Vertigo
Vertigo & Dizziness
Dizziness and vertigo can be unsettling, disrupting your balance, focus, and quality of life. These symptoms are often linked to vestibular issues—problems with the inner ear system that controls balance—or neck-related factors like joint or muscle imbalances. At our Canberra physiotherapy clinic, we provide expert care to pinpoint and treat the underlying causes, helping you regain stability, confidence, and peace of mind.
Key Points
What you might be feeling
Dizziness and vertigo can significantly disrupt your day-to-day life, leaving you feeling unsteady, disoriented, and unsure of your movements. Symptoms often vary depending on the underlying cause but may include:
- A spinning sensation (vertigo): Feeling as though you or your surroundings are moving or rotating, even when you’re still.
- Unsteadiness or imbalance: Difficulty maintaining your balance, especially when walking or standing, which can lead to a fear of falling.
- Light-headedness or faintness: A sensation of being close to fainting or feeling like your head is “floating.”
- Nausea and vomiting: Dizziness often triggers an upset stomach or a strong urge to vomit, particularly in cases of inner ear dysfunction.
- Motion sensitivity: Feeling worse during or after head movements, such as turning your head quickly, bending down, or changing positions.
- Visual disturbances: Difficulty focusing, blurred vision, or the sensation that objects are moving or bouncing (known as oscillopsia).
- Ear-related symptoms: Ringing in the ears (tinnitus), pressure, or fullness in one or both ears can accompany dizziness, particularly in vestibular conditions.
- Neck-related sensations: Tension, discomfort, or stiffness in the neck that can exacerbate dizziness, commonly associated with cervicogenic dizziness.
These symptoms can occur suddenly or build gradually, often triggered by specific activities such as looking up, turning over in bed, or prolonged sitting or standing. Persistent or recurring dizziness and vertigo can lead to reduced confidence, avoidance of activities, and even anxiety about falling or worsening symptoms.
Providing Best Rehabilitation
How a physio can help
Physiotherapy offers effective, evidence-based solutions for managing dizziness and vertigo by addressing the underlying causes. Your treatment plan will be tailored to your unique needs and may include:
Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT)
Specific exercises designed to improve the function of your vestibular system (the balance organs in your inner ear). VRT can reduce symptoms like spinning sensations, imbalance, and motion sensitivity.Postural Assessment and Training
Poor posture, particularly involving the neck, can exacerbate dizziness. Physiotherapists provide guidance to optimize your posture and movement patterns to reduce strain on your neck and vestibular system.Canalith Repositioning Techniques
For conditions like BPPV, physiotherapists use targeted maneuvers (e.g., Epley maneuver) to reposition displaced crystals in your inner ear and alleviate vertigo.Strengthening and Balance Exercises
Balance and proprioception exercises can improve stability and reduce the risk of falls. These exercises help retrain your balance system and enhance your confidence during daily activities.Manual Therapy
Gentle mobilization and manipulation of neck joints can address cervicogenic dizziness caused by poor neck mechanics.Education and Activity Modifications
Understanding your condition is vital. Your physiotherapist will educate you about triggers, provide strategies to manage symptoms, and guide you on modifying activities to reduce symptom recurrence.Soft Tissue Techniques and Dry Needling
Muscle tension in the neck and shoulders can worsen dizziness. Soft tissue massage or dry needling can help release tight muscles, reducing associated discomfort.
By combining these approaches, physiotherapy not only reduces symptoms but also helps restore your confidence and improve your quality of life. If you’re struggling with dizziness or vertigo, our Canberra physiotherapy team is here to help you get back on your feet—literally and figuratively!
