Dizziness, a spinning sensation, and feeling like the room is moving even when you’re sitting still – if you’ve experienced vertigo, you know how unsettling, even frightening, it can be.

Vertigo affects your sense of balance, making everyday activities like walking, bending, or even turning your head challenging. While many people associate physiotherapy with treating sore muscles or joint injuries, it’s also one of the most effective treatments for vestibular disorders – the group of conditions that cause vertigo.

In this article, we’ll explore how Physiotherapy helps manage and even resolve vertigo, when to seek help, and how Bloom Healthcare supports people experiencing these symptoms across multiple disciplines.

What is Vertigo? Understanding Physiotherapy for Vertigo

Vertigo is not a diagnosis itself – it’s a symptom. Most often, it’s described as a spinning or swaying sensation that occurs even when you’re perfectly still. Some people feel like they’re tilting, while others feel as though their surroundings are moving. It’s important to distinguish vertigo from general dizziness, as vertigo tends to be more intense and position-specific. Vertigo can significantly impact everyday life, making routine activities challenging and frustrating. These symptoms can also lead to significant feelings of frustration, anxiety, and depression, affecting a person’s ability to engage in everyday activities.

Common Symptoms Include:

• Spinning or swaying sensations
• Nausea or vomiting
• Loss of balance
• Headaches
• Blurred vision
• Sensitivity to motion or sudden head movements
• Other symptoms: Vertigo can also be accompanied by various other symptoms, including dizziness, feelings of lightheadedness, and sensations that can vary in intensity and frequency.

Vertigo can come on suddenly and last for seconds, minutes, or even hours. For some people, it becomes a long-term or recurring issue. Potential complications from vertigo include the danger of falls and subsequent injuries.

What Causes Vertigo?

The most common cause is Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV), which occurs when tiny crystals in the inner ear become dislodged and move into the wrong part of the inner ear canal. This interferes with the vestibular system – the part of your body responsible for balance and spatial orientation.

Other causes include:

• Vestibular neuritis or labyrinthitis (inflammation due to infection)
• Meniere’s disease
• Head trauma or concussion
• Migraine-related vertigo
• Neurological conditions like stroke

Chronic conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and chronic back pain can also lead to vertigo.

If you’re unsure of the cause of your symptoms, it’s best to consult your GP first to rule out severe medical conditions. From there, referral to a Physiotherapist trained in vestibular rehabilitation is often the next step.

Accreditation by the Australian Physiotherapy Council ensures that Physiotherapists maintain high standards and ethical practices, which is crucial for effective treatment.

Diagnosing Vertigo

Diagnosing vertigo involves a comprehensive assessment of your symptoms and medical history. A doctor or physiotherapist will typically start by asking detailed questions about your vertigo symptoms, such as when they occur, how long they last, and any specific triggers that might cause them. This helps you understand the pattern and severity of your condition.

Next, a physical examination is performed, which may include balance tests and eye movement assessments to pinpoint the underlying cause of your vertigo. These tests are crucial in identifying issues with your vestibular system, which is responsible for balance and spatial orientation.

In some cases, further tests such as hearing tests, imaging tests (like MRI or CT scans), or blood tests may be recommended to confirm the diagnosis. These additional tests help rule out other medical problems contributing to your symptoms.

The Australian Physiotherapy Association recommends that Physiotherapists use a combination of these tests and assessments to diagnose vertigo and develop an effective treatment plan accurately. By understanding the root cause of your vertigo, your physiotherapist can tailor a treatment approach that addresses your specific needs and helps you regain your balance and quality of life.

How Can Physiotherapy Help with Vertigo?

Physiotherapists, especially those trained in vestibular rehabilitation, use specific assessments and treatments to address the underlying causes of vertigo. The effectiveness of physiotherapy in treating vertigo is well-documented, with tailored interventions and specific rehabilitation techniques significantly reducing symptoms and improving overall function. Treatment is tailored based on the cause, the severity of symptoms, and how those symptoms affect your daily life.

It is also crucial for patients to be involved in their treatment decisions. This involvement enhances the patient-therapist relationship, fosters better communication, and improves patient outcomes.

1. Accurate Assessment

A physiotherapy assessment for vertigo typically includes:

• Reviewing your medical history and symptom patterns
• Balance and gait testing
• Eye movement testing (looking for nystagmus)
• Positional testing (such as the Dix-Hallpike manoeuvre for BPPV)

The goal is to determine what’s causing vertigo and how your vestibular system is functioning—or malfunctioning. Various factors are considered during the assessment, including interpersonal communication skills, practical skills, individualised patient-centred care, and organisational and environmental elements.

2. Treatment Techniques

Depending on the cause, healthcare providers use various techniques to treat vertigo. Physiotherapy may involve:

Canalith Repositioning Manoeuvres

For BPPV, techniques like the Epley Manoeuvre or Semont Manoeuvre are used to reposition the loose inner ear crystals. These gentle head movements can resolve vertigo symptoms in just a few sessions, sometimes even after the first. These manoeuvres can also help reduce symptoms, improving overall wellbeing and functional outcomes.

Vestibular Rehabilitation Exercises

These exercises help your brain and inner ear recalibrate and improve your balance and stability. Common techniques include:

• Gaze stabilisation (focusing on a point while moving your head)
• Balance retraining exercises
• Habituation exercises to reduce sensitivity to movement

These exercises can also be beneficial in managing chronic conditions, such as chronic back pain and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, by improving overall stability and reducing symptoms.

