Dizziness is characterized by sensations of fainting, wooziness, or a feeling that the world around you is spinning. While the condition is very common, it should never be ignored; it can disrupt your daily routine, cause falls, and significantly affect your quality of life. At Brookswood Plus Physiotherapy, our experienced team of vestibular specialists is here to identify the root cause of your dizziness and guide you back to confident, steady movement. Serving the Brookswood, Langley, and surrounding communities, we offer evidence-based, hands-on care that gets results.
What Causes Dizziness?Â
Dizziness occurs when the systems your body relies on for balance fail to work in proper coordination. Your inner ears, eyes, central nervous system, and soft tissues all send continuous signals to the brain to help you stay upright and oriented. When this flow of information is disrupted, whether by injury, illness, or age-related changes, you experience dizziness.
Inner ear disorders are the most frequent culprit among adults. The vestibular system, housed within the inner ear, plays a central role in regulating balance. As we age or following events like a whiplash injury, concussion, or viral infection, the inner ear’s functioning can deteriorate and send incorrect signals to the brain. Other contributing causes include:
- Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV), caused by displaced calcium crystals in the ear canals
- Vestibular neuritis, inflammation of the nerve connecting the inner ear to the brain
- Labyrinthitis is an inner ear infection causing both dizziness and hearing changes
- Dehydration and low blood pressure
- Anxiety and stress
- Motion sickness
- Low blood sugar
- Neurological conditions affecting the central nervous system
What Are the Symptoms?Â
Dizziness presents differently from person to person. Some patients describe a sensation of spinning (vertigo), while others feel light-headed, off-balance, or as though they may faint. We see patients with a wide range of symptoms, including:
- A spinning or tilting sensation (vertigo)
- Feeling unsteady on their feet
- Nausea and vomiting
- Confusion or disorientation
- Difficulty focusing or tracking objects visually
- Sudden loss of balance when turning the head
- Sensitivity to movement or bright lights
These symptoms can strike suddenly and last anywhere from a few seconds to several hours. If you are experiencing any of these signs, we encourage you to speak with our team promptly. Physiotherapy is a safe, effective, and non-invasive treatment for most forms of dizziness and vertigo, with no medication side effects.
How Physiotherapy Helps Manage Dizziness?Â
At Brookswood Plus Physiotherapy, we take a thorough, personalized approach to dizziness treatment. No two patients are alike, and our physiotherapists first conduct a detailed assessment to pinpoint the exact cause of your symptoms before recommending any treatment.
Vestibular Repositioning (Canalith Repositioning)Â
In cases of acute vertigo, particularly BPPV, the inner ear sends incorrect signals to the brain due to displaced calcium crystals (canaliths). This leaves the brain unable to properly determine your head’s position, resulting in the hallmark spinning sensation. Our vestibular physiotherapists use proven repositioning maneuvers, including the Epley Maneuver, to guide these particles back to their proper location, restoring accurate signals to the brain and providing immediate relief for many patients.
Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT)Â
Once acute symptoms stabilize, our physiotherapists introduce Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy, a specialized exercise-based program designed to address the underlying dysfunction. VRT works on the principle that controlled, repeated exposure to the movements that trigger dizziness can gradually retrain the brain to adapt to and correctly interpret signals from the balance organs. Over time, these exercises reduce symptom intensity and frequency.
VRT programs at our Langley Physio clinic typically include:
- Gaze stabilization exercises to improve the ability to focus on objects during head movement
- Balance and coordination training to reduce the risk of falls and improve stability
- Habituation exercises to desensitize the nervous system to movements that provoke symptoms
- Strength and posture training to support the overall vestibular system
Who Is at Risk?
Dizziness can affect people of all ages, but certain groups are more vulnerable. Older adults are at higher risk due to natural age-related changes in the vestibular system. People who have experienced whiplash injuries, head trauma, concussions, or prolonged bed rest are also commonly affected. Additionally, those dealing with chronic stress or anxiety may notice worsening balance symptoms. If any of these factors apply to you, our team at Brookswood, Langley, is ready to help you take the first step.
Why Choose Brookswood Plus Physiotherapy for Vertigo & Dizziness Care?
Our clinic is designed with your comfort and recovery in mind. Here is what sets us apart:
- Specialized vestibular therapists with extensive clinical experience in dizziness and balance disorders
- Individualized treatment plans tailored to your specific diagnosis, medical history, and lifestyle
- Evidence-based techniques grounded in the latest research in vestibular rehabilitation
- Holistic, root-cause approach, we treat the source of your symptoms, not just the symptoms themselves
- Convenient location in the heart of Brookswood with free parking and wheelchair accessibility
- Extended hours, including early morning and evening appointments, to fit your schedule
- No doctor referral needed, you can book directly and get started right away
- Direct billing available for most extended health insurance plans
We guide you through every stage of your recovery from your first assessment to your final exercise session, ensuring you feel supported, informed, and confident every step of the way.
Take the First Step Towards Balance
Living with vertigo can be frustrating, but the right care makes a significant difference. With expert guidance from Brookswood Plus Physiotherapy, you can overcome dizziness and return to your daily routine with confidence.
Book your appointment today with our Langley Physio team and start your journey toward lasting relief.
FAQsÂ
What causes vertigo and dizziness?
Vertigo and dizziness are often caused by inner ear issues such as BPPV, vestibular neuritis, or migraines. Neck problems and head injuries can also contribute to balance disturbances.
Can physiotherapy treat vertigo effectively?
Yes, physiotherapy is highly effective for vertigo. Techniques like vestibular rehabilitation and repositioning manoeuvres help reduce symptoms and restore balance naturally.
How long does it take to recover from vertigo?
Recovery time varies depending on the cause. Many patients see improvement within a few sessions, while others may need several weeks of consistent treatment.
What is Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT)?
VRT is a specialized exercise program designed to improve balance, reduce dizziness, and retrain the brain to process movement signals correctly.
When should I seek treatment for dizziness?
You should seek treatment if dizziness is frequent, severe, triggered by movement, or affects your daily activities and balance.