear disorders, concussion, or long-standing imbalance may take several weeks of consistent exercise.
Will the exercises make me dizzy?
Some exercises may cause mild, temporary dizziness. That's part of how your brain adapts. Your physiotherapist will keep the intensity within your comfort level and progress gradually.
Do I need a referral for vestibular rehab?
No. You can book directly with Port Credit Physio & Rehab. Some insurance plans require a doctor's referral for reimbursement, so check your coverage.
Is vestibular rehab covered by insurance?
Vestibular rehabilitation is provided by registered physiotherapists, so it's typically covered under the physiotherapy portion of extended health benefit plans.
Related Services
Motor Vehicle Accident (MVA) Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy in Port Credit for whiplash, back pain, and concussion after a car accident. We bill auto insurance directly.
Physiotherapy
Evidence-based physiotherapy in Port Credit, Mississauga. McKenzie Method® & Graston Technique® for back pain, sciatica, and sports injuries.
In-Home Physiotherapy
45-minute, one-on-one in-home physiotherapy across Mississauga for falls prevention, stroke, Parkinson's, and post-surgery rehab.
Get Back on Steady Ground
Don't let dizziness keep you from living fully. Book your vestibular assessment today.