Vertigo can be an incredibly unsettling experience. Whether the room feels like it’s spinning, you get dizzy when rolling over in bed, or you feel unsteady when walking, vertigo can impact work, driving, sport, and even simple daily activities.
The good news? Physiotherapy is one of the most effective and proven treatments for vertigo.
In many cases, patients see improvement immediately—sometimes within a single session.
In this guide, we’ll explain what vertigo is, the most common causes, and how a physiotherapist can help you feel normal again.
Vertigo Meaning: Why Does the World Feel Like It’s Spinning?
Vertigo is the sensation of movement when there is none — often described as spinning, tilting, swaying, or feeling pulled in one direction.
This altered vertigo perception happens when the brain receives conflicting information from the inner ear, eyes, and body. Even small head movements can trigger symptoms when this system is disrupted.
It’s not a condition itself, but a symptom of an issue within the inner ear or vestibular system — the part of your body that controls balance and spatial awareness.
You may experience:
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Spinning or rotational dizziness
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Light-headedness
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Losing balance
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Nausea or vomiting
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Blurry or jumping vision
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Difficulty focusing
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Symptoms triggered by certain head movements
If you notice dizziness when rolling in bed, looking up, bending forward, or turning quickly, physiotherapy can likely help.
What Causes Vertigo?
The most common causes include:
1. BPPV (Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo)
The most common form — caused by tiny crystals in the inner ear moving into the wrong place.
Triggers: rolling in bed, lying down, getting up, or turning your head.
Outcome: Usually responds extremely well to physio treatment.
2. Vestibular Neuritis or Labyrinthitis
Inflammation of the inner ear — often triggered by a viral infection.
Symptoms: persistent dizziness, nausea, imbalance.
3. Vestibular Migraine
Migraine episodes that cause dizziness, visual changes, or motion sensitivity — even without a headache.
4. Post-Concussion Vertigo
Common after a head knock or injury. Physiotherapy can help with both vestibular and cervical (neck-related) dizziness.
👉 Learn more about concussion physio
5. Cervicogenic Dizziness (Neck-Related)
Restricted movement or muscle tension in the neck can alter balance signals.
A physiotherapist can assess which type of vertigo you have and tailor treatment accordingly.
How Does Physio Treat Vertigo?
Vestibular physiotherapy is a specialised form of physio that focuses on the inner ear and brain’s balance systems. Treatment is safe, drug-free, and often produces fast results.
1. The Epley Maneuver (BPPV Exercise)
BPPV exercises, such as the Epley manoeuvre, are designed to reposition displaced crystals in the inner ear. These exercises are highly effective and should be guided by a trained physiotherapist to ensure accuracy and safety.
This involves guiding your head through a series of positions to move the crystals back where they belong.
Most people experience:
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Immediate reduction in spinning sensation
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Full resolution within 1–2 sessions
This treatment is extremely effective and backed by strong scientific evidence.
2. Vestibular Rehabilitation Exercises
If your vertigo is related to inflammation, migraine, concussion, or long-standing dizziness, your physio may give you vestibular rehab exercises designed to retrain your brain.
These include:
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Gaze stabilisation exercises (help control eye movement)
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Balance retraining
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Habituation exercises (reduce dizziness triggers)
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Walking and head-movement training
These exercises help your brain adapt and regain normal balance function.
👉 Check out our top 8 exercises for vestibular rehabilitation here
3. Neck Treatment (For Cervicogenic Dizziness)
Vertigo related to neck stiffness or tightness may be treated with:
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Gentle mobilisation
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Massage
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Posture correction
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Strengthening exercises
This form of dizziness often improves significantly once the neck is treated.
4. Concussion-Related Vertigo Treatment
If your vertigo is post-concussion, treatment may involve:
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Eye-tracking exercises
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Balance retraining
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Neck mobility treatment
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Gradual return-to-sport planning
How Long Does Vertigo Recovery Take?
Depending on the cause:
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BPPV: Often resolved in 1–2 sessions
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Vestibular neuritis: 2–8 weeks with rehab
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Vestibular migraine: ongoing management, but symptoms improve quickly with the right exercises
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Neck-related dizziness: 2–4 weeks
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Post-concussion vertigo: 2–6 weeks depending on severity
Early diagnosis and treatment lead to faster recovery.
When Should You See a Physio for Vertigo?
You should book an appointment if you experience:
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Dizziness when rolling in bed
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Dizziness when looking up or bending forward
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Sudden spinning sensation
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Ongoing imbalance
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Vertigo after a concussion
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Nausea linked to head movements
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A feeling that the room is moving
If your symptoms started suddenly, a physio trained in vestibular therapy can often diagnose the cause on the spot.
Is Physio Safe for Vertigo?
Yes — vestibular physiotherapy is safe, gentle, and backed by strong clinical research. In many cases, it’s considered the first-line treatment for BPPV and other common forms of vertigo.
Final Thoughts
Vertigo can feel scary, but it’s highly treatable. Physiotherapy offers fast, effective solutions for most types of dizziness — from simple BPPV to more complex vestibular conditions.
If you’re experiencing dizziness, don’t wait for it to go away on its own. Early assessment leads to quicker results and prevents the problem from becoming long-term.
