Vestibular Physiotherapy in Edmonton: Common Causes of Dizziness, Vertigo & Balance Problems

August 10, 2026

Vestibular physiotherapy in Edmonton for dizziness, vertigo, and balance problems

Vestibular physiotherapy in Edmonton may be considered when dizziness, vertigo, or balance problems begin to affect everyday activities. Symptoms may occur while turning the head, getting out of bed, walking, looking up, or moving through busy environments.

These symptoms may have different causes. Understanding what may be contributing to dizziness or balance difficulties is an important part of deciding whether vestibular physiotherapy is appropriate.

What Is Vestibular Physiotherapy?

Vestibular physiotherapy focuses on movement, balance, dizziness, and problems related to the vestibular system. The vestibular system is located in the inner ear and works with your eyes, muscles, and brain to help you understand movement and body position.

A physiotherapy assessment may look at balance, eye and head movements, walking, and the situations that bring on symptoms. Based on the findings, exercises and education may be included in the treatment plan.

Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo

Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, commonly called BPPV, is one possible cause of vertigo. It may cause brief episodes of spinning when changing head position.

Symptoms may appear when rolling over in bed, lying down, sitting up, bending forward, or looking upward. If an assessment suggests BPPV, positional techniques may be considered as part of physiotherapy.

Vestibular Neuritis

Vestibular neuritis may affect the vestibular nerve and may result in dizziness, imbalance, and difficulty with movement. Some people may continue to notice balance problems or sensitivity to movement after the initial symptoms.

Vestibular physiotherapy may include exercises involving eye and head movements, balance activities, and gradual exposure to movements that bring on symptoms.

Labyrinthitis

Labyrinthitis is an inner-ear condition that may cause dizziness or vertigo and may also involve hearing-related symptoms. These symptoms may affect walking and other daily activities.

New or sudden dizziness with hearing changes should be discussed with an appropriate healthcare professional. Further assessment may help determine the possible cause and whether physiotherapy is suitable.

Persistent Postural-Perceptual Dizziness

Persistent postural-perceptual dizziness, or PPPD, is associated with ongoing dizziness or unsteadiness that may become more noticeable when standing, moving, or being exposed to visually busy environments.

A physiotherapy approach may include balance exercises, movement activities, and gradual exposure to situations that increase symptoms. The treatment plan may vary based on the person's assessment and daily challenges.

Balance Difficulties

Balance problems may have several possible causes. Vestibular changes are one factor, but vision, muscle strength, neurological conditions, medications, and other health concerns may also play a role.

A physiotherapy assessment may help identify movement and balance factors that may be addressed through exercise and education. In some situations, referral to another healthcare professional may be appropriate.

Motion Sensitivity

Some people experience dizziness or discomfort when moving their head, walking, travelling in a vehicle, or looking at moving objects. These symptoms may make certain daily activities more difficult.

Patient performing vestibular balance exercises in Edmonton

Vestibular exercises may include controlled eye, head, and body movements. Activities may be gradually adjusted according to the person's symptoms and assessment findings.

When Should You Consider Vestibular Physiotherapy?

If dizziness, vertigo, or balance difficulties are affecting your daily routine, speaking with a healthcare professional may be a useful first step. An assessment may help determine what could be contributing to your symptoms.

People searching for vestibular physiotherapy near me may benefit from choosing a clinic where their symptoms and movement concerns can be assessed before an individualized treatment approach is recommended.

What May Be Included in Vestibular Physiotherapy?

Depending on the assessment, physiotherapy may include:

Balance exercises
Gaze stabilization exercises
Eye and head movement activities
Walking and movement exercises
Positional techniques for appropriate cases of BPPV
Education about managing symptoms
Exercises designed around daily movement needs

Not every exercise is suitable for every person. The approach may depend on the type of symptoms, assessment findings, and individual needs.