We’ve all experienced dizziness at some point — that unsettling sensation of the room spinning or feeling like you’re about to fall. But when dizziness becomes frequent or intense, it’s not just inconvenient — it’s a sign that your vestibular system might need attention. At Riverbend Physiotherapy & Neuro Rehab Clinic in Calgary, we specialize in vestibular rehabilitation therapy (VRT), a powerful, drug-free solution to restore your balance and peace of mind.
Let’s break down the causes of dizziness and how physiotherapy can help you feel steady again.
1. What Causes Dizziness?
Dizziness can come from various sources, and identifying the root cause is the first step toward recovery. Common causes include:
- Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV)
- Inner ear infections or inflammation
- Vestibular migraines
- Post-concussion syndrome
- Neck-related dizziness (cervicogenic dizziness)
- Low blood pressure or medication side effects
If your dizziness comes with symptoms like nausea, spinning sensations (vertigo), unsteadiness, or trouble focusing, it’s likely related to vestibular dysfunction, which physiotherapy can effectively treat.
2. What Is Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT)?
VRT is a specialized form of physiotherapy focused on the inner ear and brain’s balance system. At Riverbend Physiotherapy, our Calgary vestibular specialists create personalized programs to retrain your brain and body to manage dizziness better.
Your treatment might include:
- Balance training exercises
- Eye-head coordination drills
- Gait retraining
- Canalith repositioning techniques (like the Epley maneuver for BPPV)
- Neck mobility and strengthening exercises
These gentle yet effective techniques help reduce symptoms, restore balance, and improve your quality of life.
3. Physiotherapy for BPPV and Vertigo
BPPV is one of the most common and treatable causes of dizziness. It happens when small crystals in your inner ear shift out of place, disrupting balance signals to your brain. At Riverbend, our therapists are trained in repositioning maneuvers like the Epley or Semont techniques that gently move the crystals back, often resolving dizziness in just 1-2 sessions.
4. Neck-Related Dizziness (Cervicogenic Dizziness)
If your dizziness is accompanied by neck stiffness or pain, you might be experiencing cervicogenic dizziness. Poor posture, whiplash, or chronic neck tension can affect the signals from your spine to your brain, confusing your balance system. Physiotherapy can help by addressing neck mobility, improving posture, and strengthening supporting muscles to reduce dizziness.
5. Improving Balance and Preventing Falls
Persistent dizziness can lead to poor balance, increasing your risk of falling — especially in older adults. Our physiotherapists assess your gait, strength, and coordination, then create a customized fall prevention plan to boost your confidence and reduce your fall risk.
6. When Should You Seek Help for Dizziness?
If dizziness is:
- Recurring or lasting more than a few days
- Affecting your daily life
- Accompanied by nausea, hearing changes, or falls
…it’s time to seek help. Our team in Calgary will work with you to identify the cause and create a treatment plan tailored to your needs.
Conclusion
Dizziness is not something you have to live with. Whether it’s vertigo, imbalance, or unexplained wooziness, physiotherapy can offer real solutions. At Riverbend Physiotherapy & Neuro Rehab Clinic in Calgary, our expert team uses evidence-based vestibular rehabilitation to restore balance, reduce dizziness, and get you back to living confidently.
Don’t let dizziness hold you back — book your assessment today and take the first step toward a clearer, steadier tomorrow.
