Vertigo and Dizziness Management

Vertigo and dizziness can be unsettling and disruptive, often affecting balance, movement and confidence in everyday activities. At Cairns Total Physio, we provide assessment and treatment to help identify the cause of your symptoms and guide you through a clear and supportive recovery process.

We commonly see patients experiencing dizziness related to inner ear and balance conditions, with BPPV (benign paroxysmal positional vertigo) being one of the most frequent presentations. Our approach focuses on helping you understand your symptoms, feel reassured, and return to normal movement as quickly and safely as possible.

What to expect from your appointment

All appointments are delivered as 30‑minute, one‑on‑one consultations with your physiotherapist.

We begin by listening carefully to your symptoms, including:

• When your dizziness occurs
• What movements or positions trigger it
• How it is affecting your daily life

This is followed by a targeted assessment, which may include:

• Positional testing for [BPPV]
• Eye and balance testing
• Movement and coordination assessment

This allows us to determine the most likely cause of your symptoms and guide appropriate treatment.

Understanding vertigo and dizziness

Dizziness can have a number of causes. One of the most common is BPPV, which occurs when small crystals in the inner ear move out of place and affect balance signals.

BPPV often presents as:

• Brief episodes of spinning when turning in bed or looking up/down
• Sudden dizziness with position changes
• Feeling off balance or unsteady

Other causes of dizziness we may assess and manage include:

• [neck-related dizziness] (cervicogenic dizziness)
• Vestibular or inner ear conditions
• General [balance issues]
• Dizziness following illness or injury

Treatment and recovery

Treatment depends on the cause of your dizziness.

For BPPV, treatment often involves specific repositioning techniques designed to move the crystals back into place. These techniques are:

• Evidence-based
• Performed in the clinic
• Often effective in improving symptoms quickly

For other types of dizziness, treatment may include:

• Balance and coordination exercises
• Gradual movement exposure
• Neck and postural treatment (if contributing)
• Education and reassurance

Your physiotherapist will guide you through each step, ensuring you feel safe, informed and supported throughout your recovery.

A simple and supportive approach

We understand that dizziness can feel worrying, especially if it comes on suddenly or affects your confidence with movement. Our approach is focused on:

• Clear explanation of your symptoms
• Simple, structured treatment
• Gradual return to normal activities
• Ongoing support as symptoms improve

Most patients benefit from a step-by-step approach, with improvements seen as your system adapts and symptoms settle.

Who this service is for

Vertigo and dizziness physiotherapy may be suitable if you:

• Experience spinning sensations or vertigo
• Feel dizzy with head or position changes
• Have difficulty with balance or walking confidently
• Have ongoing or unexplained dizziness symptoms

We aim to help you feel more in control of your symptoms and confident in your movement again.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is BPPV?

BPPV (benign paroxysmal positional vertigo) is a common cause of vertigo related to the inner ear. It often causes brief spinning sensations with head movements such as rolling in bed or looking up.

Can vertigo be treated with physiotherapy?

Yes. Many causes of vertigo, particularly BPPV, can be effectively managed with physiotherapy using specific assessment and treatment techniques.

How quickly will my symptoms improve?

For BPPV, symptoms often improve quickly with treatment. Other types of dizziness may take longer, but typically improve with a structured rehabilitation approach.

Is dizziness always caused by the inner ear?

Not always. Dizziness can also be related to the neck, balance system, or other factors, which is why a thorough assessment is important.

Do I need a referral to be seen?

No referral is required. You can book directly with our team, and we can assess and guide appropriate treatment based on your symptoms.