Vestibular Rehabilitation: What it is and How it Can Help You

Khairunnisa Hemani • September 6, 2022

Vestibular Rehabilitation: What it is and How it Can Help You

If you’ve ever suffered from dizzy spells, the world spinning around you, or just a general imbalance while walking, you know how uncomfortable it is and how difficult it is to keep moving when this occurs.


In some people, vestibular impairment is an ongoing condition that makes daily life much more difficult. With vestibular rehabilitation, your symptoms can be improved (and even gotten rid of completely) through a combination of exercises, stretches, and posture improvement.


What is vestibular rehabilitation?


Vestibular rehabilitation is a treatment that focuses on specific exercises to help enhance your stability, posture, improve vertigo, and improve activities of daily living. If you’re experiencing dizzy spells, then you may be dealing with vertigo, which can be difficult to live with.


Vestibular rehabilitation works by performing specific exercises 2-3 times per day. Consistency is key with any
physiotherapy treatment, but this one in particular requires dedication. It’s also important to work through any symptoms that crop up while doing the exercise - this is actually a sign that you’re doing the exercise properly (because you’re stimulating the vestibular system). After time, symptoms should decrease.


Who can benefit from it?


Patients who have been diagnosed with vertigo, dizziness, imbalance, migraines, and more may have vertigo and can benefit from vestibular rehabilitation. Common symptoms that can be treated with vestibular rehabilitation are:


  • Dizziness or blurred vision when you move your head
  • Tightness, stiffness, or pain in your neck
  • Frequent headaches or migraines
  • Imbalances while walking
  • General feelings of feeling dizzy, woozy, or even foggy
  • Things around you spinning


Dizziness is often a result of problems within the inner ear, which has bones and muscles that help with balance. Vertigo can occur in anybody, but is more common in people older than 75.


In fact, dizziness can occur as a result of an inner ear disorder, a medication side effect, neck dysfunction, or even a more serious problem such as issues in the brain or heart.


Vertigo symptoms include:


  • Lightheadedness
  • Dizziness
  • Feelings of unsteadiness/being “off-balance”
  • Sensations of moving (even while seated or standing still)
  • A feeling of the world around you ‘spinning’
  • Wooziness
  • Swaying


Being unbalanced can be a scary feeling and prevent you from doing everyday activities, also making it more difficult to get around because of feelings of dizziness and not being able to drive (or even walk in many cases).


What to expect during your appointment


During your physiotherapy appointment for vestibular rehabilitation, you can expect to go through a round of physical tests to see how your body responds to certain movements. This will help give your physiotherapist an idea of where your issues are occurring and, in turn, develop a plan of action.


There are different types of vestibular impairments (and they affect people differently), so assessment is an important first step in this process.


Once that has been figured out, your physiotherapist will draw up a customized treatment plan for you that involves different exercises to perform. These may include:


  • Habituation exercises (used to treat dizziness symptoms due to head motion or visual stimuli)
  • Gaze stabilization exercises (aim to improve visual acuity and steadiness while moving your head)
  • Balance training exercises (these are an important part of any vestibular rehabilitation exercise program, helping to improve steadiness, making daily life easier)


Other treatment options that may be included in your program could include visual tracking, mobility exercises, stretching, core strengthening, and education on posture/ergonomics.


At Delta Physiotherapy & Rehab, we have the education and experience with vestibular rehabilitation to help you lead a better life. You shouldn’t have to suffer with vertigo or vertigo symptoms any longer, which is why we’re here to help.


Book an appointment online or call us at 905-270-3086 to come see us. We’ll assess you and create a customized treatment plan that will help you with stability and balance.

