Vestibular Physiotherapy & Dizziness Rehabilitation in Exeter

Do you feel dizzy, unsteady or off balance?

If you’re experiencing dizziness, vertigo, unsteadiness, motion sensitivity, or balance problems, it can feel unsettling — and at times scary. Many people worry they’ll just have to “live with it,” especially when symptoms come and go or have been present for a long time.

Vestibular physiotherapy is a specialist form of rehabilitation that helps your brain, inner ear, eyes and body work together again. With the right assessment and targeted exercises, many people see meaningful improvements in symptoms, confidence, and day-to-day function.

Vestibular Physiotherapy is now available at our clinic in Exeter, with Carmen Taylor.

Who this is for

Vestibular physiotherapy may help if you experience:

  • Dizziness or vertigo

  • Feeling unsteady, “off-balance,” or lightheaded

  • Motion sensitivity (symptoms when turning, bending, walking in busy places, scrolling, or travelling)

  • Poor balance, near-falls, or falls

  • Reduced confidence with walking, exercise, work, or everyday activities

  • Symptoms following illness, concussion, head trauma, or whiplash

  • Neck pain alongside dizziness

You don’t need a confirmed diagnosis to book. Identifying what’s contributing to your symptoms is part of the assessment.

Conditions we commonly help

We can help improve symptoms associated with:

  • Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV)

  • Recovery after vestibular neuritis or labyrinthitis

  • Ménière’s disease (post flare-up / fluctuating stage)

  • Vestibular migraine (post flare-up)

  • Persistent Postural-Perceptual Dizziness (PPPD)

  • Unilateral vestibular hypofunction

  • Bilateral vestibular hypofunction (symmetrical or asymmetrical)

  • Age-related balance decline

  • Labyrinthine concussion recovery

  • Post-concussion / head trauma or whiplash-related dizziness

  • Cervicogenic dizziness (neck pain with dizziness)

  • Acoustic neuroma (symptom management during monitoring phase, or post-surgery/radiation)

  • Motion sensitivity / visual–vestibular mismatch

If you’re unsure whether your symptoms fit, please contact us — we’ll guide you to the right appointment.

What happens in your vestibular assessment

Your initial appointment is unhurried and thorough. We take time to listen to your story and understand how symptoms affect your daily life.

Your session may include:

  • Detailed symptom history and appropriate medical screening

  • Identification of contributing factors

  • Cervical spine (neck) assessment when relevant

  • Eye movement (oculomotor) testing

  • Vestibular–ocular testing (how eyes and balance systems work together)

  • Coordination testing

  • Positional tests if vertigo is suspected (e.g. Dix–Hallpike and roll tests)

  • Balance and gait analysis

  • Further neurological and/or cranial screening if needed

Not every test is needed for every person — everything is explained as we go.

You’ll leave with clear next steps and a tailored plan.

How vestibular physiotherapy helps

Your rehabilitation programme is tailored to you and may include:

  • Canalith (crystal) repositioning manoeuvres (e.g. Epley, Semont, BBQ Roll) for BPPV where appropriate

  • Gaze stabilisation / adaptation training to improve visual clarity during head movement

  • Habituation exercises to reduce motion sensitivity through gradual exposure

  • Substitution strategies to improve stability when both inner ears are affected

  • Neck exercises to improve movement, strength and proprioception when the neck contributes

  • Balance and proprioception training to improve steadiness and reduce falls risk

  • Strength and conditioning for postural control to build endurance and overall function

  • Functional retraining to help you return confidently to walking, work, shopping, exercise and daily life

Exercises are progressed at a pace that feels challenging but safe.

Our goal

To reduce dizziness, enhance balance, and help you move with confidence again — using safe, research-backed physiotherapy tailored specifically to you.

Appointments & booking

Recommended starting point:
Initial Vestibular Consultation (60 minutes)

Follow-ups:
Vestibular Rehabilitation Follow-up (30 mins or 1 hour)

This is a specialist service and is separate from standard physiotherapy booking types to ensure you’re matched with the right clinician and appointment length.

Book online via our booking link, selecting:
Vestibular Physiotherapy & Dizziness Rehabilitation or Carmen Taylor MSc

If you’re not sure which appointment to choose, contact us and we’ll help.

FAQs

Do I need a referral from my GP?

No — you can self-refer and book directly.

What if my symptoms come and go?

That’s common. Vestibular symptoms often fluctuate. We assess patterns and triggers and build a plan around your current tolerance.

Is the assessment safe?

We screen carefully and only perform appropriate tests. Everything is explained as we go, and the assessment is paced to you.

Can you treat BPPV (“crystals”)?

Yes — if BPPV is identified, we can perform appropriate repositioning manoeuvres and provide guidance on recovery.

How many sessions will I need?

It varies depending on the cause, how long symptoms have been present, and your goals. Some conditions respond quickly; others need a phased rehab plan. We’ll set expectations after your assessment.

Ready to feel steadier?

If dizziness or balance problems are limiting your life, you don’t have to figure it out alone.

Book your Initial Vestibular Assessment or contact us if you’d like help choosing the right appointment.

Book appointment