Feeling dizzy, unbalanced, or like the room is spinning can be unsettling, and for many people, these symptoms are all too familiar.
Vertigo is more common than you might think, and it may significantly impact your daily life.
The good news?
You don’t have to manage it alone.
With the right support, such as physio treatment for vertigo, many people experience noticeable relief and a return to normalcy.
This blog explores how physiotherapy, particularly through the use of vestibular physiotherapy, can help manage vertigo and improve your overall balance.
So, what actually is vertigo and why do we experience it?
Vertigo is a sensation of spinning or dizziness, often caused by issues in the inner ear or the vestibular system.
The vestibular system monitors the head’s position and movement in space.
When information from this system is incorrect and conflicts with information from other sensory systems, it can cause feelings of vertigo, nausea and a loss of balance.
Common causes of vertigo may include:
- Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV)
- Ménière’s disease
- Vestibular neuritis
What is vestibular physiotherapy?
Vestibular physiotherapy is a specialised form of physiotherapy designed to alleviate symptoms of vertigo and improve balance.
This type of physio treatment for vertigo can help restore confidence and mobility, especially for those experiencing frequent dizziness.
Depending on what the diagnosis is, physiotherapists can assess for and treat these vestibular conditions.
If the patient has BPPV (which is the most common cause of vertigo), physiotherapists can assess which semi-circular canal is affected and based on this, assist patients to perform the appropriate head movements required to treat the condition.
Performing certain head movements according to semi-circular canal positioning can work to remove the debris from them.
This means that the stimulus that was causing the BPPV will no longer be present, so symptoms are alleviated.
Tools used in physio for vertigo
To make diagnosing more accurate, some physiotherapists use VestiCam goggles.
These infrared devices capture subtle, rapid eye movements during vestibular tests, providing crucial visual data that aids in identifying some of the underlying conditions mentioned above.
Home management and exercise plans
Physiotherapists may also prescribe home exercises and give advice on management, which can be particularly important for decreasing the rate of recurrence and minimising the risk of falls.
These home exercises may include:
- Gaze stabilisation exercises: To improve control of eye movements and reduce dizziness
- Balance training: To enhance stability and prevent falls
- Habituation exercises: To reduce dizziness through repeated exposure to specific movements
When to seek physio treatment for vertigo
Although there can be other causes of vertigo and loss of balance, getting in to see your physiotherapist is the first step to improving your quality of life and getting back to your normal activities.
If required, your physiotherapist will be able to refer you onwards for specialist assessment and treatment.
Seek support from Lifecare today
If you’re struggling with dizziness, unsteadiness or spinning sensations, don’t wait.
Physio treatment for vertigo at Lifecare can help you regain control and confidence in your movements.
Our experienced team offers personalised, evidence-based care to target the root cause of your symptoms and support your recovery journey.
Book online today or find your closest clinic.
Written by Kylin O’Callaghan, Senior Physiotherapist – Lifecare Wembley
Kylin’s background in sports physiotherapy and experience running her own practice in South Africa allow her to provide tailored care for sports injuries, spinal pain, and post-operative rehabilitation, now incorporating Pilates into her treatment approach in Australia.