At Magnus Physiotherapy we offer specialized physical therapy for people with vestibular disorders. Our goal is to reduce dizziness, improve balance, and help you regain confidence in daily activities.

Table of contents

1. What are vestibular disorders?

Vestibular disorders affect the inner ear and the balance system of the body. They can cause dizziness, vertigo, imbalance, and visual disturbances (NCBI StatPearls, 2023).

Symptoms

  • Dizziness and vertigo: a spinning sensation or feeling of movement when still
  • Balance problems: unsteadiness, especially when walking or turning
  • Visual symptoms: blurred vision, difficulty focusing, or “bouncing” vision during movement (oscillopsia)
  • Other complaints: nausea, concentration difficulties, anxiety, and fatigue

Causes

Vestibular disorders can be caused by a variety of conditions, including:

  • Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV)
  • Vestibular neuritis or labyrinthitis
  • Ménière’s disease
  • Migraine-associated vertigo
  • Age-related decline in vestibular function
  • Head trauma or inner ear damage

For more detailed information, see the Vestibular System page on Wikipedia.

2. Epidemiologie in België

  • Prevalence: Around 20–30% of adults experience significant dizziness at some point in their lives (UZ Leuven, 2024).
  • Age dependency: Prevalence increases with age, especially in people over 60, where dizziness is a leading cause of falls (KCE Rapport, 2022)
  • Gender: Women are slightly more affected than men (UZ Antwerpen, 2024).
  • Trends: Vestibular disorders are one of the most common reasons for consulting an ENT specialist in Belgium (UZ Leuven, 2024).

3. Why specialized physiotherapy?

Vestibular rehabilitation therapy (VRT) is an evidence-based physiotherapy approach that helps retrain the brain to compensate for inner ear problems.

Focus areas:

  • Reduction of dizziness and vertigo symptoms
  • Improvement of balance and gait
  • Enhancement of visual stability (gaze stabilization)
  • Fall prevention and increased confidence
  • Return to daily and social activities

Our physiotherapists are trained in vestibular rehabilitation techniques, including repositioning maneuvers for BPPV and customized exercise programs for other vestibular conditions (Arnold et al. 2017).

4. Our rehabilitation approach at Magnus

  • Individual screening: assessment of symptoms, triggers, balance, and eye movements
  • Customized treatment plan: vestibular rehabilitation exercises tailored to your condition
  • Specific techniques:
    • Repositioning maneuvers for BPPV (e.g., Epley maneuver) (NCBI StatPearls, 2023)
    • Gaze stabilization exercises
    • Balance and coordination training
  • Home advice: exercises to perform daily to support recovery
  • Regular evaluation: progress monitoring and adjustment of therapy goals

5. Frequently asked questions about vestibular disorders and physiotherapy

What exactly does physical therapy do for vestibular disorders?
Vestibular physiotherapy uses specific exercises and maneuvers to reduce dizziness, improve balance, and help your brain adapt to changes in the inner ear.

How long does vestibular rehabilitation take?
This depends on the diagnosis. BPPV may improve in just a few sessions, while chronic vestibular disorders may require several weeks of guided therapy.

Can I do exercises at home?
Yes, your physiotherapist will provide home exercises that are safe and effective, such as gaze stabilization or balance tasks. Regular practice is essential for improvement.

Does vestibular physiotherapy cure dizziness completely?
In many cases (such as BPPV), symptoms can be resolved completely. In chronic vestibular disorders, therapy helps reduce complaints significantly and improve daily functioning.

Is vestibular physiotherapy reimbursed?
Yes, with a prescription from your general practitioner or specialist, you are entitled to partial reimbursement through your health insurance fund. At Magnus Physiotherapy Antwerp, we assist you with the administrative process.

Is vestibular physiotherapy suitable for all types of dizziness?
Not all dizziness is vestibular in origin. That’s why a proper diagnosis is essential. If the dizziness is caused by the inner ear or vestibular system, physiotherapy can be very effective.

6. Make an appointment at Magnus 

At Magnus Physiotherapy, we are here to help you reduce dizziness, improve balance, and regain independence.

👉  Contact us via WhatsApp, or book an appointment with specialist listed on the BPPV page.

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