Vertigo and dizziness are among the most uncomfortable and anxiety-causing conditions people experience. A sudden spinning sensation, loss of balance, nausea, or feeling light-headed can interfere with daily life, work, driving, and even simple movements like getting out of bed.
In a fast-paced city like Dubai, where long working hours, extended screen exposure, stress, and sedentary lifestyles are common, cases of vertigo and dizziness are increasing steadily.
Physiotherapy plays a critical role in identifying the cause of vertigo and providing safe, drug-free, long-term relief through targeted rehabilitation techniques.
What Is Vertigo and How Is It Different from Dizziness?
Although the terms are often used interchangeably, vertigo and dizziness are not the same. Understanding the difference is essential because treatment depends on the underlying cause.
- Vertigo is a specific type of dizziness where a spinning or moving sensation is felt even when the body is still
- Dizziness is a broader term that includes light-headedness, imbalance, or a feeling of faintness
Common Symptoms of Vertigo and Dizziness
- Spinning or whirling sensation
- Loss of balance or unsteadiness
- Nausea or vomiting
- Headaches
- Blurred vision
- Difficulty focusing
- Sensitivity to movement
- Neck stiffness
- Feeling pulled to one side while walking
Symptoms may be mild and occasional or severe enough to significantly disrupt daily activities.
Common Causes of Vertigo
Vertigo is commonly linked to issues in the inner ear, vestibular system, or cervical spine.
Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV)
- Most common cause of vertigo
- Occurs due to displacement of calcium crystals in the inner ear
- Triggers spinning sensations during head movements
Vestibular Neuritis or Labyrinthitis
- Inflammation of the vestibular nerve or inner ear
- Often follows viral infections
Cervicogenic Vertigo
- Caused by neck stiffness or cervical spine dysfunction
- Common in people with poor posture or prolonged desk work
Postural and Desk-Related Issues
- Prolonged sitting and poor ergonomics
- Forward head posture affecting balance systems
Stress and Anxiety
- Can worsen dizziness symptoms
- May slow recovery if not addressed
Why Physiotherapy Is Essential for Vertigo Treatment
Many individuals rely solely on medication, which may temporarily suppress symptoms but often does not correct the root cause.
Physiotherapy for vertigo focuses on restoring balance function, retraining the brain, correcting posture, and improving movement patterns. It is evidence-based and widely recommended for long-term recovery.
How Physiotherapy Treats Vertigo and Dizziness
Vestibular Assessment
- Evaluation of balance, eye movements, head motion, posture, and neck mobility
- Helps identify the root cause of symptoms
Canalith Repositioning Maneuvers
- Techniques such as the Epley maneuver
- Used specifically for BPPV to reposition inner ear crystals
Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT)
- Structured exercises to retrain the brain’s balance system
- Improves coordination and motion tolerance
Balance and Gait Training
- Enhances stability during walking
- Builds confidence in daily activities
Cervical Spine Treatment
- Manual therapy and exercises for neck stiffness
- Addresses cervicogenic dizziness
Postural Correction
- Improves desk posture and movement habits
- Reduces strain on balance systems
Conditions Treated with Vertigo Physiotherapy
- BPPV
- Chronic dizziness
- Balance disorders
- Cervicogenic vertigo
- Post-viral vertigo
- Motion sensitivity
- Neck-related headaches with dizziness
- Age-related balance problems
How Long Does Vertigo Treatment Take?
- BPPV may improve within 1–3 physiotherapy sessions
- Vestibular rehabilitation may require several weeks
- Chronic dizziness needs consistent therapy and home exercises
Early treatment usually results in faster and more complete recovery.
Home Physiotherapy for Vertigo in Dubai
Physiotherapy sessions can be safely conducted at home for patients who prefer not to travel.
- Elderly individuals
- Patients with severe dizziness
- Post-viral weakness
- Busy professionals
Therapists ensure safety while guiding patients through progressive exercises.
Can Vertigo Come Back?
Vertigo can recur if the underlying cause is not fully addressed.
- Improved vestibular adaptation
- Stronger balance systems
- Corrected posture
- Patient education and self-management
Consistency with prescribed exercises significantly reduces recurrence.
When Should You See a Physiotherapist for Dizziness?
- Recurrent spinning sensations
- Dizziness lasting more than a few days
- Balance problems while walking
- Dizziness triggered by head movements
- Neck pain associated with dizziness
- Fear of falling
Early intervention prevents symptom progression and improves quality of life.
Physiotherapy vs Medication for Vertigo
Physiotherapy
- Treats the root cause
- Provides long-term improvement
- Improves balance and movement
- No dependency
Medication
- Temporarily suppresses symptoms
- Short-term relief
- May cause drowsiness
- Not ideal for long-term use
Living Confidently Without Dizziness
Vertigo and dizziness can be overwhelming, but with proper assessment and guided physiotherapy, most patients experience significant improvement.
Physiotherapy not only helps reduce symptoms but also restores confidence, balance, and freedom of movement, allowing individuals to live without fear of sudden dizziness episodes.