Vertigo and Physical Therapy – How Physiotherapy Can Help

Feeling like the room is spinning, even while standing still? That disorienting sensation is more than just dizziness — it’s vertigo, and it can interfere with your daily life, mobility, and confidence. The good news? You don’t have to suffer in silence. At Riverbend Physiotherapy and Neuro Rehab Clinic in Calgary, we provide specialized physiotherapy treatments for vertigo that restore your balance and help you feel grounded again.

Let’s take a closer look at what vertigo is — and how physiotherapy can be your path to recovery.

1. What Is Vertigo and Why Does It Happen?

Vertigo is often described as a spinning or swaying sensation, even when you’re stationary. It may be caused by:

  • Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV)
  • Inner ear infections or inflammation
  • Meniere’s Disease
  • Vestibular neuritis or labyrinthitis
  • Head trauma or concussion
  • Migraines

The root of the problem typically lies in the vestibular system, which includes parts of the inner ear and brain that help control balance and eye movements.

2. How Physiotherapy Treats Vertigo

Physiotherapy, particularly Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT), is a drug-free, effective approach to managing and reducing vertigo symptoms.

At Riverbend in Calgary, our expert physiotherapists start with a comprehensive assessment to determine the cause and severity of your vertigo. Based on this, we develop a customized treatment plan that may include:

  • Canalith repositioning techniques (Epley maneuver)
  • Balance retraining exercises
  • Gaze stabilization
  • Postural control exercises
  • Neck mobilization and posture correction

These treatments help your brain re-learn how to process balance signals, effectively reducing or eliminating vertigo symptoms over time.

3. Treating BPPV: A Common Cause of Vertigo

BPPV is one of the most common — and treatable — causes of vertigo. It occurs when tiny crystals in the inner ear become dislodged and disrupt your sense of equilibrium.

Our Calgary-based physiotherapists are trained in performing repositioning maneuvers that guide the crystals back to their proper place, often providing immediate relief after just one or two sessions.

4. Building Balance and Confidence

Vertigo can shake your confidence and make simple activities like walking or turning your head feel daunting. With guided balance and coordination exercises, physiotherapy helps you regain control of your movements, reducing the risk of falls and improving your overall stability.

5. When Should You Seek Physiotherapy for Vertigo?

If you experience any of the following, it’s time to see a physiotherapist:

  • Repeated episodes of spinning or light-headedness
  • Loss of balance or unsteadiness
  • Nausea or vomiting related to head movement
  • Fear of falling
  • Trouble focusing or concentrating due to dizziness

At Riverbend, we’re here to help you find long-term relief and return to daily life without fear or discomfort.

Conclusion

Vertigo can be frightening — but it doesn’t have to control your life. With expert physiotherapy at Riverbend in Calgary, you can address the root cause, regain your balance, and get back to doing the things you love. Whether it’s BPPV, vestibular issues, or post-concussion symptoms, our team is here to support you every step of the way.

Say goodbye to spinning and hello to steady. Book your vertigo assessment today!

☯️ Acupuncture now available at Riverbend Physiotherapy Clinic
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