Last Medically Reviewed On: May 12, 2026
What is vertigo?
If you are experiencing any dizziness, imbalances, nausea and maybe feels like world is spinning around you, you may be experiencing a type of vertigo. The cause of vertigo will vary between all patients, but oftentimes it is caused by an inner ear problem.
How can physical therapy help vertigo?
In order to treat vertigo, a physical therapist will likely use vestibular rehabilitation therapy (VRT). VRT is used to treat symptoms related to vertigo or balance issues. Since vertigo typically involves inner ear issues, you will not only meet with a physical therapist to evaluate the potential cause of your vertigo, you will also meet with an audiologist to determine how well the vestibular part of your inner ear is functioning.
Once you start therapy appointments, the treatment you receive will be customized to treat your type of vertigo. For some patients it may be a quick positional maneuver and for others, it may be eye exercises and balance training.
What are benefits of VRT?
VRT is designed to diagnose the cause of your vertigo and treat the cause effectively. Exercises and treatment vary depending on the type of vertigo a patient may have. The goal for all patients being treated with VRT would include:
- Desinsitize and habituate patients to activity
- Decreased dizziness, imbalances, and nausea
- Vision stabilization (if applicable)
If you are experiencing any symptoms related to vertigo and would like to seek help, book an appointment with an Iowa Clinic physical therapist by calling 515.875.9706 or scheduling online.