Have you ever felt like the world around you is spinning, even though you’re standing still? That strange, dizzy feeling is called vertigo. It’s more than just feeling a little off balance—it can really affect your daily life. But here’s the good news: physiotherapy for vertigo can help you feel better and get your balance back.
In this blog, we’ll explain what vertigo is, why it happens, and how physiotherapy can treat it. We’ll use simple words and easy-to-understand examples, so even if you’re not a medical expert, you’ll get it.
🌪️ What is Vertigo?
Vertigo is a type of dizziness. It feels like you or everything around you is spinning, even when you’re not moving. This can last a few seconds, minutes, or even longer. Vertigo isn’t a disease—it’s a symptom. That means something else in your body is causing it.
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🔍 Causes of Vertigo
Vertigo can be caused by different problems, mostly in the inner ear. Your inner ear helps you keep balance. If something goes wrong there, you might feel dizzy. Click here to know how. Here are some common causes of vertigo:
- BPPV (Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo)
This is the most common type. It happens when tiny crystals in your inner ear get loose and move into places they shouldn’t be. - Vestibular Neuritis or Labyrinthitis
This is an infection or swelling in the inner ear, usually from a virus. - Meniere’s Disease
A rare condition that causes too much fluid in the inner ear, leading to vertigo, ringing in the ears, and hearing loss. - Migraine-Associated Vertigo
Some people get vertigo along with migraine headaches.
🧠 Symptoms of Vertigo
Vertigo can come with different symptoms. Here’s what people often feel:
- Spinning or swaying feeling
- Nausea (feeling like you might throw up)
- Vomiting
- Trouble walking straight
- Headaches
- Ringing in the ears
- Feeling tired after an episode
🧑⚕️ Can Physiotherapy Help in Vertigo?
Yes! That’s where physiotherapy in vertigo comes in. Many people think physiotherapy is just for back or knee pain, but physiotherapists also treat balance problems and dizziness.
There’s a special kind of physiotherapy called vestibular rehabilitation therapy (VRT). It’s made just for people with vertigo. The goal is to train your brain and body to handle dizziness better and improve your balance.
🏋️♀️ How Physiotherapy Treats Vertigo
Let’s break it down step by step.
1. Assessment by a Physiotherapist
First, your physiotherapist will ask you questions:
- When do you feel dizzy?
- How long does it last?
- What movements make it worse?
- Do you have ringing in your ears or hearing loss?
They might also do simple tests to see how well your eyes, head, and body are working together. This helps them find the cause of your vertigo.
2. Epley Maneuver for BPPV
If you have BPPV, physiotherapy can help a lot. There’s a special set of movements called the Epley Maneuver. It helps move the loose crystals in your ear back to where they belong.
This is a simple, non-painful treatment that can stop your dizziness almost immediately. Often, people feel better after just one or two sessions.
3. Vestibular Rehabilitation Exercises
For other types of vertigo, physiotherapists use vestibular rehabilitation exercises. These exercises help your brain adjust to the signals from your ears, eyes, and body.
Common exercises include:
- Gaze Stabilization: Moving your head while focusing on an object.
- Balance Training: Standing on different surfaces with eyes open or closed.
- Walking Exercises: Walking in a straight line, turning your head while walking.
These exercises help your brain get stronger at controlling balance.
🕐 How Long Does Physiotherapy for Vertigo Take?
It depends on the cause of your vertigo. Some people feel better after just 1–2 sessions, especially if they have BPPV. Others might need a few weeks of exercises to fully recover.
Consistency is key. Doing your exercises daily makes a big difference.
❗️ What Happens If Vertigo is Not Treated?
If you ignore vertigo, you might:
- Fall and hurt yourself
- Avoid moving your head, which makes the problem worse
- Feel anxious or depressed
- Stop doing things you enjoy
That’s why physiotherapy in vertigo is so important. It’s safe, drug-free, and it works!
💪 Benefits of Physiotherapy for Vertigo
Here are some amazing benefits:
- Reduces or stops dizziness
- Improves balance
- Makes walking safer
- Builds confidence
- Helps you return to daily activities
- No need for long-term medicine
🧘 Home Tips Along with Physiotherapy for Vertigo
While you’re doing physiotherapy, these tips can also help:
- Move slowly when getting out of bed
- Avoid quick head turns
- Keep your home well-lit and clutter-free
- Sleep with your head slightly raised
- Stay hydrated
But don’t try any home treatment without checking with a physiotherapist first!
👨👩👧👦 Who Can Get Vertigo?
Vertigo can affect people of all ages, but it’s more common in:
- Older adults
- People with head injuries
- People who had ear infections
- People with migraines
No matter your age, physiotherapy in vertigo can help you get better.
🗣 Real Life Story: How Physiotherapy Helped Me
Let’s meet Arjun, a 16-year-old student who had BPPV. He felt dizzy every time he turned his head in bed. It made him scared and he missed school. His doctor sent him to a physiotherapist.
The physiotherapist did the Epley Maneuver, and Arjun felt 90% better in one session! He also did some exercises at home, and within a week, he was back in school and playing cricket again. Physiotherapy changed his life. Check out the story of one of our clients.
📞 When to See a Physiotherapist for Vertigo
If you have these signs, it’s time to visit a physiotherapist:
- Repeated dizziness or spinning
- Trouble walking straight
- Falling or feeling like you might fall
- Dizziness after moving your head
- No relief with medicines
A physiotherapist trained in vertigo and balance problems can guide you safely.
🌈 Final Thoughts: Don’t Let Vertigo Spin Your Life
Vertigo can feel scary, but you’re not alone. With the right help, especially from a physiotherapist, you can take control of your symptoms. Whether it’s BPPV, vestibular neuritis, or just an off-balance feeling, physiotherapy for vertigo can make a big difference.
If you or someone you know is struggling with dizziness, don’t wait. Talk to a physiotherapist and start your recovery today. Life doesn’t have to spin out of control—physiotherapy in vertigo can help you find your balance again.
- Dr. Sukanya Dandekar PT
- Senior Neuro Physiotherapist at Rehab Station
