McHenry Physical Therapy Exercises for Vertigo Treatment
Feeling like the room is spinning or that you might lose your balance can be unsettling. Vertigo can affect your confidence, your mobility, and even simple daily tasks. The good news is that physical therapy can often help relieve, and even eliminate, vertigo symptoms safely and effectively.
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What Is Vertigo?
Vertigo is a sensation that you or your surroundings are moving or spinning when they’re actually still. It’s not a condition on its own, but a symptom of a problem in your inner ear or brain that affects balance.
The most common cause of vertigo is Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV). This happens when tiny calcium crystals in your inner ear become displaced, sending confusing signals to your brain about your body’s position.
Other causes can include inner ear infections, migraines, or head injuries — but BPPV is by far the most frequent.
Symptoms of Vertigo
Vertigo can range from mild and occasional to severe and constant. Common symptoms include:
- A spinning or tilting sensation
- Loss of balance or unsteadiness
- Nausea or vomiting
- Blurred vision
- Dizziness when moving your head or changing position
- Difficulty focusing
If you notice these symptoms, especially when rolling over in bed, bending down, or looking up, you may be experiencing BPPV or another vestibular issue that physical therapy can help with.
Can Physical Therapy Help Treat Vertigo?
Yes. For many people, physical therapy is one of the most effective treatments for vertigo, especially for BPPV. Specialized physical therapists use specific head and body movements that help reposition the crystals in your inner ear so they stop sending false signals to your brain.
In many cases, relief happens in just one or two sessions.
How Does Vestibular Rehabilitation Work?
Vestibular rehabilitation therapy (VRT) is a type of physical therapy designed to retrain your brain and body to adapt to balance problems caused by inner ear issues. Your McHenry physical therapist will first perform a full evaluation to identify the cause of your vertigo and how it affects your movement, balance, and vision.
Then, they’ll design a personalized program that may include:
- Repositioning maneuvers (like the Epley maneuver) to move displaced crystals back where they belong
- Gaze stabilization exercises to help your eyes stay focused when your head moves
- Balance training to improve steadiness and confidence
- Habituation exercises that gently reduce dizziness triggers over time
This targeted approach helps your nervous system adapt and restores normal movement without dizziness.
What Happens During Therapy?
Your first physical therapy visit will usually include a conversation about your symptoms, medical history, and when you feel dizzy. The physical therapist near you will perform tests to pinpoint which ear and movement are causing your vertigo.
If BPPV is confirmed, we’ll guide you through repositioning maneuvers during that same session. You may feel brief dizziness during the movements, but it usually passes quickly.
Follow-up visits often focus on balance exercises, coordination, and strengthening to make sure the vertigo doesn’t come back.
How Long Will It Take to Feel Better?
One of the most common questions our physical therapists hear regarding physical therapy treatment for vertigo is, “How long will physical therapy take?” Many people with BPPV feel better after just one to three sessions. Others may need several weeks of vestibular therapy, especially if their vertigo is caused by another condition or if they’ve been avoiding movement due to fear of dizziness. It may take longer if you are recovering from a concussion, though our concussion management specialist can help you get back on your feet.
In general, most people notice significant improvement within 6 to 8 weeks.
What Are the Benefits of Physical Therapy for Vertigo?
- Quick, often lasting relief from dizziness
- Improved balance and coordination
- Reduced risk of falls
- More confidence in movement
- No medications or surgery required
Physical therapy is safe, non-invasive, and tailored to your specific needs and comfort level.
Are There Any Risks or Side Effects?
It’s common to feel brief dizziness during or after your session; this usually means the therapy is working as your body readjusts. Serious side effects are very rare.
Your McHenry physical therapist near you will move at your pace, ensuring every exercise or maneuver feels safe and manageable.
Why Does Physical Therapy for Vertigo Work?
Physical therapy helps retrain your vestibular system, the part of your inner ear and brain that controls balance. Through repeated movements and controlled exercises, your brain learns to interpret signals correctly again.
For BPPV, repositioning maneuvers directly fix the root cause by returning those displaced crystals to their proper place, often stopping vertigo almost immediately.
Why It Might Not Work
If your vertigo is caused by something other than BPPV, such as a neurological condition, low blood pressure, or an infection, physical therapy alone might not fully resolve your symptoms. In those cases, your therapist can refer you to the right specialist for further testing or treatment.
Physical Therapy Exercises to Help Treat Vertigo
Your physical therapist may teach you gentle exercises to do at home between sessions. These could include:
- Epley maneuver (for BPPV)
- Brandt-Daroff exercises to reduce dizziness sensitivity
- Balance and gaze stabilization drills
It’s best not to try these on your own without guidance, since doing them incorrectly can make symptoms worse.
What to Expect After Treatment
Most patients experience noticeable relief right away. As your balance and confidence improve, you’ll be able to return to daily activities without fear of dizziness. Your therapist may give you maintenance exercises to prevent future flare-ups.
Contact Our McHenry Physical Therapists for Vertigo Treatment
If you’re tired of feeling dizzy or off balance, physical therapy could be the solution. Our licensed therapists can assess your symptoms, perform proven repositioning techniques, and help you regain control, so you can move confidently again.
Contact us today to schedule your appointment and start feeling like yourself again.
For more information or to schedule an appointment, please contact us today.
FAQ
How do I know if I have BPPV?
You might notice vertigo triggered by certain head movements, like rolling over or looking up. A physical therapist can perform quick, painless tests to confirm it.
Can vertigo go away on its own?
Sometimes mild vertigo resolves naturally, but if it lasts more than a few days or keeps coming back, treatment can speed recovery and prevent falls.
Do I need a doctor’s referral?
In Illinois, you can see a physical therapist directly without a referral in most cases. If needed, your therapist can coordinate with your physician.