Are dizziness and vertigo the same thing?

Dizziness is a broad term people use for several sensations, including lightheadedness or unsteadiness. Vertigo specifically describes a false sensation of movement, often spinning. Describing exactly what you feel helps your clinician evaluate the concern.

Can physical therapy help every type of dizziness?

No. Dizziness can arise from vestibular conditions or other medical issues. An evaluation helps determine whether rehabilitation is appropriate or whether another type of care is needed.

Is vestibular therapy the same as balance therapy?

They overlap, but they are not identical. Vestibular therapy addresses specific problems involving dizziness, visual stability, and the vestibular system. Balance therapy may address a broader range of strength, walking, and stability limitations.

Will treatment make me dizzy?

Some tests and exercises may briefly reproduce symptoms. Your therapist should explain what to expect and adjust the activity to your response. Tell your therapist if symptoms are severe, unusual, or do not settle as instructed.

How many appointments will I need?

The number varies with the condition, symptom severity, and response to treatment. Your therapist can discuss expectations after evaluating you and reassess progress throughout care.

Can I do vestibular exercises from an online video?

Exercises and repositioning procedures should match your diagnosis and physical abilities. A technique intended for one condition may not be appropriate for another. Follow an individualized program from your treating clinician.

What should I bring to my appointment?

Bring your medication list, relevant medical records or test results, any referral, and your usual walking aid if you use one. Wear comfortable clothing and supportive shoes. Ask about any specific preparation instructions when scheduling.

Do I need a referral?

Referral and insurance authorization requirements vary. Contact ReLive before scheduling to confirm what is needed for your appointment.

Is vestibular rehabilitation covered by insurance?

Coverage depends on your plan and the services provided. Confirm benefits, authorization requirements, and potential out-of-pocket costs before beginning care.

When should I seek urgent medical attention?

Sudden dizziness or balance loss accompanied by weakness, facial drooping, trouble speaking, a severe new headache, or difficulty walking requires emergency medical attention. Do not wait for a therapy appointment. Sudden hearing loss also needs prompt medical assessment.

Vestibular Therapy | Relive Physical Therapy | Bloomingdale, IL & Crown Point, IN

Dizziness and unsteadiness can make everyday activities feel unpredictable. Turning your head, getting out of bed, walking through a store, or navigating stairs may become uncomfortable or challenging.

ReLive Physical Therapy provides vestibular rehabilitation for patients throughout Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana. Our therapists evaluate your symptoms and movement concerns to determine whether vestibular therapy is appropriate and develop a plan around your needs.

Contact our team to discuss your concerns and confirm vestibular provider availability at a convenient location.

Vestibular rehabilitation therapy, often called VRT, is a specialized form of physical therapy that addresses certain dizziness, visual stability, and balance problems.

Your vestibular system includes structures in the inner ear that help detect head movement and position. It works with your vision and other sensory information to help you stay oriented and steady.

When this system is affected, rehabilitation may help you manage symptoms and improve daily function. Treatment depends on the cause of your symptoms and the findings of your evaluation.

Talk with a healthcare professional if you experience:

A spinning sensation, also called vertigo.
Dizziness associated with changes in head position.
Unsteadiness when standing or walking.
Difficulty keeping your vision clear during head movement.
Discomfort in busy visual environments.
Motion sensitivity that limits daily activities.
Repeated near-falls or concern about losing your balance.

These symptoms do not automatically mean you have a vestibular disorder. Dizziness can have several causes, and medical assessment may be needed before or alongside physical therapy.

Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo — BPPV

Vestibular Neuritis or Labyrinthitis

Vestibular Migraine

Persistent Balance Problems Related to Ménière’s Disease

Symptoms Following a Concussion or Neurological Condition

Discuss Your Symptoms
Your therapist will ask when symptoms began, how long episodes last, and what seems to trigger them. Share any hearing changes, headaches, falls, previous testing, and relevant medical diagnoses.
Review Your Movement and Balance
Depending on your concerns, the evaluation may include eye and head movement tests, positional testing, walking, and balance activities. Your therapist will explain the tests before proceeding.
Understand the Recommendations
You will discuss whether vestibular rehabilitation is appropriate, what treatment may involve, and whether additional medical assessment is needed.
Plan Your Next Steps
Your therapist will explain appointment recommendations and any home exercises. Ask what symptoms to expect during prescribed activities and when to pause or contact your provider.

Are dizziness and vertigo the same thing?
Dizziness is a broad term people use for several sensations, including lightheadedness or unsteadiness. Vertigo specifically describes a false sensation of movement, often spinning. Describing exactly what you feel helps your clinician evaluate the concern.
Can physical therapy help every type of dizziness?
No. Dizziness can arise from vestibular conditions or other medical issues. An evaluation helps determine whether rehabilitation is appropriate or whether another type of care is needed.
Is vestibular therapy the same as balance therapy?
They overlap, but they are not identical. Vestibular therapy addresses specific problems involving dizziness, visual stability, and the vestibular system. Balance therapy may address a broader range of strength, walking, and stability limitations.
Will treatment make me dizzy?
Some tests and exercises may briefly reproduce symptoms. Your therapist should explain what to expect and adjust the activity to your response. Tell your therapist if symptoms are severe, unusual, or do not settle as instructed.
How many appointments will I need?
The number varies with the condition, symptom severity, and response to treatment. Your therapist can discuss expectations after evaluating you and reassess progress throughout care.
Can I do vestibular exercises from an online video?
Exercises and repositioning procedures should match your diagnosis and physical abilities. A technique intended for one condition may not be appropriate for another. Follow an individualized program from your treating clinician.
What should I bring to my appointment?
Bring your medication list, relevant medical records or test results, any referral, and your usual walking aid if you use one. Wear comfortable clothing and supportive shoes. Ask about any specific preparation instructions when scheduling.
Do I need a referral?
Referral and insurance authorization requirements vary. Contact ReLive before scheduling to confirm what is needed for your appointment.
Is vestibular rehabilitation covered by insurance?
Coverage depends on your plan and the services provided. Confirm benefits, authorization requirements, and potential out-of-pocket costs before beginning care.
When should I seek urgent medical attention?
Sudden dizziness or balance loss accompanied by weakness, facial drooping, trouble speaking, a severe new headache, or difficulty walking requires emergency medical attention. Do not wait for a therapy appointment. Sudden hearing loss also needs prompt medical assessment.