Feeling dizzy or like the room is spinning can be deeply unsettling. Many people experience vertigo at some point, often without knowing what’s behind it or how to manage it effectively. One question frequently asked is, ‘Can physio help with vertigo symptoms?’ The short answer is yes. In many cases, physiotherapy plays a significant role in identifying, managing, and reducing vertigo symptoms, helping people regain balance and confidence in daily life.
In this article, we’ll explain what vertigo is, why it happens, and how physiotherapy for vertigo can offer effective support, especially when delivered by experienced professionals like those at Go Run Go Physio.
Understanding Vertigo: What You Need to Know
Vertigo is a type of dizziness that creates a false sensation of spinning or movement. It isn’t a diagnosis in itself but a symptom, often linked to issues in the vestibular system, the part of the inner ear and brain that helps control balance and eye movements.
Common Symptoms of Vertigo:
- Spinning or swaying sensation
- Loss of balance
- Nausea or vomiting
- Blurred vision
- Light-headedness
- Ear ringing (tinnitus)
What Causes Vertigo?
Vertigo can stem from a variety of causes. The most common include:
- Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV): Caused by tiny crystals in the inner ear moving out of place.
- Vestibular neuritis or labyrinthitis: Infections leading to inner ear inflammation.
- Meniere’s disease: A condition involving fluid buildup and pressure in the ear.
- Neck-related dizziness: linked to cervical spine dysfunction.
- Post-concussion syndrome or migraines
Each underlying cause disrupts the vestibular system, the part of the inner ear and brain responsible for maintaining balance and coordinating eye movements. Vestibular rehabilitation therapy, a specialised form of physiotherapy, targets these issues to help restore normal function and reduce symptoms like dizziness and imbalance.
Can Physio Help With Vertigo Symptoms?
Yes. Physiotherapy, particularly vestibular rehabilitation therapy (VRT), can be a safe and effective approach. This treatment focuses on retraining the brain and body to adapt to the altered signals coming from the inner ear.
Physiotherapists can assist by:
- Assessing your balance and eye movement
- Identifying the root cause (e.g., BPPV or cervicogenic dizziness)
- Guiding you through tailored vestibular exercises
- Educating you on how to avoid triggers
Many people report noticeable improvement after just a few sessions with a trained vestibular physiotherapist.
How Physiotherapy Supports Vertigo Recovery
1. Accurate Assessment
Before starting any treatment, physiotherapists perform a detailed assessment. This includes:
- Review of medical history
- Observing balance and gait
- Testing eye movement control
- Checking head positioning and neck mobility
This evaluation helps identify the root cause of vertigo, which shapes the treatment approach.
2. Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT)
A key method in physiotherapy for vertigo, VRT is a specialised exercise-based therapy designed to:
- Retrain the brain to interpret balance signals correctly
- Reduce dizziness through movement exposure
- Improve coordination and gaze stability
Over time, these exercises help the brain compensate for the incorrect signals coming from the vestibular system.
3. Canalith Repositioning Techniques
For BPPV, physiotherapists often use techniques like the Epley Manoeuvre. This involves a sequence of guided head and body movements to shift dislodged ear crystals back into their correct position.
The success rate of these manoeuvres is high, often providing relief in one to three sessions.
4. Balance and Gait Training
Some individuals develop unsteadiness due to ongoing dizziness. Physiotherapists work on:
- Improving coordination
- Enhancing muscle strength
- Preventing falls through controlled balance exercises
This kind of training is particularly helpful for older adults or people with ongoing vestibular issues.
5. Manual Therapy for Cervicogenic Dizziness
If neck tension or injury contributes to vertigo, manual therapy can be used to improve neck mobility and reduce nerve irritation. This is often integrated with postural correction strategies.
Why Choose Go Run Go Physio for Vertigo Treatment?
At Go Run Go Physio, clinicians are experienced in both the assessment and treatment of vestibular disorders. What sets them apart is:
- Personalised, hands-on care
- Evidence-informed practice
- Education-focused sessions to help you understand and manage symptoms
- Progressive recovery plans tailored to your individual condition
They understand that vertigo can affect daily life, from walking to reading to driving, and work with you at each stage of recovery.
What to Expect From Physio Sessions
Your initial session may involve:
- Questions about your dizziness history
- Movement and posture evaluations
- Balance and eye coordination tests
Follow-up sessions typically include:
- Guided exercises
- Progress tracking
- Modifications based on improvement
Physiotherapy outcomes depend on the cause and duration of vertigo. Most people notice meaningful progress within 3 to 6 sessions, though complex cases may require ongoing support.
At-Home Tips to Support Vertigo Recovery
While professional help is key, certain self-care habits can support your treatment:
- Avoid sudden head movements
- Stay hydrated
- Limit caffeine and alcohol
- Sleep with your head elevated
- Use stable support when moving if balance is uncertain
Always consult a physiotherapist before starting any exercises at home to avoid worsening symptoms.
FAQ
Q1. Can physio help with vertigo symptoms caused by BPPV?
Answer: Yes, especially using techniques like the Epley Manoeuvre. These reposition dislodged crystals in the inner ear, often providing fast relief.
Q2. Is physiotherapy effective for vertigo caused by neck issues?
Answer: Absolutely. Physios use manual therapy and posture correction to reduce neck-related dizziness, often referred to as ‘cervicogenic dizziness’.
Q3. How many sessions do I need for vertigo physiotherapy?
Answer: It depends on the cause, but most people see improvement within 3 to 6 sessions. Complex cases might need longer-term care.
Q4. Will vertigo exercises make my dizziness worse?
Answer: Initially, some movements may feel uncomfortable. However, this is part of retraining your balance system. Your physio will guide you through safe progression.
Q5. What is vestibular rehabilitation and how does it help?
Answer: Vestibular rehabilitation is a specialised therapy focusing on balance, eye movements, and head positioning to reduce dizziness and improve function.
Q6. Can I do vertigo physio at home?
Answer: Only after professional assessment. Some exercises can be continued at home under guidance, but missteps may worsen symptoms if done incorrectly.
Q7. Is physiotherapy safe for elderly people with vertigo?
Answer: Yes. In fact, it’s one of the safest and most effective ways to improve balance and reduce fall risk in older adults with vestibular issues.
Conclusion
If you’re asking, ‘Can physio help with vertigo symptoms?’, the evidence strongly supports it. With proper assessment and a tailored treatment plan, physiotherapy offers a safe, non-invasive way to regain control over your balance and reduce dizziness. Whether it’s due to BPPV, neck dysfunction, or inner ear conditions, targeted support from a trained professional can make daily life easier and more stable.
If you or someone you care about is struggling with vertigo, consider reaching out to a trusted provider like Go Run Go Physio. Expert guidance can be the first step towards steadier ground and improved quality of life.