Vertigo & Dizziness Treatment | Vestibular Physiotherapy | Orthopaedic Institute

Vertigo is the feeling that you or the room is spinning. It can come on when you roll over in bed, look up or bend down, and it can make everyday tasks feel unsafe. The good news is that many common causes of vertigo respond well to physiotherapy.

What causes vertigo?

Your inner ear helps your brain sense movement and balance. When something in that system goes wrong, your brain gets mixed signals and you feel dizzy. Common causes include:

• BPPV (benign paroxysmal positional vertigo): tiny crystals in the inner ear move out of place. Short bursts of spinning are triggered by head movements. This is the most common cause.
• Vestibular neuritis or labyrinthitis: inflammation of the vestibular nerve or inner ear, often after a virus.
• Concussion: dizziness and balance problems are common after a head injury.

How vestibular physiotherapy works

Vestibular rehabilitation is specialized physiotherapy for dizziness and balance problems. Your physiotherapist will:

1. Ask what brings on your symptoms and how long they last
2. Test your balance and eye movements, which may include specialized equipment such as infrared goggles
3. Treat the cause, such as repositioning maneuvers for BPPV
4. Give you exercises to improve your balance and help manage symptoms at home

How fast can it work?

BPPV often improves after one or two treatments, although additional sessions may be required. Other causes, like inner ear inflammation or concussion, may require a longer rehabilitation period, depending on the condition and individual response to treatment.

When dizziness needs urgent care

Call 911 or go to the emergency department if dizziness comes with a sudden severe headache, chest pain, trouble speaking, weakness or numbness on one side, double vision, or fainting.

Cost and insurance

You don't need a referral for vestibular physiotherapy, although your insurance may require one for reimbursement. It's billed as physiotherapy, so it's covered by most extended health plans, and we bill many insurers directly.

Dealing with dizziness? Call 289-674-4400 to book a vestibular assessment.