Vertigo and physiotherapy are closely connected, as many types originate from problems within the inner ear balance system. Physiotherapists—particularly those trained in vestibular rehabilitation—are highly skilled in assessing and treating these conditions.
What is Vertigo?
Vertigo is the sensation that you or your surroundings are spinning or moving, even when you are completely still. It is different from general dizziness and is often linked to the inner ear.
Common Symptoms
People experiencing vertigo may report:
- A spinning sensation
- Loss of balance
- Nausea or vomiting
- Unsteady walking
- Difficulty focusing the eyes
- Dizziness triggered by head movements
Common Causes
One of the most common causes is Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV). This occurs when tiny calcium crystals in the inner ear become dislodged and move into the wrong position, disrupting normal balance signals.
How Physiotherapy Helps
Repositioning Manoeuvres
For conditions like BPPV, physiotherapists use specific head movements to guide displaced inner ear crystals back into their correct position.
The most commonly used technique:
- Epley manoeuvre
Benefits include:
- Relief often achieved within 1–3 sessions
- Non-invasive treatment
- Immediate improvement for many patients
Exercise-Based Rehabilitation
Targeted exercises are used to help your body adapt and compensate for balance issues by improving coordination between:
- The inner ear
- The eyes
- Muscles and joints
An example of exercise treatment includes Gaze Stabilisation Exercises. These exercises train the eyes and inner ear to work together more effectively, helping to reduce dizziness during movement and improve visual focus.
How Treatment Improves Balance and Stability
Physiotherapy focuses on retraining how the brain processes balance signals. When the inner ear is not functioning correctly, the body can learn to compensate using visual input and proprioception (awareness of body position).
Treatment is designed to:
- Reduce dizziness and motion sensitivity
- Improve coordination between the eyes and head
- Restore confidence in everyday movement
- Decrease the risk of falls
With the right guidance, most people notice gradual but consistent improvement in their symptoms.
When to Consider Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy may be recommended if you experience:
- Vertigo triggered by head movements or position changes
- Ongoing balance problems or frequent falls
- Persistent dizziness following an inner ear infection
- Dizziness associated with neck pain
At Wellers Hill Physio, Vertigo treatment is provided by Emily, who has specific training in assessing and treating vestibular rehabilitation..
