How Vestibular Physio Helps After a Concussion

Have you ever felt dizzy or off-balance after a concussion?

Maybe it happens when you turn your head, read for too long, or walk through a busy store — suddenly, the world feels like it’s spinning or moving when it shouldn’t.
These symptoms are common after a head injury, but they can also be confusing and frustrating.What you’re feeling may be a disruption in your vestibular system — the network in your inner ear and brain that controls balance, gaze, and spatial awareness.
The good news? Specialized vestibular physiotherapy for concussion as part of your dizziness treatment can help your brain and body work together again, easing dizziness and restoring your confidence in movement.

Why Do I Feel Dizzy After a Concussion

A concussion (mild traumatic brain injury or mTBI) happens when your brain moves rapidly inside your skull — often after a fall, car accident, or sports impact.
Even if the injury seems mild, the sudden motion can stretch and disrupt nerve signals, especially those that help regulate balance and vision.

According to research, 30–65% of people with a concussion develop vestibular symptoms (Galeno et al., 2022), like:

• Dizziness or spinning sensations
• Unsteady balance or vertigo
• Blurred or “bouncy” vision when reading or moving
• Nausea or fatigue during motion
• Difficulty focusing in visually stimulating environments

These symptoms can last weeks or even months without proper intervention — affecting concentration, coordination, and overall confidence.

How Vestibular Physiotherapy Helps Concussion Recovery

Vestibular physiotherapy retrains how your brain processes signals from the inner ear, eyes, and body. After a concussion, these systems may send mismatched messages — making your world feel unstable.

Through specific, progressive exercises, vestibular physio helps restore that balance.

Each program should be personalized. Your physiotherapist should carefully adjust the difficulty and frequency based on your symptoms and progress — ensuring safety while promoting steady improvement.

Why Early Treatment Matters After a Concussion

After a concussion, it’s easy to assume that dizziness, headaches, or poor balance will fade with rest. But in reality, these symptoms often linger — and can even worsen — when the vestibular system doesn’t recalibrate properly on its own.

Early intervention with vestibular physiotherapy can make a significant difference in how quickly and completely you recover. Starting a comprehensive vestibular rehabilitation program within the first few weeks following a concussion is associated with a reduced risk of persistent post-concussion symptoms compared to delayed or no intervention (Government of British Columbia, Concussion /mTBI Guideline).

Why? Because your brain is still in a period of high adaptability — a concept known as neuroplasticity. During this time, your brain is most capable of learning, adjusting, and forming new connections to restore balance and spatial awareness. Starting therapy early helps your nervous system “retrain” before unhealthy movement patterns or chronic dizziness set in.

Delaying treatment can lead to:

• Ongoing dizziness or vertigo that affects confidence and mood
• Difficulty concentrating or reading
• Avoidance of physical or social activities due to fear of symptoms
• Prolonged absence from work, school, or sport
• Feelings of anxiety or isolation caused by unpredictable balance issues

How Vestibular Physio Can Change Daily Life

For many people recovering from a concussion, the hardest part isn’t the initial injury — it’s how long the symptoms seem to linger. Everyday activities like reading, driving, scrolling on a phone, or walking through a busy grocery store can suddenly feel exhausting or disorienting.

That’s because a concussion can throw off your brain’s sense of motion, space, and focus, making once-effortless movements feel foreign or unsafe.

This is where vestibular physiotherapy makes a life-changing impact. By retraining your brain and body through structured, individualized exercises, it helps restore the trust between your senses and your movement.

Patients often describe the results as “getting their life back.” After a few sessions, many notice:

• Greater steadiness when walking on uneven ground
• Fewer dizzy spells or headaches when moving quickly
• Better concentration during work or study
• More confidence in physical activity or sports
• Relief from the anxiety that comes with unpredictable balance

When your world stops spinning and starts feeling stable again, that’s the true success of vestibular physiotherapy.

FAQs About Vestibular Physio for Concussions

1. Why do I still feel dizzy weeks after my concussion?

Dizziness often lingers because your brain and inner ear are sending mismatched signals about movement and balance. Vestibular physiotherapy helps retrain these systems so your brain can interpret motion correctly again.

2. Is it normal to feel worse before I feel better?

Sometimes, yes — especially during the first few sessions. Mild symptom flare-ups are a normal part of retraining your vestibular system, and your therapist will guide you carefully to avoid overexertion.

3. I feel fine sitting still, but dizzy when I move — is that normal?

Yes. This happens because your vestibular system controls how your body stabilizes while in motion. When it’s off-balance, motion (turning, bending, or walking) can cause discomfort or blurred vision.

4. Can vestibular physio help with brain fog or concentration issues?

Absolutely. Improving balance and eye-head coordination often helps the brain process visual and motion cues more efficiently, reducing fatigue and improving focus.

5. What can I do at home to support my recovery?

Follow your physiotherapist’s exercise plan consistently. Get plenty of rest, stay hydrated, and avoid “pushing through” dizziness. Gentle, regular movement (like walking) helps your brain adapt faster.

6. Will I ever feel completely normal again?

For most people, yes. With consistent vestibular therapy, the majority of concussion patients experience a full return to normal balance, comfort, and confidence.

7. Do I need a doctor’s referral?

No, you can book an appointment directly with our vestibular physiotherapy team at Coquitlam Wellness Centre. We’ll coordinate with your physician if needed.

Take the First Step Toward Feeling Steady Again

You don’t have to live with dizziness, motion sensitivity, or imbalance after a concussion. With proper vestibular physiotherapy, your brain can relearn how to process movement safely — and you can get back to feeling like yourself again.

At Coquitlam Wellness Centre, our approach goes beyond exercises. We help you understand what’s happening in your body, so you can move with confidence again. Every improvement — whether it’s being able to walk the dog, read comfortably, or enjoy a night out — is a sign that your brain is healing and adapting.