Dizziness is quite a broad term and can be described as anything from light-headedness, wooziness and floating. However, vertigo is a specific sensation of the room “spinning”. This sensation comes from the disruption of our inner ear called the vestibular system, which is responsible for balance and spatial awareness. Dizziness and vertigo can be caused by a range of pathologies, including:

●       BPPV or Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo: crystals in the vestibular system are dislodged and moving through the canal when they shouldn’t be

●       Vestibular neuritis or labyrinthitis: an infection causing inflammation of the inner ear

• Cervicogenic dizziness: dizziness associated with joints, discs and nerves coming from the neck

• Post-concussion symptoms

• Vestibular-ocular reflex changes

• Vestibular migraines

• Cardiovascular, Neurological and autoimmune conditions

A physiotherapist's role is to identify which condition you’re experiencing and treat it accordingly.

A physiotherapy assessment is essential for forming an accurate diagnosis of which type of dizziness you’re experiencing, in order to deliver effective treatment. Assessment may include:

• Eye movement assessment

• Neck range and mobility

• Inner ear function

• Visual tracking

• Coordination

• Neurological assessment

• Balance and gait

Once your condition has been assessed and diagnosed in practice, your physiotherapist will commence an evidence-based treatment plan to restore you once more to a sense of balance and equilibrium.

Dizziness, vertigo, and balance issues affect people in many different ways. If you’re feeling unsteady, light-headed, or unsure on your feet, an expert practitioner assessment in our clinic can help uncover what’s going on and guide you toward recovery.

Dizziness and vertigo physiotherapy may be helpful if you:

●      Feel dizzy, light-headed, or “off balance”

• Experience spinning sensations when changing positions

• Feel unsteady when walking, turning your head, or getting out of bed

• Have difficulty with balance, coordination, or confidence when moving

• Feel anxious about falling or avoid activities due to dizziness

• Have ongoing or recurring symptoms that haven’t resolved on their own

• Are recovering from illness, injury, or concussion

• Have noticed balance changes over time

• Experience dizziness alongside neck pain or stiffness

• Feel motion-sensitive or uncomfortable in busy or visually stimulating environments

• Want clear answers and a structured plan to manage your symptoms

Our physiotherapy treatments focus on identifying the cause of your symptoms and providing targeted, evidence-based treatment to help you regain balance, confidence, and control in daily life.

Treatment options for dizziness are broad and will depend on which type of dizziness you’re experiencing and what your diagnosis is. If you’re suffering from BPPV, a physiotherapist can perform techniques to place crystals back in the inner ear. 

Most people find relief from their dizziness within one to three sessions. Other types of dizziness can be treated with vestibular rehabilitation, which focuses on balance re-training, VOR retraining and habituation exercises. 

Dizziness and vertigo don’t have to control your life. With the right assessment and treatment plan, many people see rapid, lasting improvement. 

Whether your symptoms started suddenly or have been lingering for months, physiotherapy can help guide you back to a steady footing.

If you’re experiencing dizziness, vertigo, or imbalance, a physiotherapy consultation at our Minyama or Ningi  clinic is an excellent place to start.

Contact our friendly team, and we can advise if this treatment is right for you. 

Link to Minyama location page

Link to Ningi location page