What to Expect During Your First Vestibular Physical Therapy Session
- The Patch Team
- Nov 4
- 3 min read
Dizziness, vertigo, and balance problems can make even the simplest tasks—like walking across a room or turning your head—feel overwhelming. These symptoms don’t just disrupt your daily life; they can also lead to falls, anxiety, and a loss of independence. The good news is that specialized care exists. Vestibular physical therapy is designed to help people regain balance, reduce dizziness, and restore confidence in their movement.
At Functionize in Atlanta, we guide clients through this process every day. If you’re preparing for your first vestibular PT session, here’s what you can expect.
Understanding Vestibular Physical Therapy
The vestibular system, located in the inner ear, is responsible for helping you maintain balance, coordinate movement, and stay oriented in space. When it’s not working properly, you might experience spinning sensations (vertigo), dizziness, imbalance, or difficulty focusing your eyes.
Vestibular physical therapy uses targeted exercises and retraining strategies to recalibrate the system. It can help with conditions like:
Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV)
Labyrinthitis and vestibular neuritis
Balance disorders
Post-concussion symptoms
Dizziness related to head movement or certain positions
This form of PT is highly effective because it doesn’t just mask symptoms—it addresses the root cause by retraining your brain and body to work together again.
The Initial Evaluation: What Happens First
Your first vestibular PT session is all about understanding your unique situation. At Functionize, the visit begins with a detailed conversation about your medical history, symptoms, and daily challenges. We’ll ask about when your dizziness occurs, what movements trigger it, and how it’s impacting your life.
From there, your therapist will perform a series of assessments, which may include:
Balance testing to see how your body responds in different positions
Eye movement testing to evaluate how your eyes track and stabilize
Positional tests (such as the Dix-Hallpike maneuver) to identify vertigo triggers
Gait and posture analysis to assess how dizziness affects your movement
This evaluation allows us to pinpoint what’s happening in your vestibular system and design a plan specific to your needs.
Tailored Treatment: How Functionize Designs Your Plan
No two vestibular conditions look the same, which is why treatment is highly individualized. After your evaluation, your therapist will guide you through exercises that may include:
Gaze stabilization drills to improve focus and reduce dizziness when moving your head
Balance and coordination training to help you walk and move safely
Habituation exercises to gently expose you to movements that trigger symptoms, retraining your system over time
Functional retraining so you can return to daily activities with confidence
At Functionize, every session is one-on-one, giving you the time and attention needed to progress safely. You’ll also receive simple exercises to practice at home, ensuring steady improvement between visits.
Setting Expectations: Progress and Recovery
One of the most important things to know about vestibular PT is that progress takes time—but it’s measurable and rewarding. Many people notice improvements within a few sessions, while others require longer-term care depending on the severity and cause of their condition.
You may feel temporary discomfort during certain exercises as your system adapts, but this is a normal and expected part of the process. Over time, symptoms decrease, balance improves, and confidence in your movement returns.
Your therapist will also provide education and strategies to manage symptoms in real life, giving you the tools to take back control outside the clinic.
Take the First Step Toward Steadier Living
Living with dizziness or imbalance can be frustrating, but you don’t have to navigate it alone. Vestibular physical therapy offers a safe, proven path toward relief and recovery.
At Functionize in Atlanta, we’re committed to helping you move with more steadiness, clarity, and confidence. If you’re ready to take the first step, schedule your vestibular PT session today—and start moving toward a steadier life.