What Is Vestibular Physical Therapy?
Vestibular physical therapy is a specialized form of rehabilitation that addresses disorders of the vestibular system, the inner-ear mechanism responsible for your sense of balance and spatial orientation. When the vestibular system is disrupted, the brain receives conflicting signals from the inner ear, eyes, and body, producing dizziness, vertigo, balance problems, or visual disturbances.
The most common vestibular diagnosis is BPPV (benign paroxysmal positional vertigo), which causes brief episodes of spinning triggered by specific head movements. Vestibular therapy also addresses vestibular hypofunction (reduced inner ear function on one or both sides), post-concussion dizziness, and chronic unsteadiness associated with aging or neurological conditions.
Treatment is evidence-based and typically includes canalith repositioning maneuvers, gaze stabilization exercises, and progressive balance training, tailored to the underlying diagnosis.
Vestibular Rehab at Superior Physical Therapy
Keely Behning, PT, SCS, ATC brings 20+ years of outpatient orthopedic and sports medicine experience to vestibular assessment and treatment. Her Board Certification as a Sports Clinical Specialist, held by fewer than 2% of physical therapists in Minnesota, reflects a standard of clinical rigor that applies directly to vestibular work: precise differential diagnosis, evidence-based technique, and outcomes tracked against measurable goals.
At Superior PT, vestibular treatment begins with a thorough physical assessment before any intervention. Treatment includes:
- Canalith repositioning maneuvers (including the Epley maneuver among others) for BPPV and positional vertigo presentations
- Gaze stabilization and vestibular-ocular reflex exercises for hypofunction and post-concussion cases
- Balance and proprioceptive training calibrated to your functional demands and activity level
Superior Physical Therapy operates fully out-of-network, which means treatment decisions are made based on what your condition requires, not what an insurance schedule permits. Learn more about Keely's training and approach.
What to Expect at Your Vestibular Therapy Appointment
Step 1: Vestibular Assessment
Step 2: Hands-On Treatment
Step 3: A Clear Plan Forward
What Vestibular Therapy Can Address
Outcomes depend on the underlying diagnosis, but common results from vestibular physical therapy include:
- Vertigo resolution: BPPV typically resolves within one to two sessions following accurate repositioning
- Improved balance and gaze stability: Structured rehab rebuilds vestibular-ocular coordination and postural control, reducing fall risk and unsteadiness
- Return to activity: Athletes, active adults, and patients with occupation-related demands often return to full function following a structured vestibular program
What Does Vertigo Look Like?
Horizontal Nystagmus Observed
Frequently Asked Questions About Vestibular Therapy
The most common condition is BPPV, which causes brief spinning episodes triggered by head movements. Vestibular therapy also treats vestibular hypofunction, post-concussion dizziness, cervicogenic dizziness, motion sensitivity, chronic unsteadiness, and balance disorders associated with neurological conditions or aging.
BPPV often resolves in one to two sessions following accurate canalith repositioning. More complex presentations, including post-concussion syndrome or a vestibular hypofunction, typically require four to eight sessions over several weeks, with a home exercise program.
Yes. Post-concussion vestibular dysfunction is a distinct clinical presentation that responds well to vestibular physical therapy. Assessment differentiates vestibular involvement from other concussion-related symptoms, and treatment is progressed based on symptom tolerance.
Superior Physical Therapy is fully out-of-network. Patients pay directly and may submit a superbill to their insurer for potential out-of-network reimbursement. This model works well for patients with high deductibles, those seeking specialist access without referral delays, or those who prefer treatment decisions made without insurance involvement.
Book Your Vestibular Assessment
Keely Behning, PT, SCS, ATC is accepting new patients for vestibular therapy at Superior Physical Therapy in Mendota Heights, MN. Whether you've received a BPPV diagnosis or are still working out the source of your dizziness, a thorough assessment is the first step.
