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Treatments & Services

Vestibular & Vertigo Treatment in Queens & Long Island

Physical therapist performing vestibular assessment on a patient

Specialized Therapy to Treat Dizziness, Vertigo & Balance Disorders

Vestibular rehabilitation therapy (VRT) is a specialized form of physical therapy designed to retrain your brain and nervous system to properly process signals from the inner ear, eyes, and body - restoring balance, eliminating dizziness, and reducing vertigo episodes. It is one of the most clinically proven treatments for vestibular disorders, with results often seen in just a handful of sessions.

At Dynamic Physical Therapy, our vestibular rehab program begins with a thorough clinical assessment - evaluating your eye movements, balance, posture, walking ability, and symptom history - so that every exercise and technique is precisely matched to your individual diagnosis. Whether you're dealing with BPPV, vestibular neuritis, post-concussion dizziness, or chronic imbalance, our one-on-one approach ensures you receive the focused attention your condition demands.

Vestibular Rehab Techniques We Use

Our therapists are trained in a comprehensive range of vestibular and balance rehabilitation techniques, each selected based on your specific diagnosis, symptoms, and recovery goals.

Canalith Repositioning (Epley Maneuver)

The gold-standard treatment for BPPV. A carefully guided sequence of head and body positions that moves displaced calcium crystals out of the semicircular canals, often relieving spinning vertigo in one or two sessions.

Gaze Stabilization Exercises

Targeted head-eye movement exercises that retrain the vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR), helping your eyes maintain focus during head movement - essential for reducing dizziness during daily activities.

Habituation Training

Gradual, controlled exposure to the movements or environments that trigger your dizziness. Repeated stimulation desensitizes the vestibular system, progressively reducing symptom intensity over time.

Balance & Gait Retraining

Progressive standing, walking, and weight-shifting exercises designed to improve postural stability, reduce fall risk, and restore confident, coordinated movement - from steady standing to navigating uneven terrain.

Brandt-Daroff Exercises

A home-based vestibular exercise protocol used alongside in-clinic treatment to continue the habituation process between sessions, accelerating your recovery on your schedule.

Functional Activity Training

Task-specific exercises that prepare your vestibular system for the real-world demands of your daily life - including head turns while driving, bending, reaching, and navigating crowded environments.

Vestibular & Balance Disorders We Specialize In

BPPV (Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo)

Vestibular Neuritis

Labyrinthitis

Ménière's Disease

Post-Concussion Dizziness

Perilymphatic Fistula

Fall Risk & Imbalance

Whiplash-Related Dizziness

Cervicogenic Dizziness

Post-Surgical Vestibular Loss

Age-Related Balance Decline

Unilateral Vestibular Hypofunction

What to Expect During Vestibular Rehab

1

Comprehensive Vestibular Assessment

Your therapist will evaluate your eye movements (oculomotor screen), balance, posture, gait, and detailed symptom history to accurately identify your vestibular diagnosis.

2

Personalized Treatment Plan

Based on your specific condition - BPPV, vestibular hypofunction, post-concussion, or other - your therapist designs a targeted program using the most effective techniques for your diagnosis.

3

One-on-One In-Clinic Sessions

Every session is dedicated, individual time with your licensed therapist. No shared gym time, no distractions - just focused, skilled care for your vestibular recovery.

4

Home Exercise Program

You'll receive a structured home exercise plan so your vestibular system continues retraining between visits - with clear instruction on how to perform each exercise safely and effectively.

5

Progress Monitoring & Progression

Your therapist regularly reassesses your symptoms and functional status, progressively advancing your program to keep your recovery on track toward full independence.

Physical therapist guiding a patient through balance exercises during vestibular rehabilitation

Benefits of Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy

Rapid Vertigo Relief

Repositioning maneuvers for BPPV can resolve spinning vertigo in as little as one to two sessions - without medication or surgery.

Improved Balance & Stability

Targeted exercises retrain your body's balance systems, reducing fall risk and restoring confident, coordinated movement in everyday life.

