Vestibular Physiotherapy

If dizziness, vertigo or unsteadiness have been part of your daily life for a while, it's understandable to want to see someone who specialises in this specific area for physiotherapy and movement related treatment.

Our vestibular physiotherapy service is designed for adults experiencing dizziness, vertigo or balance problems. You can be referred into this service as part of our ENT-led Balance and Dizziness Clinic, or you can arrange an appointment directly.

You'll be seen by a specialist vestibular physiotherapist whose work focuses on the inner ear and balance system.

Do I Need a Vestibular Physio Appointment?

You do not need a GP referral to arrange an appointment. This service may be helpful if you are experiencing:

• Vertigo, or a spinning sensation
• Dizziness that comes and goes, or is constant
• Unsteadiness, or a general feeling of being off balance
• Increased care needed on stairs, uneven ground, or in the dark
• Dizziness or balance changes following a head injury or concussion

You can access this service if these symptoms started recently or if they have been present for some time, and you do not need a formal diagnosis to start.

If you're already under the care of our ENT team for dizziness or balance concerns, this service is designed to work alongside that care.

If you are mainly experiencing ear pain, hearing loss, or other ENT symptoms and haven't yet had a medical assessment, our consultant-led Private Balance and Dizziness Clinic may be more suitable.

Important Safety Information

If you experience sudden, severe dizziness alongside symptoms such as slurred speech, facial drooping, sudden hearing loss, or weakness down one side of your body, seek urgent medical attention by calling 999 or attending your nearest A&E department.

How Vestibular Rehabilitation Can Help

Vestibular physiotherapy, sometimes called vestibular rehabilitation or vestibular rehab therapy, is a specialist area of physiotherapy focused on the inner ear and balance system.

Your assessment may look at how your eyes move, how you hold your posture, your strength, and how you walk, to help build a picture of what may be contributing to your symptoms. From there, your physiotherapist may recommend an approach that draws on:

• Repositioning manoeuvres, such as the Epley manoeuvre, which may be used if BPPV is identified
• Gaze stabilisation exercises, which are eye and head movement exercises that may support how your brain processes visual information
• Balance and walking training, built up gradually based on your starting point

Your assessment may also explore whether your symptoms relate to conditions such as:

• Vertigo or Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV)
• Vestibular neuritis or labyrinthitis
• Vestibular migraine
• Ménière's disease
• Dizziness or balance changes following concussion

Every plan is based on what your assessment finds, so what's offered to you may differ from what's listed here.

Pricing

Any further investigations or a longer course of treatment may involve additional costs, which will be discussed with you clearly before anything is arranged.

We are also recognised by a number of major health insurers. If you intend to use private medical insurance, please contact us ahead of your appointment to confirm your cover.

Clinical Team and Expertise

Reviews

What to Expect From an Appointment

Your appointment starts with a conversation about your symptoms, when they started, and how they've been affecting you day to day. This helps your physiotherapist understand what matters most to you before moving into a physical assessment.

The assessment may include looking at your eye movements, your posture, your strength, and how you walk, so your physiotherapist can build a clear picture of what's happening.

From there, your physiotherapist will explain what they've found in plain language and talk through an approach with you. Depending on your assessment, this may involve a repositioning manoeuvre carried out during your appointment, or a personalised set of exercises to work on gaze stabilisation and balance over time.

You'll have space to ask questions throughout, and your consultant will agree a treatment plan with you during the appointment.

Follow-Up Appointments

Vestibular rehabilitation is often a gradual process, so a follow-up appointment may be recommended to review how you're progressing and adjust your exercises accordingly.

The number and spacing of follow-up appointments will depend on your individual assessment and how you respond to your initial plan.

Why Patients Choose Midland Health

When you choose our vestibular physiotherapy service, you benefit from:

• A specialist vestibular physiotherapist, whose focus is treating patients struggling with dizziness or their balance
• The option to work alongside our consultant-led ENT Balance and Dizziness Clinic, if a fuller medical assessment is ever needed
• No GP referral required
• No waiting lists
• Same-day or next-day appointments, where available
• A private clinic setting on Francis Road, Birmingham

Our Clinic

Your vestibular physiotherapy appointment will be held at our clinic on Francis Road, Birmingham.

We are close to Five Ways train station, accessible by bus, tram, or train. If you're driving, patients can use the Broadway Plaza car park free of charge for up to 2 hours when their vehicle registration is validated at Midland Health reception.

No matter where you're coming from, we aim to make your journey to our clinic as smooth and convenient as possible so you can focus on getting the care you need.

Next Steps and Booking

If you're ready to arrange a vestibular physiotherapy assessment, you can book directly with us. No GP referral is needed, and appointments may be available same-day or next-day.

FAQ