Is Your World Spinning Out of Control? Physiotherapy Can Help with Vertigo

One moment you’re standing still, the next, the ground tilts, the room whirls, and you’re clutching for stability. This isn’t just dizziness; it’s vertigo, and it can hit like a storm, disrupting your ability to walk, work, or simply feel safe in your own body. At Back in Motion Health, with clinics located across the Lower Mainland and Ontario, our vestibular physiotherapy team is here to help you find solid ground again, with care that can restore both your balance and your peace of mind.

What Is Vertigo and Who Does It Affect?

Vertigo is a specific type of dizziness characterized by the false sensation that you or your surroundings are moving or spinning, even when you’re standing still. Unlike general light-headedness, vertigo often comes with symptoms such as:

• A spinning or swaying feeling
• Unsteadiness or loss of balance
• Nausea or vomiting
• Blurred vision
• Sweating or ringing in the ears

Vertigo can affect anyone, but it is most common in adults over 40, those who have experienced head injuries, or individuals with certain inner ear conditions. Common causes include inner ear issues such as ear infections, ringing, pressure, and hearing loss, typically in one ear. Migraines and even stress or anxiety can cause vertigo. These symptoms can also be triggered by moving your head, standing up quickly, or even simple daily activities.

How Vestibular Physiotherapy Can Help Treat Vertigo

Physiotherapy can treat vertigo by addressing the vestibular system, a part of the inner ear and brain that controls balance and eye movements. At Back in Motion, our vestibular physiotherapists utilize evidence-based techniques to address the underlying cause of your vertigo, rather than just its symptoms.

What to Expect from Vestibular Physiotherapy

The treatment starts with a comprehensive assessment, which includes a review of your medical history, a physical examination, and specific tests to identify the type and cause of your vertigo. Based on this evaluation, your physiotherapist will develop a personalized treatment plan that may include:

• Gentle head and body movements, such as the Epley maneuver, to reposition crystals in the inner ear that cause BPPV.
• Customized exercises designed to retrain your brain and vestibular system, improving balance, coordination, and reducing dizziness.
• Activities that help your eyes and brain work together, reducing blurred vision and improving focus during movement.
• Progressive exercises to build confidence, prevent falls, and restore your ability to move safely and independently.

Multidisciplinary Support for Vertigo at Back in Motion

At Back in Motion, we understand that vertigo can impact more than just your sense of balance. That’s why we offer a wide range of complementary services to support your recovery, including:

• Registered Massage Therapy: To relieve muscle tension and promote relaxation, which can help manage stress-related vertigo.
• Active Rehabilitation and Kinesiology: Guided exercise programs to rebuild strength and improve functional movement.
• Acupuncture and Dry Needling: Alternative therapies that may help reduce dizziness and support overall well-being.
• Sports Rehabilitation and Occupational Therapy: For patients whose vertigo affects their ability to work or participate in sports, our team can help you safely return to your activities.

At Back in Motion Health, we create personalized treatment plans to help you feel steady, reduce dizziness, and get back to doing what you love.

If you or someone you care about is experiencing vertigo, please reach out to us. Our experienced team will support you with expert care every step of the way. Contact us today to schedule your assessment and discover how vestibular physiotherapy can help you regain control. Our clinics are located in BC: Vancouver, North Vancouver, Coquitlam, Surrey, Richmond, Abbotsford; and Ontario: London and Pickering.

Angus has a passion for exercise and movement and empowers his clients by giving them the tools they need to regain their mobility and reach their goals. Before his career in physical therapy, he worked as a personal trainer to help empower others in their fitness journey. 

Book online with Angus in Vancouver.