VERTIGO & VESTIBULAR
PHYSIOTHERAPY
Expert Assessment • Hands-On Treatment • Faster, Lasting Relief
WHAT IS VERTIGO?
Vertigo is a specific type of dizziness where the world feels like it is spinning, moving or tilting — even when you are still. People often describe vertigo as feeling off-balance, unsteady or as if they are being pulled to one side. It may be accompanied by nausea, blurred vision or difficulty focusing.
Vertigo can be triggered by movements such as:
- Rolling over in bed
- Looking up or down
- Turning your head quickly
- Standing up or bending forward
Walking in busy environments
Vertigo is most commonly caused by a problem in the inner ear or the balance system (called the vestibular system). This system works closely with your brain, eyes, neck and muscles to control balance and keep vision stable during movement. When it isn’t working correctly, mixed signals are sent to the brain, resulting in dizziness and disorientation.
Vertigo is different from general light-headedness or faintness, which is more often related to blood pressure, dehydration or heart issues. True vertigo usually points to a vestibular or neurological cause.
The good news is that most causes of vertigo respond extremely well to targeted physiotherapy treatment.
CONDITIONS WE TREAT
Our physiotherapists are trained to assess and manage a wide range of vestibular and balance-related conditions, including:
- Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV)
- Vestibular neuritis
- Labyrinthitis
- Unilateral or bilateral vestibular hypofunction
- Persistent postural-perceptual dizziness (PPPD)
- Cervicogenic (neck-related) dizziness
- Post-concussion dizziness
- Motion sensitivity
- Balance disorders and recurrent falls
- Dizziness related to neck stiffness or poor posture
A thorough assessment is essential to correctly identify the underlying cause of your symptoms and guide the most effective treatment.
HOW PHYSIOTHERAPY CAN HELP VERTIGO & DIZZINESS
Vestibular physiotherapy is a specialised form of rehabilitation that helps the brain and balance system re-learn how to respond correctly to movement.
Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT)
Based on your individual condition, your program may include:
- Gaze stabilisation exercises to improve vision while moving
- Habituation exercises to reduce motion sensitivity
- Balance retraining and stability work
- Walking and coordination drills
- Gradual exposure to movements that trigger symptoms
These exercises encourage your brain to adapt and compensate, reducing dizziness over time.
WHAT IS BENIGN PAROXYSMAL POSITIONAL VERTIGO (BPPV)?
Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) is a condition that causes sudden, intense but brief episodes of vertigo, often triggered by specific head movements such as those involved in rolling in bed or getting out of bed. This occurs when tiny particles break loose and fall into the wrong part of the vestibular system, causing abnormal stimulation of the nerves that detect head rotation. The brain receives the message that the head is spinning, when in fact only a small amount of movement may have occurred. Of all causes of ‘true vertigo’, BPPV is the most common. Once diagnosed, however, a doctor or physiotherapist can generally easily treat BPPV.
WHAT CAUSES BPPV?
The inner ear is comprised of a series of fluid-filled canals that are aligned to detect movements in different planes. When the head is moved, the movement of the fluid tells the brain exactly what how far, how fast and in what direction the head is moving.
In BPPV, small crystals of calcium carbonate (called otoconia) break loose and fall into the canals. Usually, these crystals are held within special reservoirs in other structures of the inner ear (the utricle and saccule). It is thought that degeneration of the utricle may allow the otoconia (colloquially known as ‘ear rocks’) to escape into the semicircular canals and interfere with the flow of the fluid.
HOW IS BPPV DIAGNOSED?
A health professional experienced in the management of vertigo (doctor, physiotherapist or specially trained audiologist) will use a series of diagnostic tests to confirm the diagnosis of BPPV and exclude any other causes of vertigo.
HOW DOES A PHYSIOTHERAPIST TREAT BPPV?
BPPV can be treated with a combination of postural manoeuvres and simple exercises, taught by your doctor or physiotherapist. The aim of these manoeuvres is to move the crystals out of the semicircular canals so they no longer cause dizziness. In most cases, symptoms improve dramatically with the correct postural manoeuvre, but sometimes a second treatment session is required. If symptoms persist, however, you may be referred to a specialist. If required, you may discuss the short-term use of motion sickness medication to control the nausea associated with BPPV.
WHAT TO EXPECT AT YOUR FIRST VESTIBULAR PHYSIOTHERAPY APPOINTMENT
At Anytime Physio, your vestibular assessment is thorough but always gentle and supportive.
Your appointment may include:
- A detailed history of your symptoms (when, how, what triggers them)
- Screening of visual, balance and neurological systems
- Positional testing (to assess for BPPV)
- Balance, gait, and coordination testing
- Cervical spine (neck) assessment
- A clear explanation of your diagnosis
- Initial treatment on the day
- A personalised home exercise program
We move at a pace that feels safe and comfortable for you.
WHY CHOOSE ANYTIME PHYSIO FOR VERTIGO TREATMENT?
- Highly skilled, experienced physiotherapists
- Evidence-based vestibular rehabilitation
- Video-oculography to record eye movements to assist in diagnosis and treatment
- Gentle, patient-centred approach
- Private treatment rooms
- Convenient Brisbane (Newstead) location
- Early morning, late evening and weekend appointments
- Easy online booking and quick availability
- Integrated care with your GP or specialist if required
Our goal is not only to reduce your symptoms, but to give you confidence to move freely again.
OUR VESTIBULAR PHYSIOTHERAPISTS
At Anytime Physio, your care is in the hands of highly trained clinicians with specific expertise in dizziness, vertigo and balance disorders.
Alan Wan and Leya Koh have both completed further training in vestibular rehabilitation, providing them with advanced knowledge and practical skills in assessing and treating vestibular conditions.
This specialised training allows them to:
- Accurately assess the cause of your vertigo or dizziness
- Differentiate between inner ear, neurological and neck-related causes
- Deliver evidence-based treatments such as repositioning manoeuvres for BPPV
- Design tailored vestibular rehabilitation programs
- Improve balance, stability and confidence with movement
- Reduce symptoms such as spinning, nausea, blurred vision and unsteadiness
They work closely with you to not only relieve your current symptoms, but also to identify and address the underlying causes and reduce the risk of recurrence.
Whether your symptoms came on suddenly, following an illness, head injury, or have gradually worsened over time, Alan and Leya will guide you through a structured, progressive rehabilitation program tailored to your needs, goals and daily life.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How many sessions will I need?
This depends on the cause of your vertigo. BPPV often improves in 1–3 sessions, while other conditions may require a structured program over several weeks.
Can vertigo come back?
Yes, in some cases it can recur, especially with BPPV. The good news is that early treatment and maintenance strategies can reduce recurrence.
Do I need a referral?
No referral is required to see a physiotherapist. However, we are happy to communicate with your GP or specialist if needed.
Will my exercises make me dizzy?
Some exercises may temporarily bring on mild symptoms — this is a normal part of retraining the system and is carefully progressed to stay safe and manageable.
BOOK YOUR VESTIBULAR PHYSIOTHERAPY APPOINTMENT
If dizziness or balance problems are affecting your daily life, don’t wait for it to resolve on its own. Early treatment leads to faster recovery.
- Conveniently located in Newstead, Brisbane
- Same-week appointments often available
- Easy online booking
Book your Vertigo & Vestibular Physiotherapy appointment at Anytime Physio today.