Reduced Dizziness & Nausea

Habituation and gaze stabilization training progressively decrease the frequency, duration, and intensity of dizziness episodes over time.

Better Quality of Life

Return to driving, working, exercising, and social activities without the constant fear of dizziness limiting what you can do.

Vestibular Rehab the Way It Should Be Done

One-on-one sessions - 100% of your time with a licensed therapist, never a tech or aide
Advanced vestibular assessment including oculomotor screening and positional testing
Multilingual team fluent in English, Hindi, Gujarati, Marathi, Urdu & Punjabi
Free complimentary assessment - know your diagnosis before your first paid visit
Insurance verified before your visit - no billing surprises
6 convenient locations across Queens & Long Island
Dynamic Physical Therapy clinician helping a patient regain balance during vestibular rehab

Vestibular & Vertigo Treatment FAQs

What is BPPV and can physical therapy cure it?

BPPV (Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo) is the most common cause of vertigo, caused by tiny calcium crystals becoming displaced in the inner ear and sending incorrect signals to the brain. Physical therapy - specifically canalith repositioning maneuvers like the Epley Maneuver - is the most effective treatment for BPPV, with many patients experiencing complete resolution of symptoms within one to three sessions. No medication, no surgery - just precise, guided movement.

How is vestibular rehabilitation different from regular physical therapy?

Vestibular rehabilitation is a specialized subset of physical therapy that focuses specifically on the inner ear, balance systems, and visual-vestibular interaction. It requires advanced training in oculomotor assessment, positional testing, and neurological retraining. Our therapists undergo specialized post-graduate vestibular training - this is not something every PT clinic offers or is equipped to treat at the same level.

Will vestibular exercises make my dizziness worse before it gets better?

For habituation-based exercises, mild temporary increases in dizziness are a normal and expected part of the retraining process - it means your vestibular system is being appropriately challenged. Think of it like muscle soreness when starting a new workout; it diminishes as your system adapts. Your therapist carefully calibrates the intensity so you're never pushed beyond a safe threshold, and the exercises become easier as you progress.

How many sessions will I need for vestibular rehab?

The number of sessions varies depending on your diagnosis and severity. BPPV often resolves in one to three sessions with repositioning maneuvers. Vestibular neuritis, post-concussion dizziness, or chronic imbalance typically require six to eight weekly sessions, plus a structured home exercise program. Your therapist will outline a recommended plan after your initial evaluation and adjust it based on your response to treatment.

Do I need a doctor's referral to start vestibular physical therapy?

Under Direct Access laws, you can begin vestibular physical therapy without a physician referral. However, some insurance plans may require a referral for coverage. We verify your insurance benefits before your first visit to remove any uncertainty. If your insurance does require a referral, we can help coordinate with your physician to make the process as smooth as possible.

Can vestibular rehab help with dizziness after a concussion?

Yes. Post-concussion dizziness and balance problems are among the most common persistent symptoms after a head injury, and vestibular rehabilitation has strong clinical evidence supporting its effectiveness for this population. Our therapists use a carefully graded approach - starting with gentle gaze stabilization and progressing to more dynamic balance training - tailored to your specific concussion-related symptoms and neurological tolerance.

Is vestibular rehabilitation covered by insurance?

Most major insurance plans - including Medicare, Medicaid, and commercial insurers - cover vestibular physical therapy when medically necessary. At Dynamic Physical Therapy, we verify your benefits in full before your first visit so you know exactly what is covered and what your out-of-pocket costs will be, with no surprise bills. Call us at (718) 826-3200 and we'll handle the verification for you.
Therapist helping a patient during a physical therapy session

Ready to Get Started? Schedule Your Visit Today.

Whether you're dealing with chronic pain, recovering from surgery, or managing a new injury, our team is ready to help. We offer complimentary assessments at all six of our locations across Queens and Long Island. A licensed therapist will review your symptoms, perform a movement screen, and give you a clear direction at no cost and with no pressure.