Vertigo and Dizziness

About Vertigo

Vertigo and dizziness can be the result of a variety of different factors. The most common type of vertigo is benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV). This occurs because the calcium crystals within the inner ear become dislodged. This can lead to dizziness, nausea, and loss of balance.

How physical therapy helps

Our physical therapists perform a thorough examination of your balance and vestibular symptoms. We evaluate your visual movements, positioning of your head, neck joint mobility, and balance. At times, we may need to provoke symptoms to determine the exact cause of your vertigo or dizziness.

If you are suffering from dizziness and vertigo, you can benefit from physical therapy intervention to improve symptoms. There are specific vestibular techniques that our physical therapists can perform to settle the calcium deposits in the inner ear and improve your balance systems.

Call Bay State Physical Therapy today to discover how we can stop your vertigo or dizziness and make you feel like yourself again.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Vertigo and Dizziness

Vertigo is a specific type of dizziness characterized by a spinning or moving sensation, even when you are standing still. Dizziness is a broader term that may include lightheadedness, imbalance, unsteadiness, or feeling faint. Vertigo is often related to dysfunction within the inner ear or vestibular system, while dizziness can have multiple underlying causes.

Some mild cases of vertigo or dizziness may improve on their own, especially if symptoms are temporary or related to a minor inner ear disturbance. However, persistent or recurring symptoms often require vestibular rehabilitation therapy or medical evaluation to fully resolve the issue and reduce the risk of future episodes, falls, or balance problems.

Physical therapy is an evidence-based treatment for vertigo and balance disorders because it addresses the underlying dysfunction within the vestibular system rather than simply masking symptoms. Vestibular rehabilitation therapy uses specialized exercises to help retrain the brain, improve balance, reduce dizziness, and restore stability during movement and daily activities.

Vertigo and dizziness can result from inner ear disorders, vestibular dysfunction, concussions, migraines, infections, poor balance control, or neurological conditions. Common causes include benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), vestibular neuritis, and vestibular migraines.

The length of vestibular rehabilitation depends on the severity and cause of symptoms. Some individuals improve after only a few sessions, while others may require several weeks of therapy to restore balance, reduce dizziness, and improve confidence with movement.

You should seek medical evaluation if dizziness or vertigo is persistent, worsening, associated with falls, causes difficulty walking, or interferes with daily activities. Early treatment may help reduce symptoms and improve long-term balance function.