Physical Therapy for Vertigo: How the Vestibular System Impacts Your Balance

Feeling Dizzy, Off-Balance, or Lightheaded? You’re Not Alone

Vertigo can feel like the world is spinning around you—even when you're standing still. For many people, this disorienting sensation is more than just an inconvenience; it can affect their ability to work, drive, walk, or enjoy daily life. At Emery Physical Therapy, we often see patients who are surprised to learn that physical therapy can offer effective, lasting relief from vertigo—especially when it’s connected to issues in the vestibular system.

In this article, we’ll explore how your vestibular system works, what causes vertigo, and how physical therapy helps restore your balance and confidence.

What Is Vertigo?

Vertigo is a type of dizziness characterized by a false sense of motion—often described as spinning, tilting, or swaying. It’s a symptom, not a diagnosis, and it can be triggered by several conditions, the most common of which are related to the inner ear.

You might also experience:

• Nausea or vomiting

• Unsteadiness or loss of balance

• Blurred vision

• A sense of floating or being pulled in one direction

The Role of the Vestibular System

Your vestibular system is located in the inner ear and includes tiny structures that help detect motion, head position, and spatial orientation. It sends signals to your brain about balance and movement. When the vestibular system is impaired—due to infection, injury, or dysfunction—your brain receives conflicting information from your eyes, muscles, and inner ear. That’s when vertigo can strike.

Common Vestibular Disorders That Cause Vertigo

1. Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV):
   The most common cause of vertigo. BPPV occurs when small calcium crystals in the inner ear become dislodged and disrupt normal balance signals.

2. Vestibular Neuritis or Labyrinthitis:
   Inflammation of the vestibular nerve, usually caused by a viral infection, leading to sudden vertigo, imbalance, and nausea.

3. Meniere’s Disease:
   A chronic inner ear disorder that can cause episodes of vertigo, hearing loss, ringing in the ears (tinnitus), and ear fullness.

4. Vestibular Migraine:
   A migraine-related condition that includes dizziness or vertigo, sometimes without a headache.

How Physical Therapy Can Help

Many people assume they need medication or surgery to treat vertigo, but vestibular rehabilitation therapy (VRT)—a specialized form of physical therapy—is often the most effective solution.

At Emery Physical Therapy, we customize treatment plans based on a detailed evaluation of your vestibular function, symptoms, medical history, and mobility. Here’s what VRT typically includes:

1. Canalith Repositioning Maneuvers (e.g., Epley Maneuver)

For patients with BPPV, specific head and body movements are used to move dislodged calcium crystals out of the semicircular canals and back to their proper location. These maneuvers can often provide instant or rapid relief.

2. Gaze Stabilization Exercises

If you experience blurred vision or dizziness when turning your head, gaze stabilization exercises help your eyes and vestibular system work better together. These exercises train your brain to use alternative visual and proprioceptive cues for balance.

3. Balance and Gait Training

Many patients with vestibular disorders develop a fear of falling or walking, which can reduce activity and increase fall risk. Balance and gait training restore walking confidence and improve postural control through carefully guided movements, coordination drills, and progressive balance challenges.

4. Habituation Exercises

For people who experience dizziness in response to specific movements or positions, habituation exercises reduce sensitivity through controlled exposure. These can be especially helpful for motion-induced vertigo.

5. Functional Strength and Conditioning

As part of a holistic recovery, we often incorporate core strengthening, lower body stabilization, and flexibility work to enhance overall movement and prevent future imbalance.

What to Expect at Your First Visit

At Emery Physical Therapy, your initial evaluation will include:

• A thorough vestibular and balance assessment

• Positional testing (such as the Dix-Hallpike test for BPPV)

• Gait and coordination screening

• Medical history and symptom tracking

• A personalized treatment plan

Treatment typically begins on the first day, and most patients experience significant improvements within a few sessions.

When Should You Seek Help?

You should consider physical therapy for vertigo if you experience:

• Recurrent dizziness or imbalance

• A recent fall or near fall

• Difficulty walking in the dark or on uneven surfaces

• Unsteadiness after a concussion or inner ear infection

• A formal diagnosis of BPPV, Meniere’s disease, or vestibular neuritis

Take Back Control of Your Balance

Don’t let vertigo take over your life. With the right evaluation and therapy, you can regain your stability, confidence, and peace of mind. At Emery Physical Therapy in Oakbrook Terrace, we specialize in vestibular rehabilitation and help patients of all ages overcome dizziness and balance issues.

Schedule Your Evaluation Today