Say Goodbye To Vertigo: Expert Physical Therapy Tips

Vertigo is a sensation of dizziness or feeling off balance, often described as if the world is spinning around you. It can stem from issues within the inner ear, brain, or sensory nerve pathways and may significantly affect daily activities. While vertigo can be unsettling, effective treatments—including physical therapy—can help restore balance and reduce symptoms.

Read on to learn more about the causes, symptoms, and expert-backed strategies for managing vertigo.

What Is Vertigo?

Vertigo is not a condition itself but a symptom of various disorders affecting balance and spatial orientation. It occurs when there is a disruption in the vestibular system, which includes the inner ear and brain pathways that control balance.

The two main types of vertigo include:

• Peripheral vertigo: Caused by issues in the inner ear, such as Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV), Meniere’s disease, or vestibular neuritis.
• Central vertigo: Stemming from neurological conditions, including migraines, strokes, or multiple sclerosis.

Symptoms of Vertigo

Vertigo symptoms can vary in severity and duration. Common signs include:

• A spinning or swaying sensation, even when still
• Loss of balance or unsteadiness
• Nausea or vomiting
• Dizziness when changing positions (e.g., standing up or lying down quickly)
• Headaches or blurred vision
• Ringing in the ears (tinnitus) or hearing loss (in some cases)

Episodes may last for a few seconds or persist for hours, depending on the underlying cause.

For a deeper look into symptoms and risk factors, check out Mayo Clinic’s resource on vertigo.

How Can Physical Therapy Help?

Seeking physical therapy near you can be an effective way to address vertigo, particularly if it is caused by BPPV or vestibular disorders. A physical therapist in NYC or your local PT clinic near you can help with:

• Vestibular rehabilitation therapy (VRT): A customized exercise program that helps retrain the brain to compensate for inner ear imbalances.
• Canalith repositioning maneuvers (Epley maneuver): A simple, guided technique used to reposition displaced calcium crystals in the inner ear, which is often the cause of BPPV.
• Balance training: Exercises designed to improve stability and reduce the risk of falls.
• Gaze stabilization exercises: Techniques to strengthen eye movement control and reduce dizziness.
• Habituation exercises: Gradual exposure to motion and positional changes to desensitize the brain to vertigo triggers.

Lifestyle and Self-Care Tips for Managing Vertigo

In addition to professional treatment, implementing lifestyle modifications can help reduce vertigo episodes and improve balance.

1. Avoid Sudden Head Movements

Quick head movements can trigger dizziness. Move slowly when changing positions and avoid jerky motions.

2. Stay Hydrated

Dehydration can worsen vertigo. Drinking enough fluids can help maintain normal blood pressure and circulation.

3. Limit Caffeine and Alcohol

Both substances can affect the inner ear and exacerbate symptoms. Reducing intake may help prevent flare-ups.

4. Improve Sleep Quality

Fatigue can make vertigo worse. Establishing a consistent sleep routine can support overall well-being and symptom management.

5. Use Assistive Devices When Needed

A physical therapist in Brooklyn can recommend mobility aids or exercises to improve stability and prevent falls.

When to See a Doctor or Physical Therapist

If vertigo is persistent, recurrent, or interferes with daily activities, it’s essential to seek professional care. A doctor may conduct hearing tests, balance assessments, or imaging scans to determine the root cause.

A physical therapy place near you specializing in vestibular rehabilitation can offer tailored treatments to restore balance and reduce dizziness.

Final Thoughts

Vertigo can be disruptive, but with the right interventions from a physical therapist near you—you can regain balance and confidence. If you’re looking for expert guidance, consider using MotionSync to find and book the right PT for you to get you back to living your life vertigo free!