PHYSIOTHERAPY

Cervical Proprioception Training

For dizziness, vertigo & headaches

If you’re experiencing dizziness, vertigo, or ongoing headaches, the cause isn’t always the inner ear, as can be the case for conditions such as vertigo/BPPV.

In fact, the neck plays a key role in how the brain interprets movement, position, and balance.

At Active Balance, we use a technique called cervical proprioception training, including laser headlamp therapy, to assess and retrain the connection between the neck, brain, and balance system to help relieve symptoms & improve quality of life.

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What is cervical proprioception?


Cervical proprioception is the neck’s ability to sense position and movement. The upper neck contains specialised receptors that constantly communicate with the brain to help control:

  • Balance
  • Coordination
  • Eye movement
  • Posture

This system works closely with the inner ear and visual system to keep the body steady and oriented.


Injury, pain, or prolonged postures can interfere with these signals. This creates a sensory mismatch between the neck, eyes, and inner ear, leading to symptoms such as:

  • Dizziness or lightheadedness
  • Vertigo or disorientation
  • Headaches (especially from the neck)
  • Poor balance or unsteadiness
  • Neck pain or stiffness


How we assess it:


A thorough assessment is performed to determine whether the neck is contributing to symptoms.

This may include:

  • Laser-guided joint position testing (JPET)
  • Neck movement and mobility assessment
  • Eye tracking and coordination testing
  • Balance and postural control assessment
  • Differentiation between cervical (neck) and vestibular (inner ear) causes

What is laser headlamp therapy?


A lightweight headband with a small laser allows tracking of head movement in real time. Simple, controlled movements are performed while aiming at a target, helping to:

  • Improve movement accuracy
  • Retrain coordination
  • Restore control between the neck and brain

This is a simple, effective, and evidence-based way to retrain the system.


How treatment works:


Rehabilitation is tailored and progressive, and may include:

  • Head repositioning accuracy training
  • Laser-guided control exercises
  • Eye–head coordination training
  • Deep neck flexor strengthening
  • Balance and postural retraining

Exercises are progressed from:
simple → controlled → functional → real-life movement

Part of a complete treatment plan...


This approach is combined with other physiotherapy treatments, including:

  • Hands-on therapy for pain relief
  • Neck mobility and strengthening
  • Vestibular rehabilitation (if required)
  • Return-to-work and sport planning

 

The goals of this type of treatment include:



  • Reduce dizziness and headaches
  • Improve balance and stability
  • Restore normal movement
  • Build confidence in movement

 



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Continuing rehab at home

Laser headlamps are available for loan to support your ongoing rehabilitation.

This allows:

  • Continued exercise at home
  • Greater consistency
  • Progression between sessions

Clear guidance is provided to ensure exercises are performed safely and effectively.

 

Is this treatment right for you?

This treatment may be suitable for:

  • Persistent dizziness or vertigo
  • Neck-related headaches
  • Ongoing neck pain or stiffness
  • Poor balance or coordination
  • Symptoms following whiplash or injury


Not sure? Let’s figure it out

A physiotherapist will assess symptoms and determine whether the cervical spine, vestibular system, or both are contributing.

A clear, personalised plan is then developed to restore movement, reduce symptoms, and improve confidence.

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