Do you ever feel like the world is spinning even when you’re standing still? This sensation, called vertigo, can make daily life difficult. It often happens due to problems in the inner ear, which helps maintain balance. When the inner ear doesn’t work properly, the brain receives the wrong signals, causing dizziness and unsteadiness.
If you often feel dizzy or have trouble balancing, vestibular rehabilitation can help. This specialized physiotherapy improves balance by training the brain to process signals from the inner ear, eyes, and muscles correctly. It is effective for vertigo, motion sensitivity, and balance disorders.
Does Vestibular Rehabilitation Help With Vertigo?
Our balance system relies on signals from the inner ear (vestibular system), eyes, and muscles. When these signals are disrupted due to illness, injury, or aging, it can lead to dizziness, instability, and even falls. To feel better again, Vestibular rehabilitation is essential because:
- It helps the brain adapt to balance changes.
- It improves coordination and movement control.
- It reduces the risk of falls and injuries.
- It enhances overall confidence in mobility.
What Causes Vertigo?
You might wonder: What causes vertigo? It can be caused by various conditions, including:
- Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV): A common condition caused by tiny calcium particles moving in the inner ear. It often occurs with sudden head movements.
- Vestibular Neuritis or Labyrinthitis: Infections that inflame the inner ear and disrupt balance signals to the brain.
- Meniere’s Disease: A disorder that causes vertigo, ringing in the ears, hearing loss, and a feeling of fullness in the ear.
- Head Injuries: Trauma to the head or neck can impact the inner ear and balance system.
- Migraines: Some people experience dizziness and vertigo as part of migraine episodes.
How Vestibular Physiotherapy Helps Get Relief From Vertigo?
A physiotherapist develops a personalized plan based on your symptoms and medical history. This therapy includes:
1. Epley Maneuver (Canalith Repositioning)
If you have Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV), tiny calcium crystals in your inner ear can move out of place, causing dizziness. The Epley Maneuver (a series of head movements) involves slow, guided head movements to put these crystals back where they belong. Many people feel instant relief after just one session.
2. Improving Balance with Your Senses
Your body stays balanced using three systems—your inner ear, vision, and body awareness (proprioception). When one system isn’t working well, the others must adjust. Special balance exercises help your brain rely on the right signals, making it easier to stand, walk, and move confidently, even in the dark or on uneven surfaces.
3. Walking and Movement Training
Vertigo can make walking feel unsteady or unsafe. A physiotherapist in Surrey will guide you through walking patterns, turning techniques, and stepping exercises to help improve your posture and coordination. This reduces dizziness and prevents falls, making everyday activities like shopping or climbing stairs easier.
4. Eye-Head Coordination Exercises
Many people with vertigo struggle when moving their heads quickly. Gaze stabilization exercises help your brain adjust to motion so that you can move your head without feeling dizzy. These exercises train your eyes to stay focused even when you turn or tilt your head, improving your ability to drive, read, or watch moving objects.
5. Confidence-Boosting Exercises
Living with vertigo can cause anxiety, making people afraid to move or participate in daily activities. Confidence-building exercises help your brain trust your balance again so you can walk, stand, and move without fear. Over time, this increases independence and restores your active lifestyle.
6. Breathing and Relaxation Techniques
Stress and anxiety often make dizziness worse. Deep breathing, guided relaxation, and mindfulness exercises help calm your nervous system and improve focus. These techniques not only help with vertigo but also reduce feelings of nausea and motion sensitivity.
7. Strengthening Core and Leg Muscles
A weak core and legs can make balance problems worse. Strengthening exercises for your abdominal muscles, hips, and legs improve overall stability, making it easier to walk confidently without swaying or stumbling. Stronger muscles also reduce fatigue and improve endurance.
8. At-Home Exercises for Daily Improvement
Physiotherapy doesn’t stop in the clinic. A physiotherapist will provide you with simple home exercises to continue your progress. These exercises help reinforce balance, coordination, and head movement adjustments, ensuring long-term relief from dizziness.
9. Daily Life Adjustments
Small lifestyle changes can prevent dizziness. A physiotherapist may recommend adjusting how you sleep, sit, or move your head to avoid triggering vertigo. Simple strategies like keeping your head still when getting out of bed or using handrails while walking can make daily activities easier and safer.
10. A Natural and Long-Term Solution
Unlike medications that only provide temporary relief, vestibular physiotherapy treats the root cause of vertigo by retraining the brain to process balance signals correctly. It’s a drug-free, non-invasive approach that leads to long-lasting improvement and a better quality of life.
Is Vestibular Physiotherapy Right For You?
Vestibular physiotherapy is helpful for individuals who struggle with dizziness, balance issues, or motion sensitivity. It helps people regain stability, confidence, and control over daily movements. You may benefit from this therapy if you experience:
- Frequent Dizziness or Vertigo Episodes: Sudden spinning sensations that make it difficult to focus or move.
- Difficulty Maintaining Balance: Feeling unsteady while standing or walking, especially on uneven surfaces.
- Unsteady Walking or Frequent Falls: Increased risk of tripping, stumbling, or feeling off-balance while moving.
- Motion Sickness: Sensitivity to movement, such as dizziness in cars, elevators, or crowded spaces.
- Blurred Vision When Moving: Difficulty focusing on objects when turning your head or walking.
How Long Does Vestibular Rehab Take?
The length of vestibular physiotherapy varies depending on the cause and severity of symptoms. Some people see improvements within a few sessions, while others may need several weeks of treatment. A physiotherapist will assess progress and adjust the therapy plan as needed.
Simple Exercises to Try at Home for Vertigo Relief
- Head Turns: Slowly turn your head from side to side while keeping your eyes focused on a stationary object.
- Marching in Place: Stand near a wall for support. March in place with your eyes open, then try with them closed.
- Single-Leg Stance: Stand on one foot for a few seconds, then switch sides. Hold a chair for support if needed.
When to See a Physiotherapist?
If dizziness, vertigo, or balance problems affect your daily life, it’s time to consult a physiotherapist. Early intervention can prevent these issues from worsening and improve your overall well-being.
A physiotherapist in Surrey specializing in vestibular rehabilitation can assess your condition, identify the cause, and develop a treatment plan tailored to your needs. Addressing the problem early reduces the risk of falls and helps you regain confidence in movement.
Even mild dizziness should not be ignored; it may indicate an underlying issue that can be treated effectively.
Conclusion
Vestibular physiotherapy offers a drug-free, long-term solution for vertigo and balance disorders. It retrains your brain to process balance signals correctly, reducing dizziness and improving stability. With professional guidance, you can regain control over your movements and feel more secure in daily activities.
If you’re struggling with vertigo, Khalsa Physiotherapy in Surrey is here to help. Our experienced team provides personalized vestibular therapy to restore balance and enhance your quality of life. Book an assessment today and take the first step toward a steadier, more confident you!
