Vestibular rehabilitation videos

The following physiotherapy exercise videos support Fiona Stanley Fremantle Hospital Group patients with conditions affecting their balance (vestibular) system.

Following a medical assessment, you may have been referred to a physiotherapist for treatment by:

• emergency department or other medical staff
• a general practitioner (GP)
• another physiotherapist within WA Health if you need ongoing treatment, and/or treatment by a physiotherapist experienced in treating vestibular conditions.

It is important you only complete these treatments as prescribed by your physiotherapist.

The Epley manoeuvre

Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo – or BBPV – is a common disorder of the inner ear. It occurs when small crystals within certain ear canals move out of place.

If you have BBPV, certain head movements can cause symptoms including:

• vertigo
• dizziness
• balance problems
• nausea
• vomiting.

The Epley manoeuvre is a series of head movements that can return the ear crystals back into place.

The manoeuvre only treats a certain type of BPPV, so it is important you only complete this treatment as prescribed by your physiotherapist.

BBPV usually affects one ear at a time, and your physiotherapist will advise whether you should do the left Epley manoeuvre or the right Epley manoeuvre.

If you have been prescribed the left Epley manoeuvre

If you have been prescribed the right Epley manoeuvre

Early vestibular rehabilitation exercises

Your balance (vestibular) system sits within your inner ear. The main role of this complex system is to help you keep your balance.

If you have an infection in the vestibular nerve of your inner ear, this can cause vestibular neuronitis, or labyrinthitis. Symptoms include:

• vertigo (feeling like everything around you is spinning)
• dizziness
• balance problems
• nausea or vomiting
• hearing changes or ringing in the ears, and
• ear pressure or pain.

Your physiotherapist may recommend eye exercises known as ‘gaze stabilisation exercises’ as part of your rehabilitation program.

These can help improve the functioning of your vestibular system and therefore your symptoms.

If you have been prescribed early vestibular rehabilitation exercises

Contact us

Contact your physiotherapist:

• For Fiona Stanley Hospital patients, phone the hospital’s Helpdesk on 6152 2222
• For Fremantle Hospital patients, phone the hospital’s reception on 9431 3333.

Return to the main Physiotherapy page