Man doing arm exercise with therapist, holding a dumbbell.
By Khairunnisa Hemani October 12, 2025
Physiotherapy is safe and effective for seniors! Discover how Delta Physio helps Mississauga’s older adults improve balance, strength, and mobility.
October 11, 2025
Your feet carry you through life. every step, every stride, every move. When pain strikes, it can affect your entire body, from your ankles and knees to your hips and back. Many people don’t realize that these problems often start from the ground up. Your feet support your entire body and even a small imbalance can lead to pain throughout your legs, hips, and spine. That’s where orthotics and chiropody care come in. At Delta Physiotherapy and Rehab, we offer comprehensive orthotics and chiropody care in Mississauga, delivered by our registered chiropodist and multidisciplinary rehab team. With two convenient locations - Erin Mills and Central Parkway Mississauga ,expert foot care is always close by. What Is Chiropody Care? Chiropody is specialized healthcare focused on the assessment, treatment, and prevention of conditions affecting the feet and lower limbs. Our registered chiropodist in Mississauga provides safe, evidence based treatments to help you stay active and pain-free. Conditions Treated by Our Chiropodist: 1. Corns, Calluses, and Cracked Heels Symptoms : Thickened, rough skin on the soles or toes; dryness or painful cracks around the heels. How We Help : Our chiropodist carefully removes corns and calluses using safe, sterile techniques — no over-the-counter acids or blades needed. We also provide footwear recommendations, and custom orthotics to reduce pressure points that cause hard skin buildup. 2. Ingrown Toenails and Fungal Nail Infections Symptoms: Redness, swelling, pain, or infection along the nail edge; thickened, discolored, or brittle toenails. How We Help: We offer gentle and effective treatment for ingrown toenails, including partial nail removal if needed. For fungal nails, we provide medical debridement and guidance on topical or oral treatments to restore healthy nail growth. 3. Plantar Warts Symptoms: Small, grainy growths on the soles of the feet that may cause pain when walking or standing. How We Help : Our chiropodist removes plantar warts safely using professional methods such as cryotherapy, topical treatments, or debridement without damaging surrounding healthy skin. 4. Diabetic Foot Ulcers and Neuropathy Symptoms: Numbness, tingling, wounds that heal slowly, or loss of sensation in the feet. How We Help : Our chiropody team provides regular diabetic foot assessments, wound care, and education on daily foot checks. We design custom orthotics to protect high risk areas, improve circulation, and prevent ulcers from returning. 8. Skin and Nail Disorders Symptoms : Dry, itchy, peeling skin, or thick, discolored nails. How We Help : From fungal and bacterial infections to eczema and psoriasis related issues, our chiropodist offers safe skin and nail care tailored to your needs improving both comfort and appearance. Expert Care, Tailored to You Our chiropody and orthotics services in Mississauga are designed to help you walk comfortably, prevent complications, and maintain long-term foot health. Whether it’s pain relief, prevention, or performance, Delta Physiotherapy & Rehab has you covered. Learn more: 📍 Visit us at Delta Physiotherapy Erin Mills ( Erin Mills & Dundas) 2400 Dundas Street W, Unit: 16, Mississauga, ON L5K 2R8 905-822-9898 Delta Physiotherapy Central Parkway ( Near Square One) 325 Central Parkway W, Unit 38, Mississauga, ON L5B 3X9 905-270-3086 How Custom Orthotics Help You Move Better Custom orthotics are prescription shoe inserts designed to support your unique foot structure and correct alignment. Unlike store-bought insoles, custom orthotics are made from a 3D scan or cast of your feet, ensuring a perfect fit and lasting comfort. Our custom orthotics Mississauga can help manage or relieve: 1. Plantar Fasciitis Symptoms : Sharp pain in the heel, especially with the first few steps in the morning or after rest. How We Help : Our chiropodist provides custom orthotics designed to cushion and support the heel, relieve pressure from the plantar fascia, and improve foot mechanics to prevent future flare-ups. 2. Flat Feet (Pes Planus) Symptoms : Little or no arch, foot fatigue, and pain along the inner ankle or knees. How We Help : Custom orthotics provide arch support and realign the foot structure. Our chiropody care includes gait analysis and exercises to strengthen the supporting muscles. 3. High Arches (Pes Cavus) Symptoms : Excess pressure on the heel and ball of the foot, frequent ankle sprains, and instability. How We Help : Orthotics distribute weight evenly and provide cushioning to reduce stress on pressure points. 4 . Heel Spurs Symptoms : Pain and tenderness in the heel, often linked with plantar fasciitis. How We Help : Our chiropodist designs orthotics with heel cups and cushioning that reduce inflammation and pressure on the heel bone. 5. Achilles Tendonitis Symptoms : Pain and stiffness along the back of the heel or calf, especially during movement. How We Help : Orthotics help correct overpronation (rolling inward of the foot) and reduce strain on the Achilles tendon. We also offer footwear advice and stretching programs. 6. Shin Splints Symptoms : Pain or tightness in the front or inner part of the lower leg, often triggered by running or walking. How We Help : Orthotics help improve foot mechanics and reduce shock impact. Our team provides advice on proper footwear and activity modification. 7. Knee Pain / Patellofemoral Syndrome Symptoms : Aching or pressure behind the kneecap, especially when climbing stairs or sitting for long periods. How We Help : Custom orthotics correct misalignment in the feet that contributes to knee strain. Chiropody and physiotherapy work together to support proper leg mechanics. 8. Hip and Lower Back Pain Symptoms : Persistent pain or tightness in the hips or lower back, often due to poor posture or uneven leg length. How We Help : Orthotics promote better alignment of the feet and spine, reducing strain on joints and improving posture over time. 9. Bunions and Hammertoes Symptoms : Pain, swelling, and deformity near the big toe (bunions) or bent smaller toes (hammertoes). How We Help : Our chiropodist recommends orthotics that reduce pressure on the affected joints and provides footwear guidance to prevent further irritation. 