Vertigo Physical Therapy: How It Helps and What to Expect

Vertigo can make every step feel uncertain. The good news: guided physical therapy is one of the most effective ways to get your balance back.

Understanding vertigo

Vertigo is a sudden spinning sensation, usually caused by a problem in the vestibular system, the part of your inner ear and brain that controls balance. It can happen even when you're sitting perfectly still, and it often comes with nausea, sweating or vomiting.

One of the most common causes is Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV), where tiny calcium crystals in the inner ear get knocked out of place. Other causes include Meniere's disease, labyrinthitis and vestibular neuritis. That's why a careful evaluation matters: the right treatment depends on the cause.

Common triggers

• Sudden head movements or changes in position, which can shift the crystals in the inner ear
• Infection or inflammation of the inner ear (vestibular neuritis or labyrinthitis)

What vestibular therapy is

Vertigo physical therapy, formally called vestibular rehabilitation therapy, uses exercises that retrain your brain to process balance information correctly and adapt to changes in the inner ear. The goal is fewer dizzy spells and better stability.

Your therapist starts with a thorough evaluation of your balance, walking and eye movements, along with your medical history. From there they build a plan for your specific condition, and make the exercises harder as you improve.

What treatment includes

• Canalith repositioning, such as the Epley maneuver, which moves displaced crystals back where they belong. This is the go-to treatment for BPPV.
• Gaze stabilization exercises to keep your vision clear when your head moves.
• Habituation exercises, which reduce dizziness through gradual, repeated exposure to the movements that trigger it.
• Balance training to improve steadiness and reduce your risk of falling.
• Neck flexibility and strengthening to reduce strain that can add to dizziness.

Every plan is tailored to your diagnosis and tolerance, and your therapist reassesses as you go. Sticking with your home exercises is the key to getting your balance back for good.

If dizziness is getting in the way of your life, call us at (920) 235-8966.