If you have ever felt like the room is spinning around you, even when you are standing still, you have experienced what many describe as vertigo. It is a disorienting and often debilitating condition that affects balance, coordination, and overall well-being. But did you know that physiotherapy can be a powerful and effective treatment for certain types of vertigo?
In this blog, we will explore how physiotherapy helps with vertigo, who can benefit, and what to expect during treatment.
What is Vertigo?
Vertigo is not a condition itself but a symptom of various conditions that affect the inner ear or brain. It creates the sensation that you or your surroundings are spinning, even when you are perfectly still.
The most common cause of vertigo is Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV), which occurs when tiny calcium crystals in the inner ear become dislodged and interfere with balance signals. Other causes include vestibular neuritis, Meniere’s disease, and migraines.
Vestibular neuritis and labyrinthitis are disorders that result in inflammation of the inner ear and the nerve connecting the inner ear to the brain. The most common causes of vestibular neuritis and labyrinthitis are viral infections.
Meniere’s disease is a disorder of the inner ear that can affect balance and hearing. It is characterised by episodes of vertigo, fluctuating hearing loss, tinnitus (ringing in the ears), and a feeling of fullness or pressure in the affected ear. The exact cause is unknown, but it is thought to be related to a build up of fluid in the inner ear.
How Physiotherapy Can Help:
Physiotherapy can be particularly effective in treating vestibular-related vertigo which is vertigo caused by inner ear disorders. Specialised physiotherapists are trained in vestibular rehabilitation and use targeted exercises to reduce dizziness, improve balance, and restore normal movement.
Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT)
VRT is a customized program of exercises that promote the brain’s ability to adapt to inner ear changes. These exercises may include:
- Gaze stabilisation: Helps train your eyes to stay focused while moving your head.
- Balance training: Builds confidence in movement and prevents falls.
- Habituation exercises: Gradually exposing you to movements that trigger dizziness to reduce sensitivity.
Repositioning Manoeuvres
For patients with BPPV, physiotherapists use a series of head and body movements called Epley’s Manoeuvre or Semont Manoeuvre. These are designed to reposition otoliths (tiny calcium crystals) in the inner ear that have become dislodged and are causing vertigo. The manoeuvre typically involves quickly moving from a sitting position to lying on their side, then quickly transitioning to the opposite side, and finally returning to a sitting position.
These manoeuvres are highly effective, and many patients report significant improvement after just one or two sessions.
Once the manoeuvre is completed, (which typically takes about 15 minutes), you might have a few brief vertigo episodes as the canaliths reposition themselves. It is recommended that you wait 10 or 15 minutes before heading home and is also recommended that you do not drive yourself home.
Education and Exercises Programs
Physiotherapists also teach patients how to manage symptoms at home to help prevent recurrence. We provide guidance on posture, movement strategies, and environmental modifications to stay safe and avoid triggering episodes.
Who Can Benefit:
Physiotherapy is most effective for individuals experiencing:
- Recurrent or chronic dizziness
- BPPV
- Vestibular neuritis or labyrinthitis
- Post-concussion dizziness
- Balance issues due to aging or neurological conditions
If you are unsure whether your vertigo is related to a vestibular issue, a physiotherapist can work alongside your GP to assess your symptoms and recommend appropriate treatment.
Living with vertigo can be frustrating, but physiotherapy offers a safe, non-invasive, and effective solution for many people. With the right assessment and treatment, you can regain control of your balance, reduce dizziness, and improve your quality of life.
If vertigo is interfering with your daily routine, do not hesitate to reach out to a physiotherapist who could help you get back on your feet, literally and figuratively. Book an appointment online.
