DIZZINESS & VERTIGO PHYSIOTHERAPY CAMBERWELL

Dizziness and vertigo can be unsettling and can affect your confidence with everyday activities such as walking, driving, exercising or simply moving your head.

There are many possible causes of dizziness, including conditions affecting the inner ear and balance system, migraine and, in some cases, problems associated with the neck.

At Hartwell Physiotherapy in Camberwell, our Physios assess dizziness, vertigo and balance problems to help determine what may be contributing to your symptoms and whether physiotherapy is appropriate.

Dizziness is a broad term that can describe sensations such as feeling light-headed, unsteady, off-balance or disoriented.

Vertigo is a particular type of dizziness where you experience a false sensation of movement, often described as feeling like you or your surroundings are spinning or moving.

Understanding exactly what you are experiencing, when it occurs and what triggers it can provide important information about the possible cause.

Dizziness and vertigo can have many different causes. Some of the conditions and presentations that may be considered during a physiotherapy assessment include:

• BPPV (Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo) – brief episodes of vertigo commonly triggered by changes in head position, such as rolling over in bed, looking up or getting in and out of bed.
• Vestibular conditions – problems involving the inner ear and balance system can cause dizziness, vertigo and unsteadiness.
• Vestibular migraine – migraine can cause episodes of dizziness or vertigo, sometimes with and sometimes without headache.
• Cervicogenic dizziness – dizziness occurring in association with neck pain or dysfunction. Other potential causes of dizziness need to be considered before attributing symptoms to the neck.
• Balance problems – changes to the vestibular, visual and other sensory systems can contribute to unsteadiness and reduced confidence with movement.

Because different conditions can produce similar symptoms, an appropriate assessment is important before deciding on treatment.

BPPV is a common cause of vertigo and typically causes short episodes of spinning associated with changes in head position.

It occurs when tiny calcium carbonate crystals within the inner ear become displaced into one of the semicircular canals.

Your Physio can perform specific positional tests to determine whether BPPV is likely and which part of the vestibular system is involved. If BPPV is identified, treatment usually involves a canalith repositioning manoeuvre designed to move the displaced crystals out of the affected canal.

Learn more about BPPV and its treatment.

Migraine can cause dizziness and vertigo as well as headache. This is often referred to as vestibular migraine.

Episodes can include dizziness, vertigo, sensitivity to movement, nausea and sensitivity to light or sound. Headache doesn’t necessarily occur with every episode.

Neck pain and stiffness may also occur alongside migraine and dizziness. An assessment can help determine whether there is also a musculoskeletal component to your symptoms and whether physiotherapy may be appropriate.

Learn more about Headaches, Migraines and Physio

Dizziness associated with neck pain or dysfunction is sometimes referred to as cervicogenic dizziness.

People with suspected cervicogenic dizziness may experience dizziness or unsteadiness alongside neck pain, stiffness or restricted neck movement.

However, there is no single test that confirms cervicogenic dizziness, and dizziness has many possible causes. An important part of the assessment is therefore considering other vestibular, neurological and medical causes before determining whether the neck may be contributing.

Where appropriate, physiotherapy management may involve treatment of associated neck dysfunction, specific exercises and strategies to improve movement and balance.

Learn more about Cervicogenic Dizziness.

Your Physio will begin by taking a detailed history of your symptoms, including what your dizziness feels like, how long it lasts and what movements or activities trigger it.

Depending on your presentation, your assessment may include:

• Eye movement and vestibular testing
• Positional testing for BPPV
• Balance and coordination assessment
• Head and eye movement testing
• Neck assessment where appropriate
• Assessment of movements or activities that reproduce your symptoms

An important part of the assessment is determining whether your presentation is appropriate for physiotherapy or whether further medical investigation is recommended.

Treatment depends on the cause of your symptoms and the findings from your assessment.

Treatment may include:

• Canalith repositioning manoeuvres for BPPV
• Vestibular rehabilitation exercises to improve gaze stability, balance and tolerance to movement where appropriate
• Balance and coordination exercises
• Gradual exposure to movements that provoke dizziness where appropriate
• Neck treatment and exercises where cervical dysfunction is considered to be contributing
• Education and advice to help you understand and manage your symptoms

Your treatment program will be individualised according to your diagnosis, symptoms and goals. Watch our TikTok video to learn more.

Dizziness and vertigo can have many causes, and physiotherapy isn’t appropriate for every presentation.

New or severe dizziness, particularly when accompanied by symptoms such as difficulty speaking, new weakness or numbness, severe or unusual headache, fainting, significant difficulty walking or other new neurological symptoms, requires prompt medical assessment.

If we identify findings during your assessment that require further investigation, we will recommend appropriate medical assessment.

If you are experiencing dizziness, vertigo or balance problems, a physiotherapy assessment can help determine whether your symptoms may be related to BPPV, another vestibular condition or a musculoskeletal problem.

Hartwell Physiotherapy provides dizziness and vertigo physiotherapy from our Camberwell clinic, conveniently located for clients from Camberwell, Glen Iris, Hawthorn East and surrounding areas.

Not sure whether Physio is appropriate for your dizziness or vertigo?

Book an appointment online or call our team on 9889 3903.

What is the difference between dizziness and vertigo?
Dizziness is a broad term that can describe feeling light-headed, unsteady, off-balance or disoriented. Vertigo is a specific type of dizziness where you feel as though you or your surroundings are moving or spinning when they are not.

Can a Physio help with vertigo?
Yes, physiotherapy can help with some causes of vertigo and dizziness. One common example is BPPV, which can often be assessed and treated using specific positional tests and repositioning manoeuvres. Physiotherapy may also be appropriate for some other vestibular and balance conditions. The first step is determining what may be causing your symptoms.

How do I know if I have BPPV?
BPPV typically causes brief episodes of vertigo triggered by changes in head position, such as rolling over in bed, lying down, getting up or looking upwards. A Physio trained in vestibular assessment can perform specific positional tests to determine whether BPPV is likely and which part of the inner ear is affected. Learn more about BPPV and its treatment.

Can migraine cause dizziness or vertigo?
Yes. Vestibular migraine can cause episodes of dizziness, vertigo, nausea and sensitivity to movement, light or sound. Headache does not necessarily occur with every episode. If you experience headaches or migraine symptoms alongside your dizziness, these should be considered as part of your assessment. Learn more about Headaches, Migraines and Physio.

Can neck problems cause dizziness?
Dizziness occurring alongside neck pain or dysfunction is sometimes referred to as cervicogenic dizziness. However, dizziness has many possible causes and there is no single test that confirms cervicogenic dizziness. Other vestibular, neurological and medical causes need to be considered before determining whether the neck may be contributing. Learn more about Cervicogenic Dizziness.

How long does vertigo treatment take?
This depends on the cause of your symptoms. Some people with BPPV improve quickly following an appropriate repositioning manoeuvre, while other vestibular or balance conditions may require a longer rehabilitation program. Your Physio can give you more specific guidance after your assessment.

Do I need a referral to see a Physio for dizziness or vertigo?
No. You can book directly with Hartwell Physiotherapy without a GP referral. If your assessment identifies symptoms that require medical investigation, your Physio will recommend appropriate medical assessment.