Vertigo is a condition characterized by a sensation of spinning or dizziness, often caused by problems in the inner ear or nervous system. It can be unsettling and disruptive, impacting daily life and overall well-being. Many people are surprised to learn that physiotherapy can be an effective treatment for vertigo. In this blog, we’ll explore how physiotherapy addresses vertigo and what you can expect from treatment.

What Causes Vertigo?

Vertigo can stem from various underlying issues, including:

• Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV): A common cause of vertigo where tiny calcium crystals in the inner ear become dislodged and affect balance.
• Vestibular Neuritis or Labyrinthitis: Inflammation of the inner ear or the nerve that connects it to the brain.
• Ménière’s Disease: A chronic condition involving fluid buildup in the inner ear, leading to vertigo, hearing loss, and tinnitus.
• Migrainous Vertigo: Vertigo associated with migraines.
• Central Causes: Neurological conditions like stroke, multiple sclerosis, or brain injury.

How Does Physiotherapy Help Treat Vertigo?

Physiotherapy can effectively diagnose and treat vertigo, particularly when it’s caused by issues with the vestibular system (the inner ear). Here are the key ways physiotherapists address vertigo:

1. Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT)

VRT is a specialized form of physiotherapy designed to improve balance and reduce dizziness by retraining the brain and vestibular system. It includes:

• Gaze Stabilization Exercises: Help improve control of eye movements when the head is in motion.
• Balance Training: Focuses on enhancing stability and coordination during activities.
• Habituation Exercises: Involves repeated exposure to movements or environments that trigger dizziness to help the brain adapt.

2. Canalith Repositioning Maneuvers

For individuals with BPPV, physiotherapists perform specific maneuvers to reposition the displaced calcium crystals in the inner ear. The most common technique is the Epley maneuver, which involves a series of guided head and body movements to restore proper balance in the vestibular system. This treatment often provides immediate relief for BPPV-related vertigo.

3. Postural and Functional Training

Physiotherapy helps address balance and coordination issues caused by vertigo. Exercises focus on:

• Improving posture to reduce strain on the vestibular system.
• Enhancing functional movement to restore confidence in daily activities.

4. Education and Lifestyle Modifications

Physiotherapists provide guidance on:

• Avoiding triggers that worsen vertigo.
• Making home or workplace adjustments to reduce fall risks.
• Managing stress, which can exacerbate vertigo symptoms.

Benefits of Physiotherapy for Vertigo

• Symptom Relief: Reduces dizziness, imbalance, and nausea.
• Improved Balance: Restores stability and reduces the risk of falls.
• Faster Recovery: Speeds up adaptation of the vestibular system.
• Non-Invasive Treatment: Provides an alternative to medication or surgery.

When to See a Physiotherapist for Vertigo

You should consider physiotherapy if:

• You’ve been diagnosed with BPPV, vestibular neuritis, or other inner ear disorders.
• Vertigo is interfering with your daily life or activities.
• You’ve experienced frequent falls or near-falls due to dizziness.
• Medications have not provided sufficient relief.

Physiotherapy offers a safe, effective, and non-invasive way to manage and treat vertigo. By targeting the root causes and retraining your body’s balance systems, it can help restore your confidence and improve your quality of life.