5 Ways to Fix Vertigo: Physiotherapy Treatment for Vertigo
Does lying down or turning your head trigger dizzy spells? You could be experiencing Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV)—a condition that physiotherapy can often resolve in just 1 or 2 sessions.
Real Story:
Take Mrs. Gentry, for example. After 10 weeks of spinning, she was afraid to roll over in bed or tilt her head back in the shower. With just one session and the right vertigo exercise, her symptoms disappeared.
Let’s walk you through what vertigo is, how physiotherapy helps, and the top 5 physiotherapy exercises used to treat it.
What is Vertigo?
Vertigo is the sensation that you or your surroundings are spinning, even when you’re still. It’s different from general dizziness or light-headedness.
The most common cause? BPPV—a condition where tiny calcium crystals in your inner ear become dislodged. These crystals confuse your brain into thinking you’re moving, causing spinning sensations. BPPV can be triggered by changes in head position, such as rolling over in bed or tilting your head up or down.
Symptoms of BPPV may include:
- Sudden spinning that lasts seconds to minutes
- Nausea
- Balance issues
- Eye flickering (nystagmus)
Top 5 Treatments for Vertigo (That Work!)
1. Epley’s Maneuver
Best for: Positive right Dix-Hallpike test
How it helps: Guides the dislodged crystals back into place in your inner ear.
Steps:
- Sit upright, turn your head 45° to the right.
- Lie back quickly over a pillow, head tilted back ~30°, hold for 1 minute.
- Turn head 90° to the left and hold.
- Roll your body left, head down toward the floor, hold.
- Sit up slowly.
2. BBQ Roll (Lempert Maneuver)
Best for: Positive Head Roll Test
How it helps: Treats horizontal canal BPPV using rotation.
Steps:
- Lie on your back with a pillow under your head.
- Roll left, hold.
- Return to back, hold.
- Roll right, hold.
- Roll onto stomach (forehead down), hold.
- Roll right again to complete 360°, then sit up slowly.
3. Brandt-Daroff Exercises
Best for: Home program to retrain your vestibular system
Steps:
- Sit upright on bed.
- Quickly lie on one side with nose pointed 45° up.
- Hold 30 seconds or until dizziness stops.
- Sit up, pause, and repeat on the other side.
Do 5 reps each side, 2-3 times daily.
4. Gaze Stabilization Training
How it helps: Improves your eye and head coordination.
Steps:
- Hold your thumb out in front of you.
- Keep your eyes on your thumb while slowly turning your head side to side.
- Do for 30 seconds, 2–3 times a day.
5. Balance & Postural Training
How it helps: Prevents falls and improves confidence during daily activities.
Your physio might guide you through:
- Standing with feet together and eyes closed
- Tandem walking
- Standing on foam pads or balance boards
What If These Exercises Don’t Help?
Tried these and still feeling dizzy? That’s your cue to see a licensed physiotherapist. Sometimes, it takes a professional assessment to pinpoint which ear is affected and which maneuver works best.
Physiotherapy for vertigo is highly effective, but personalized treatment is key.
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Bonus: Ask us for your FREE “5 Best Exercises for Vertigo” cheatsheet!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What causes vertigo?
Vertigo is often caused by inner ear issues (like BPPV), but may also result from:
- Head trauma or concussions
- Meniere’s disease
- Vestibular neuritis
- Migraines or other neurological issues
Q2: How long does it take for physiotherapy to treat vertigo?
Most cases of BPPV improve in 1–2 sessions with the right maneuver. Chronic or complex cases may need a few more appointments.
Q3: Can vertigo go away on its own?
Sometimes—but it may take weeks or months. Physiotherapy speeds up recovery and reduces the risk of falls and anxiety related to vertigo.
