Vertigo isn’t just feeling dizzy—it’s a sensation that your surroundings are spinning, even when you’re standing still. It can range from mildly annoying to completely debilitating. While vertigo itself isn’t a condition, it’s usually a symptom of an underlying issue, such as an inner ear disorder, head injury, or neurological problem.
If you’ve ever felt like you were on a rollercoaster while simply standing up, you know how unsettling vertigo can be. It can affect your balance, make everyday activities difficult, and even increase the risk of falls.
Physiotherapy treatment for vertigo focuses on retraining your balance system, reducing dizziness, and helping your brain adapt to new movement patterns. It’s a non-invasive, medication-free approach that can make a big difference for people dealing with recurring vertigo episodes.
So, how is it done?
If left untreated, vertigo can impact your quality of life. Physical therapy for vertigo offers a proactive way to regain control.
Physiotherapy treatment for vertigo includes targeted techniques designed to reduce dizziness, improve balance, and help the brain adapt to movement. A physiotherapist will assess your condition and recommend the best approach based on your symptoms.
Here are some common physiotherapy techniques used to treat vertigo:
These are designed to treat benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), the most common cause of vertigo. The exercises involve specific head movements to reposition loose calcium deposits (canaliths) in the inner ear, restoring normal balance.
This customised exercise-based program helps the brain adapt to balance changes caused by inner ear disorders. It often includes:
A self-managed exercise technique used to reduce vertigo symptoms over time. These involve a series of head and body movements designed to desensitise the inner ear’s response to movement.
Many people with vertigo struggle with coordination and balance. Physiotherapy includes targeted balance drills to improve stability and prevent falls.
If you experience dizziness when moving your head, gaze stabilisation exercises train your brain to focus while in motion. These exercises help your eyes and inner ear work together more effectively.
If vertigo is linked to neck tension or cervical spine issues, manual therapy can help release tight muscles and restore mobility.
These pain-relief techniques aren’t direct treatments for vertigo but can help with related issues like muscle tension, headaches, and stress-related dizziness.
Water-based physiotherapy provides a low-impact way to retrain balance without putting too much strain on the body.
The right combination of these techniques can significantly reduce vertigo symptoms and improve quality of life.
So, what is the best physical exercise for vertigo?
The best exercise depends on the cause of your vertigo. For benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), the Epley maneuver is often the most effective, helping to reposition inner ear crystals that cause dizziness. If your vertigo is linked to vestibular dysfunction, gaze stabilisation exercises and balance training can help retrain your brain to process movement correctly. A physiotherapist can assess your symptoms and recommend the right exercises to restore balance and reduce dizziness.
When dealing with vertigo, there are various treatment options. Here’s how physiotherapy compares to other common approaches:
Physiotherapy is one of the most effective long-term treatments for vertigo, with minimal side effects and no need for medication.
If you’re struggling with vertigo, working with the right physiotherapist is key. Look for:
Vertigo can be overwhelming, but the right physical therapy for vertigo can make a huge difference. Whether it’s manual therapy, vestibular rehabilitation, or balance exercises, physiotherapy helps retrain your brain and body to function without dizziness.
If you’re ready to stop letting vertigo control your life, book a physiotherapy session today. Whether it’s an in-clinic appointment or a mobile service, there’s support available to help you regain confidence in movement.
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