Vertigo and dizziness are among the most disorienting and frightening symptoms a person can experience. That spinning sensation, loss of balance, and nausea can make it impossible to perform basic daily activities safely. The good news is that physical therapy is remarkably effective for many types of vertigo — in fact, vestibular rehabilitation is considered the gold standard treatment for the most common cause of vertigo, with success rates exceeding 90%.
Understanding Vertigo and Dizziness
Vertigo is the false sensation that you or your environment is spinning or moving. It differs from lightheadedness or general dizziness, and the distinction matters because it points to different underlying causes. The most common cause of vertigo is benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), which accounts for roughly 50% of all vertigo cases. BPPV occurs when tiny calcium crystals in the inner ear become dislodged and migrate into the semicircular canals, sending false motion signals to the brain.
Other causes include vestibular neuritis (inflammation of the vestibular nerve), Meniere’s disease, vestibular migraine, concussion, and age-related decline in vestibular function. Each condition requires a different treatment approach, which is why accurate diagnosis by a trained vestibular therapist is essential.
Vestibular Physical Therapy
BPPV Treatment: Canalith Repositioning
BPPV is treated with specific head positioning maneuvers — the most well-known being the Epley maneuver — that guide the displaced crystals out of the semicircular canals and back to where they belong. In the hands of an experienced vestibular therapist, these maneuvers resolve BPPV in one to three treatment sessions in over 90% of patients. It’s one of the most satisfying treatments in all of physical therapy because the results can be dramatic and immediate.
Gaze Stabilization Exercises
For patients with vestibular hypofunction (reduced inner ear function), gaze stabilization exercises train the brain to use alternative strategies to maintain clear vision during head movement. These exercises involve focusing on a stationary target while moving your head, progressively increasing speed and complexity as your brain adapts. This is a direct application of neuroplasticity — the brain learns new ways to process balance information.
Balance Retraining
Vestibular disorders compromise your balance system, increasing fall risk. Your therapist will progress you through increasingly challenging balance exercises — from standing on firm surfaces with eyes open to standing on foam with eyes closed, and eventually to dynamic balance activities that simulate real-world demands like turning your head while walking or navigating busy environments.
Habituation Exercises
Some patients experience dizziness triggered by specific movements or visual environments (like scrolling on a phone or being in crowded stores). Habituation exercises involve controlled, repeated exposure to these triggers, gradually reducing the brain’s sensitivity to them. While initially uncomfortable, this approach is highly effective for reducing motion sensitivity over time.
When to Seek Help
If you experience vertigo, dizziness, or balance problems that last more than a day or two, or that recur, a vestibular evaluation is warranted. Early treatment typically leads to faster and more complete recovery. Importantly, some causes of dizziness require medical evaluation to rule out serious conditions, so your therapist will screen for red flags and refer you appropriately if needed.
BPPV is one of the most treatable conditions in all of medicine — yet many patients suffer for months or years because they don’t know that a simple physical therapy procedure can cure it.
Stop the Spinning
At Kinito Physical Therapy in Oklahoma City, our vestibular rehabilitation specialists have the advanced training and experience to diagnose and treat all types of vertigo and dizziness. Don’t let balance problems limit your life.
Call (405) 848-5005 or schedule online for your vestibular evaluation.
Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment. Results may vary. Affiliate Disclosure
For more information, visit American Physical Therapy Association and CDC Falls Prevention.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog post is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you have read on this website. This content is not intended to serve as legal advice. Reliance on any information provided in this post is solely at your own risk.
Ready to take the next step? Call or text us at (405) 633-0783 or fill out our contact form to schedule your appointment today. We’re here to help you move better and feel better.
