Dizziness. Unsteadiness. That floating, spinning sensation that throws off your balance—and your confidence.
If you’ve been living with symptoms like these, you may be dealing with a vestibular disorder. And while that can feel frustrating or even frightening, the right physical therapy can make a dramatic difference.
At our Spokane clinic, we specialize in vestibular rehabilitation that helps patients retrain their balance systems, reduce dizziness, and return to the activities they love.
>>>Book an appointment today to start feeling steady again.
Vestibular disorders affect the inner ear and brain systems that control balance and spatial awareness. When those systems aren’t working correctly, your body receives mixed signals about where you are in space—causing symptoms like:
These symptoms can develop gradually or come on suddenly, often after an illness, injury, or concussion. Common diagnoses include:
What all of these conditions have in common is that they disrupt your body’s ability to keep you balanced. That’s where physical therapy comes in.
At our Spokane clinic, our approach starts with understanding your unique symptoms and history. We use movement assessments, balance tests, and positional evaluations to pinpoint exactly how your vestibular system is being affected.
Once we know the source of the problem, we design a personalized plan that may include:
If your symptoms are caused by BPPV—where small crystals in the inner ear become dislodged—we use specific maneuvers like the Epley or Semont to guide them back into place. These techniques often relieve vertigo quickly and effectively.
Dizziness often occurs when your brain struggles to keep up with head and eye movements. We teach exercises that train your eyes and inner ear to work together again, helping you focus better during motion and reduce the feeling of being “off.”
Balance exercises are tailored to challenge your system safely. These might include standing on varied surfaces, walking with head turns, or navigating visual distractions—all designed to help you feel secure and steady on your feet.
When the vestibular system is off, your body leans too heavily on vision or other senses. We train your brain to rebalance input from your inner ear, muscles, and eyes—so your system works together the way it’s meant to.
Every technique we use is guided by real-time feedback and patient response. That’s why no two treatment plans look the same—and why our patients in Spokane see such consistent results.
Improvement can happen fast. Many patients notice positive changes within a few sessions—especially with BPPV. Others may see more gradual progress as we work to rewire balance pathways over time. Either way, physical therapy offers clear, life-changing benefits:
We’ve helped patients in Spokane return to work, drive again, enjoy social outings, and feel like themselves for the first time in months. The right therapy doesn’t just treat symptoms—it restores freedom.
If vertigo, imbalance, or motion sensitivity are interfering with your daily life, there’s a path forward—and it starts with physical therapy. You don’t need medication to feel better. You need the right guidance, the right plan, and a team that understands how to treat the full picture.
Call us at (509) 928-3443 or book online now to schedule your initial evaluation at our Spokane clinic.
Dr. Ryan Zumwalt is the owner of Lighthouse Physical Therapy & Sports Medicine and a licensed physical therapist specializing in orthopedic and sports rehabilitation. A former Division I wrestler and Seattle Mariners medical team member, he is passionate about helping patients recover and return to peak performance.
