Vertigo & Dizziness
Vertigo is a specific type of dizziness where the world feels like it's spinning, moving or tilting, even when you are still. The good news is that most causes of vertigo respond extremely well to targeted physiotherapy.
About Vertigo & Dizziness
People often describe vertigo as feeling off-balance, unsteady, or as if they're being pulled to one side. It may be accompanied by nausea, blurred vision or difficulty focusing. Common triggers include rolling over in bed, looking up or down, turning your head quickly, standing up or bending forward, and walking in busy environments.
Vertigo is most commonly caused by a problem in the inner ear or the balance system (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.
True vertigo is different from general light-headedness or faintness, which is more often related to blood pressure, dehydration or heart issues. Vertigo usually points to a vestibular or neurological cause, and most causes respond extremely well to targeted physiotherapy.
Conditions We Treat
Our physiotherapists are trained to assess and manage a wide range of vestibular and balance-related conditions.
How We Treat It
Vestibular physiotherapy is a specialised form of rehabilitation that helps the brain and balance system re-learn how to respond correctly to movement. 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, and gradual exposure to movements that trigger symptoms.
BPPV can be treated with a combination of postural manoeuvres and simple exercises. The aim 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 manoeuvre, though sometimes a second session is required.
Your first appointment is thorough but always gentle and supportive. We take a detailed history of your symptoms, screen your visual, balance and neurological systems, perform positional testing for BPPV, assess balance, gait and coordination, and check your cervical spine. You'll leave with a clear explanation of your diagnosis, initial treatment on the day, and a personalised home exercise program.
Our Vestibular Physiotherapists
Common Questions
This depends on the cause of your vertigo. BPPV often improves in 1 to 3 sessions, while other conditions may require a structured program over several weeks.
Yes, in some cases it can recur, especially with BPPV. The good news is that early treatment and maintenance strategies can reduce recurrence.
No referral is required to see a physiotherapist. However, we're happy to communicate with your GP or specialist if needed.
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.
Related services
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Extended hours at Gasworks Plaza, Newstead. Same-day appointments often available.