Physical Therapy is Ideal for Dizziness & Vertigo
We’ve all had the sensation of being dizzy – as if you can’t focus, can’t see straight, can’t stand upright without swaying or falling. You may even experience “tunnel vision,” where your peripheral vision goes dark for a few seconds.
Dizziness is common and can have many causes. Vertigo, however, is a little different. While dizziness is typically synonymous with “lightheadedness,” which creates the illusion of being unsteady, vertigo is typically a response to a physiological factor that is causing a quite literal imbalance in your body. Those experiencing vertigo have reported feeling as if they are “rocking” or “spinning,” even when they are sitting still.
Physical therapy for dizziness and vertigo is a common and effective course of treatment. For inquiries regarding vertigo testing, don’t hesitate to contact us at Marketplace Physical Therapy & Wellness Center. If you’ve been feeling dizzy, or you think you may have some of the symptoms of vertigo, contact our Riverside, Riverside/Corona, Chino, Redlands or Beaumont, CA physical therapy office today to schedule an appointment with one of our experienced physical therapists.
Dizziness: Causes and Symptoms
Just a few of the many factors that can lead to dizziness include lack of sleep, poor nutrition, overexertion, or a physical ailment, such as a head cold or the flu. Dizziness can also occur from something as simple as standing up too quickly after an extended period of rest. Some accompanying symptoms to dizziness may include:
- Loss of balance
- Lightheadedness or heavy-headedness
- Momentarily impaired vision (i.e. tunnel vision)
- Feeling woozy or faint
Vertigo: Causes and Symptoms
The causes of vertigo aren’t nearly as many. In fact, vertigo is most commonly caused by an imbalance in the inner ear, also known as the “vestibular system.” Your vestibular system helps you maintain your balance and center of gravity by sending messages to your brain regarding your movement. When this is impaired, the necessary messages become blocked from your brain, and your movement becomes affected. You may feel as if the world is spinning around you, you can’t focus your vision for prolonged periods of time, or you can’t stand/move properly without feeling like you are going to topple over. Some common causes of vertigo include:
Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV)
This is the most common cause of vertigo. It occurs when the tiny calcium crystals located in your ears break apart and move around to different parts of the ear, where they are not supposed to be. This can cause sudden spinning sensations (vertigo) and inner-ear discomfort.
Meniere’s disease
This occurs when fluid builds up in your ear(s). This typically includes “ringing” in your ear and sudden waves of intense dizziness that may last for hours. You may also experience momentary hearing losses.
Vestibular neuritis
This is an inner-ear infection that can cause vertigo.
Migraines
Migraines can impact your vestibular system, thus causing episodes of vertigo which may be coupled with a sensitivity to light or sound. Vision may also be impaired.
Stroke
A stroke affects movement in your whole body. If you recently suffered a stroke, you may experience waves of vertigo that may linger for extended periods of time.
Some accompanying symptoms to vertigo may also include:
- Inability to focus or remain alert
- Double vision
- Nausea or vomiting
- Arm or leg weakness
- Difficulty seeing or speaking
- Sweating
- Abnormal eye movements Our trained physical therapists are dedicated toward helping you achieve a pain-free life.
Treat Dizziness & Vertigo with physical therapy:
Both dizziness and vertigo can hinder your daily life, limiting your ability to perform even the simplest of tasks. Luckily, no matter what the cause may be, physical therapy for dizziness and vertigo can help. Marketplace Physical Therapy & Wellness Center is very successful at diagnosing and treating both dizziness and vertigo with vestibular rehabilitation.
Vestibular rehabilitation includes treatments such as the Epley maneuver and Cawthorne head exercises. The Epley maneuver allows for canalith repositioning, in order to move the broken calcium crystals in patients experiencing BBPV. Cawthorne head exercises focus on decreasing nerve sensitivity and reducing the effects of vertigo.
Recovery from vertigo is only offered in select practices, Marketplace Physical Therapy & Wellness Center is one of them. Our advanced methods and diagnostic tools have earned us a reputation as being one of the most successful physical therapy practices in Riverside, Riverside/Corona, Chino, Redlands and Beaumont, CA for treating dizziness and vertigo. If you are experiencing either of these conditions, contact us to schedule an appointment today. We will help you get back on your feet as quickly as possible.
What causes dizziness and vertigo that physical therapy can treat?
Dizziness and vertigo can be caused by inner ear disorders like benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), vestibular neuritis, labyrinthitis, post‑concussion symptoms, or imbalance issues due to poor vestibular function. Physical therapy evaluates vestibular function to identify the cause and develop an effective treatment plan.
What is the difference between dizziness and vertigo?
Dizziness is a general sensation of lightheadedness or imbalance, while vertigo specifically feels like the room is spinning. Both can impact daily activities and balance, and vestibular physical therapy is designed to target both dizziness and vertigo symptoms.
How does physical therapy help with vertigo and balance issues?
Vestibular physical therapy helps by retraining the brain and inner ear connection, improving balance, reducing dizziness, correcting movement patterns, and using specific repositioning maneuvers to treat conditions like BPPV and restore proper vestibular function.
What should I expect during a vestibular physical therapy evaluation?
Your therapist will assess your balance, eye movement patterns, vestibulo‑ocular reflex, gait, posture, and motion triggers. This helps identify the source of dizziness or vertigo and tailor a customized therapy program to improve stability and reduce symptoms.
Can physical therapy help with BPPV (benign paroxysmal positional vertigo)?
Yes. Physical therapists use proven repositioning maneuvers, balance retraining exercises, and vestibular rehabilitation techniques that are highly effective for treating BPPV and reducing the frequency and severity of vertigo episodes.
How long does it take to see improvement in dizziness and vertigo with physical therapy?
Improvement timelines vary based on the underlying vestibular condition and severity of symptoms. Many patients notice reduced dizziness and better balance within a few visits, while more complex vestibular disorders may benefit from ongoing therapy and home exercises.
Can vestibular physical therapy help with balance problems and fall prevention?
Yes. Vestibular physical therapy focuses on balance retraining, gait stabilization, strength training, and sensory integration to improve postural control and reduce the risk of falls related to dizziness or balance dysfunction.
Is physical therapy effective for dizziness after concussion?
Yes. Vestibular physical therapy can address dizziness, visual motion sensitivity, balance problems, and coordination issues that commonly occur after a concussion. Treatment helps retrain your vestibular system and improve functional mobility.
What exercises are used in physical therapy for vertigo and dizziness?
Therapists often use gaze stabilization exercises, balance training, habituation exercises, canalith repositioning maneuvers, and functional movement retraining to reduce vertigo, improve balance, and enhance vestibular system performance.
Who is a good candidate for vestibular physical therapy?
Anyone experiencing persistent dizziness, vertigo, imbalance, unsteadiness, motion triggers, or a history of inner ear problems may benefit from vestibular physical therapy. Early evaluation and treatment often lead to faster symptom relief and improved quality of life.
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