Education and Confidence-Building

Living with vertigo can be deeply unsettling. Physiotherapists also help by teaching strategies to manage symptoms, reduce anxiety around movement, and gradually return to daily activities confidently.

Managing vertigo effectively can significantly improve emotional wellbeing by reducing feelings of frustration, anxiety, and depression.

When Should You See a Physiotherapist for Vertigo?

If your vertigo affects your ability to work, drive, or carry out your routine — or if balance problems accompany it — it’s worth seeing a Physiotherapist. You don’t have to wait until it’s severe.

You may benefit from physiotherapy if:

• You feel dizzy or off balance with head movements
• Your vertigo returns repeatedly
• You’ve been diagnosed with BPPV or vestibular neuritis
• You’re recovering from a concussion or inner ear infection
• Your symptoms are limiting your quality of life

Preventing Vertigo

While it may not be possible to prevent vertigo completely, there are several steps you can take to reduce the risk of experiencing vertigo symptoms. One of the most effective ways to avoid vertigo is to manage any underlying medical problems, such as inner ear or balance disorders. Keeping these conditions under control can significantly reduce the likelihood of vertigo attacks.

Regular physiotherapy treatment can also be crucial in improving your balance and reducing the risk of falls, which can help prevent vertigo. Physiotherapists can design personalised physiotherapy programs that target your specific needs and help you maintain stability.

Additionally, making lifestyle changes such as reducing stress, improving sleep, and avoiding known triggers that can cause vertigo attacks can be beneficial. For example, some people find that certain foods or activities can trigger their vertigo, and avoiding these can help manage symptoms.

In some cases, medication or other treatments may be recommended to help prevent vertigo symptoms, especially for those who experience frequent or severe vertigo attacks. By working closely with your healthcare provider, you can develop a comprehensive plan to manage and reduce your vertigo symptoms.

Self-Care Strategies for Managing Vertigo

Managing vertigo symptoms often involves a combination of self-care strategies and professional treatment. One practical approach is to rest and relax in a quiet room when you feel a vertigo attack coming on. This can help to minimise the intensity of the symptoms.

Another essential strategy is to avoid triggers that can cause vertigo attacks, such as certain foods or stress. Identifying and steering clear of these triggers can help you manage your symptoms more effectively.

Practising relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing or meditation, can also be beneficial. These techniques help reduce stress, which can, in turn, alleviate vertigo symptoms. Over-the-counter medications, such as antihistamines or motion sickness medication, can provide relief for some people.

A Physiotherapist may sometimes recommend specific exercises or treatments, such as the Epley manoeuvre, to help manage vertigo symptoms and improve balance. These exercises help your brain and inner ear recalibrate, reducing the frequency and severity of vertigo attacks.

It’s essential to work with a healthcare professional, such as a doctor or physiotherapist, to develop a personalised treatment plan that addresses the underlying cause of your vertigo and helps to manage your symptoms. Combining these self-care strategies with physiotherapy treatment and other medical interventions can reduce your symptoms and improve your quality of life.

The Broader Picture – How Bloom Healthcare Can Help

At Bloom Healthcare, our Physiotherapists are skilled in treating a range of balance and vestibular conditions, including vertigo. But our support doesn’t stop there. Standards and practices in physical therapy can vary significantly depending on the country, highlighting the diverse pathways available for practitioners globally.

We take a multidisciplinary approach to care. That means, depending on your needs, a Bloom Healthcare Physiotherapist can collaborate with:

• Occupational Therapists can help modify your home environment or routines to reduce fall risks.
• Psychologists or Counsellors, mainly if vertigo is affecting your emotional wellbeing, causing anxiety, or limiting your social confidence.
• Exercise Physiologists are for those who need long-term strategies to build strength and regain function after reduced activity.

If you’re an NDIS participant, depending on how your symptoms affect your function, you may be eligible for support under Improved Daily Living or Capacity Building—Improved Health and Wellbeing.

You can learn more about Bloom Healthcare’s Physiotherapy Services here.

What to Expect from a Physiotherapy Session for Vertigo with Bloom Healthcare

If you’re coming in for an assessment or starting vestibular therapy, here’s what a session might involve:

1. History and symptom review – when and how your vertigo occurs, what triggers it, and how it’s impacting your life.
2. Functional assessment – walking, balance, eye tracking, and posture testing.
3. Hands-on treatment – if BPPV is present, a canalith repositioning manoeuvre may be performed.
4. Prescribed home exercises – You may be given daily exercises to retrain your balance and gradually reduce sensitivity.
5. Follow-up and progress tracking – therapy is adjusted based on your progress, and goals are reviewed regularly.

Most importantly, therapy happens at your pace, and with clear, kind communication every step of the way. Personalised care is essential, as tailoring interactions and treatments to meet the needs of each person improves engagement and overall satisfaction with care.

Living with Vertigo – You’re Not Alone

Vertigo can be isolating. It can make you doubt your movement, avoid activity, or feel anxious about triggering symptoms. But it doesn’t have to be this way. Vertigo can also lead to emotional distress, including feelings of frustration, anxiety, and depression.

With the proper Physiotherapy Support from Bloom Healthcare, many people make significant – even complete – recoveries. Others learn to manage their symptoms effectively, regain confidence, and regain control of their routines.

If you’re living with vertigo, it’s not just in your head. And you don’t need to navigate it alone.