Have you ever stood up too quickly and felt the room spin? Imagine that sensation lasting for hours or days. That’s vertigo—and it can be debilitating. For many, it goes beyond a momentary wobble; it’s a constant disruption of everyday life. But what if the solution isn’t a lifetime of medication, but movement? That was the surprising discovery I made during my clinical placement in neurorehabilitation, where I met patients whose vertigo improved significantly with physical therapy.

In this article, I’ll share expert insights, patient stories, and evidence-backed treatments to answer the big question: Can physical therapy truly help with vertigo? Spoiler: Yes—and the results can be life-changing.

What Is Vertigo, Really?

Vertigo is more than just dizziness. It’s the false sense that you or your surroundings are spinning. It can make walking, driving, or even standing feel impossible. There are two main types:

• Peripheral vertigo – originating from inner ear problems
• Central vertigo – related to brain dysfunction (e.g., strokes, migraines)

One of the most common causes is Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV), which occurs when tiny crystals in the inner ear become dislodged. Other causes include vestibular neuritis, Meniere’s disease, and head injuries.

How Can Physical Therapy Help with Vertigo?

I had the chance to work with a patient, Saima, who had been struggling with BPPV for months. She tried medications and rest, but nothing helped until she was referred to a vestibular physiotherapist. Within three sessions, she could turn her head without the room spinning. I saw her go from fearful and dependent to confident and mobile.

Here’s how physiotherapy tackles vertigo:

1. Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT)

This is a specialised form of physical therapy that targets the vestibular (balance) system. It involves exercises that retrain the brain to interpret signals from the inner ear, eyes, and body more accurately.

Common VRT techniques:

• Gaze stabilisation – focusing on a fixed point while moving your head
• Balance training – standing or walking on uneven surfaces
• Habituation exercises – repeating movements that provoke symptoms to reduce sensitivity over time

Expert insight: According to the American Physical Therapy Association, VRT has an 85% success rate in improving symptoms of vertigo, particularly BPPV.

2. Canalith Repositioning Manoeuvres (CRM)

The Epley manoeuvre is perhaps the most well-known. It involves a series of head movements that guide the dislodged crystals in the inner ear back to their proper position.

Dr Natasha Kulkarni, a vestibular physiotherapist in London, says: “For BPPV, CRMs can bring relief in just one or two sessions. It’s incredibly empowering for patients who’ve felt helpless for months.”

3. Balance and Proprioception Exercises

In cases where vertigo is related to a stroke or neurological disorder, balance retraining becomes vital.

Examples include:

• Standing on foam pads with eyes closed
• Tai chi-inspired weight-shifting movements

These exercises help re-establish stability, reduce fall risk, and rebuild confidence.

Real-World Results: Case Studies & Statistics

A 2020 study published in The Journal of Vestibular Research found that patients with BPPV who underwent physical therapy had a 70% reduction in symptoms within one week.

In another instance, a 65-year-old patient at my university clinic avoided unnecessary surgery for suspected Meniere’s after a physiotherapist correctly diagnosed and treated her with VRT.

When Physical Therapy May Not Be Enough

While physiotherapy can be highly effective, it isn’t a cure-all.

Consider these exceptions:

• Tumours or central nervous system disorders may require medical or surgical intervention
• Persistent migraines that mimic vertigo may benefit more from neurologist-led care

However, physical therapy can still play a supportive role in broader treatment plans.

“Even when vertigo isn’t the primary issue, improving balance and coordination through therapy can dramatically enhance quality of life,” says Dr Arif Malik, Consultant Neurologist at St. George’s Hospital.

How to Get Started with Physiotherapy for Vertigo

1. Seek a Specialist

Look for a physiotherapist trained in vestibular rehabilitation. In the UK, the Association of Chartered Physiotherapists in Vestibular Rehabilitation (ACPIVR) maintains a registry.

2. Get a Proper Diagnosis

Don’t self-diagnose. Vertigo can mimic other serious conditions. See a GP or ENT specialist first.

3. Commit to the Process

Consistency is key. Some patients feel better after one session, others need weeks. Don’t give up too early.

Tips You Can Try at Home

While professional care is essential, here are some gentle things to try:

• Avoid sudden head movements
• Sleep with your head slightly elevated
• Use support when walking until symptoms improve

Important: Never attempt manoeuvres like the Epley without professional guidance. Incorrect movements can worsen symptoms.

FAQs

Can vertigo go away on its own?

Yes, especially in cases of BPPV, but recurrence is common. Therapy speeds recovery and reduces the risk of falls.

Is physiotherapy safe for older adults with vertigo?

Absolutely. In fact, it reduces the risk of falls and improves mobility, which is crucial for seniors.

How many sessions will I need?

It varies. Some people need one or two sessions; others require 6–8 over several weeks.

Will exercises make my vertigo worse?

Initially, yes. Habituation exercises provoke symptoms to retrain the brain. But this is temporary and leads to long-term improvement.

Final Thoughts: Movement as Medicine

Vertigo may feel like something you just have to live with, but that’s not the case. With the right support and a skilled physiotherapist, many people find relief—and reclaim their independence.

Having seen this transformation up close, I truly believe in the power of movement as medicine. If you’re struggling with vertigo, don’t settle for spinning rooms and silent suffering.

Talk to your doctor. Book an assessment. Take that first steady step.

Have you or someone you know tried physical therapy for vertigo? What was the experience like? Share your story in the comments — it might just help someone else take their first step too.