Good balance is essential for daily life, from getting out of bed to crossing the road. A healthy balance system uses information from the brain, inner ears, eyes and joints, and enables people to see clearly when moving their head.

Balance disorders and dizziness are a growing public health concern across all age groups. Prevalence increases with age and these disorders are some of the most common complaints reported to GPs by older patients. Untreated, they result in worsening unsteadiness, loss of confidence and anxiety, difficulty with concentration and memory, inactivity, loss of independence, an increased risk of falls and costly falls-related injuries. 

Vestibular Rehabilitation is an exercise-based programme to encourage the central nervous system to compensate for problems in the inner ear. Following thorough examination, specialist physiotherapists develop personalised exercise-based management plans including home exercise programmes.

The goals of this treatment program are: 1) to enhance gaze stability, 2) to enhance postural stability, 3) to improve vertigo, and 4) to improve activities of daily living.

Specialist physiotherapists provide personalised vestibular rehabilitation programmes which are clinically effective at reducing distressing symptoms and improving quality of life. It may involve balance exercises, specialist vestibular exercises, fall prevention advice and education, and re-conditioning activities to return to day-to-day activities.