Dizziness and vertigo
Dizziness and vertigo
Our vertigo and dizziness physiotherapists provide treatment and help you get back to doing the things you enjoy.
Dizziness and vertigo are common symptoms that can range from mild unsteadiness to intense spinning sensations. Vertigo specifically refers to the false sensation of movement or spinning, often linked to inner ear problems or balance system dysfunction.
These symptoms can significantly impact daily activities, balance, and confidence, but many causes respond well to physiotherapy.
These symptoms can significantly impact daily activities, balance, and confidence, but many causes respond well to physiotherapy.
Common causes of dizziness and vertigo
Physiotherapists commonly see dizziness and vertigo related to:
Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV): caused by displaced crystals in the inner ear
Vestibular neuritis or labyrinthitis: inflammation of the inner ear balance nerves
Cervicogenic dizziness: linked to neck joint or muscle dysfunction
Post-concussion dizziness: following head injury
Central causes: less common, related to brain or neurological issues (we always screen for these)
Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV): caused by displaced crystals in the inner ear
Vestibular neuritis or labyrinthitis: inflammation of the inner ear balance nerves
Cervicogenic dizziness: linked to neck joint or muscle dysfunction
Post-concussion dizziness: following head injury
Central causes: less common, related to brain or neurological issues (we always screen for these)
How we assess your dizziness and vertigo symptoms
Our assessment aims to determine the cause of dizziness and tailor treatment accordingly. This includes:
- Detailed symptom history and triggers
- Positional tests (e.g., Dix-Hallpike) to identify BPPV
- Balance and gait assessment
- Neck mobility and muscle testing
- Vestibular function tests (eye movement, head impulse tests)
- Screening for neurological red flags
How physiotherapy can help with dizziness and vertigo
Physiotherapy treatment depends on the underlying cause but often includes:
Canalith Repositioning Maneuvers
For BPPV, specific head and body movements (e.g., Epley maneuver) effectively reposition displaced crystals and relieve vertigo.
Canalith repositioning maneuvers have a high success rate in treating BPPV (Fife et al., 2017).
Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT)
Tailored exercises improve balance, gaze stability, and reduce dizziness by promoting central nervous system compensation.
VRT is effective for vestibular hypofunction and chronic dizziness (McDonnell & Hillier, 2015).
Cervical Spine Treatment
If dizziness is related to neck dysfunction, manual therapy and movement retraining can alleviate symptoms.
Addressing cervicogenic dizziness improves outcomes (Reid et al., 2020).
Education and Fall Prevention
We provide advice on symptom management, safety, and strategies to reduce fall risk.
Canalith Repositioning Maneuvers
For BPPV, specific head and body movements (e.g., Epley maneuver) effectively reposition displaced crystals and relieve vertigo.
Canalith repositioning maneuvers have a high success rate in treating BPPV (Fife et al., 2017).
Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT)
Tailored exercises improve balance, gaze stability, and reduce dizziness by promoting central nervous system compensation.
VRT is effective for vestibular hypofunction and chronic dizziness (McDonnell & Hillier, 2015).
Cervical Spine Treatment
If dizziness is related to neck dysfunction, manual therapy and movement retraining can alleviate symptoms.
Addressing cervicogenic dizziness improves outcomes (Reid et al., 2020).
Education and Fall Prevention
We provide advice on symptom management, safety, and strategies to reduce fall risk.
Physio for dizziness and vertigo: FAQs
No. Vertigo is spinning/rotation; dizziness is a broader term (lightheadedness, imbalance, wooziness).
Not always. Dizziness can also come from the neck, migraines, cardiovascular issues, or anxiety.
Not usually. Many causes (like BPPV) are benign and treatable.
No. Prolonged rest can worsen symptoms; vestibular rehab often speeds recovery.
Scans often look normal — dizziness is about function, not always structure.
Stroke is rare, but sudden dizziness with neurological signs should be checked urgently.
Areas We Serve
We provide physiotherapy services to clients with dizziness and vertigo across the Perth northern suburbs. Some of the most common areas we serve include:
Doubleview, Scarborough, Innaloo, Woodlands, Wembley Downs, Churchlands, Karrinyup, Gwelup, Osborne Park, City Beach, Floreat, and Trigg.
If you're located nearby and looking for expert dizziness and vertigo care, we're just a short drive away.
Additionally, we provide expert and specialist physiotherapy care to many clients who live in Perth and regional Western Australia – your rehabilitation is our priority and many of our clients are prepared to drive further to receive quality care.
Doubleview, Scarborough, Innaloo, Woodlands, Wembley Downs, Churchlands, Karrinyup, Gwelup, Osborne Park, City Beach, Floreat, and Trigg.
If you're located nearby and looking for expert dizziness and vertigo care, we're just a short drive away.
Additionally, we provide expert and specialist physiotherapy care to many clients who live in Perth and regional Western Australia – your rehabilitation is our priority and many of our clients are prepared to drive further to receive quality care.