10. Diabetic Foot Conditions Symptoms : Numbness, tingling, wounds that heal slowly, or changes in foot shape. How We Help : Our chiropodist provides routine diabetic foot assessments, wound care, and custom orthotics that protect sensitive feet and prevent ulcers. 11. Morton’s Neuroma Symptoms : Burning or tingling pain between the toes, often described as “walking on a pebble.” How We Help : Custom orthotics relieve pressure between the metatarsal bones and improve foot alignment to reduce nerve irritation. 12. Arthritis-Related Foot Pain Symptoms : Stiffness, swelling, and pain in the foot or ankle joints. How We Help : Orthotics with cushioning materials absorb shock and reduce joint stress. Chiropody care includes footwear recommendations and gentle stretching guidance. 13. Gait and Posture Issues Symptoms: Uneven walking patterns, hip or knee discomfort, or back pain caused by poor alignment. How We Help : Through gait analysis and custom orthotics, we identify imbalances and correct your posture from the feet up. Improved alignment reduces stress on joints and muscles, enhancing movement efficiency. Whether you’re an athlete, a healthcare worker, or someone who spends long hours standing, custom orthotics can dramatically improve comfort, balance, and performance. Learn more about Custom Orthotics in Mississauga :https://www.deltaphysiotherapy.ca/custom-orthotics Why Choose Delta Physiotherapy and Rehab At Delta Physiotherapy and Rehab, we’re more than just an orthotics clinic .we’re a multidisciplinary team that includes physiotherapists, Chiropractors, massage therapists, and a registered chiropodist. We use advanced technology, including gait and posture analysis, to ensure your orthotics and foot care plan are completely personalized. What Makes Us Different: Registered Chiropodist on-site Collaboration between chiropody and physiotherapy Two Mississauga locations for convenience with free parking onsite Covered by most extended health insurance plans Visit Us: Delta Physiotherapy Erin Mills Mississauga ( Erin Mills & Dundas) 2400 Dundas Street W, Unit: 16, Mississauga, ON L5K 2R8 📞 905-822-9898 👉 View on Google Delta Physiotherapy Central Parkway, Mississauga ( Near Square One) 325 Central Parkway W, Unit 38, Mississauga, ON, L5B 3X9 📞 905-270-3086 👉 View on Google 🌐 Visit: https://www.deltaphysiotherapy.ca/ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) 1. What is the difference between a chiropodist and a podiatrist? Chiropodists and podiatrists have similar scopes of practice. The main difference is educational background and title. Chiropodists are trained in Ontario and other Commonwealth countries. Podiatrists are typically trained in the United States. Both are regulated by the College of Chiropodists of Ontario (COCOO) and can assess, diagnose, and prescribe custom orthotics or treat foot and nail disorders 2. How long do custom orthotics last? With proper care, custom orthotics typically last 2–3 years, depending on your activity level and footwear. Our chiropodist can re-assess them annually to ensure the best fit. 3. Are orthotics covered by insurance? Yes! Most extended health insurance plans cover custom orthotics prescribed by a registered chiropodist or physician. We can provide all required documentation for your claim. 4 . Do I need a referral to see a chiropodist? No referral is required. You can book an appointment directly with our chiropodist in Mississauga. 5. Can orthotics help back or knee pain? Absolutely. Poor foot alignment often affects your knees, hips, and spine. Correcting it with orthotics can relieve stress and restore natural movement patterns. 🌟 Step Into Comfort Today At Delta Physiotherapy & Rehab, we believe healthy movement begins with healthy feet. Whether you need routine chiropody care, custom orthotics, or a comprehensive biomechanical assessment, our Mississauga team is here to help. ✨ Take the first step toward pain free living, book your appointment today! 🌐 https://www.deltaphysiotherapy.ca/
A woman with cancer is holding the hand of a nurse.
By Khairunnisa Hemani October 7, 2025
Combat cancer-related fatigue with personalized physiotherapy and rehab from Delta Physiotherapy & Rehab at Mississauga’s Dundas and Central Parkway locations.
Elderly woman in car, holding neck, looking distressed.
By Khairunnisa Hemani October 4, 2025
Recover from car accidents or workplace injuries with expert physiotherapy in Mississauga. Delta Physio guides you through WSIB and MVA rehabilitation.
Physiotherapist stretching woman's arm in a blue tank top; white wall.
By Khairunnisa Hemani September 30, 2025
Relieve pain, restore mobility, and boost wellness with expert chiropractic care in Mississauga. Visit Delta Physiotherapy & Rehab for personalized care!
A woman on a blue exercise ball, stretching arm with guidance from a man in a bright room.
By Khairunnisa Hemani September 27, 2025
Achieve your rehab goals with personalized exercise plans and physiotherapy. Learn how Delta’s team creates custom training programs for faster recovery.
Man in black shirt clutching his left bicep in pain, at a gym.
By Khairunnisa Hemani September 23, 2025
Find relief from frozen shoulder in Mississauga. Restore mobility and reduce pain with expert physiotherapy & rehab at Delta Physiotherapy & Rehab clinics.
Man in white tank top exercising with dumbbells in a bright room.
By Khairunnisa Hemani September 21, 2025
Physiotherapy isn’t just for injury recovery. Discover the lifelong benefits of physio for mobility, prevention, and wellness at Delta Physio in Mississauga.
A medical professional in blue gloves administers shockwave therapy to a patient's foot.
By Khairunnisa Hemani September 19, 2025
Relieve chronic heel, shoulder, or elbow pain with evidence-based Shockwave Therapy at Delta Physiotherapy & Rehab in Mississauga. Book your session today!
A woman is helping a man lift a green dumbbell.
By Khairunnisa Hemani September 16, 2025
Improve mobility and quality of life through specialized physiotherapy for neurological conditions from Delta Physiotherapy & Rehab in Mississauga.