Quick answer
Vertigo is the false sensation of spinning, most often caused by loose crystals in the inner ear (BPPV) or inner-ear balance disorders. Vestibular physiotherapists can diagnose the type in one visit — and BPPV is often fixed in the same session with repositioning manoeuvres. Physiotherapy is a proven, first-line treatment for vertigo.
What Is Vertigo?
Vertigo is a spinning sensation that comes from the balance system of the inner ear or the brain’s processing of it — not from fear of heights, despite the popular use of the word. The most common cause, BPPV, affects roughly half of people over 65 at some point.
Learn how we assess the whole system on our vestibular rehabilitation page.
Common Symptoms of Vertigo
Symptoms vary from person to person, but vertigo most often shows up as:
- A spinning sensation when lying down, rolling over or looking up
- Brief episodes triggered by head position changes
- Nausea or motion sickness with the spinning
- Imbalance or veering while walking
- A feeling of fullness or pressure in the ear
- Blurry vision or unsteadiness during head movement
What Causes Vertigo?
Common causes and risk factors include:
- BPPV — displaced inner-ear crystals (most common)
- Vestibular neuritis — viral inflammation of the balance nerve
- Ménière’s disease — inner-ear fluid pressure changes
- Vestibular migraine — migraine affecting the balance system
- Neck-related dizziness after whiplash
- Reduced blood flow or neurological causes needing medical care
How Physiotherapy Treats Vertigo
Your plan is tailored to your assessment findings, but most treatment plans combine:
- Diagnostic testing to identify which part of the balance system misfires
- Canalith repositioning manoeuvres (e.g. Epley) — often resolving BPPV in 1–3 sessions
- Gaze-stability exercises to retrain the vestibulo-ocular reflex
- Balance retraining for steadier walking and stairs
- Habituation exercises for motion-provoked symptoms
At Dynamic Balance Physiotherapy & Vestibular Rehab Clinic in Clayton, Cloverdale, Surrey & Langley, BC, every plan is one-on-one, evidence-based and built around your goals — no two treatment plans are alike.
What to Expect at Your First Visit
Your first appointment is a 45-minute one-on-one assessment. Your physiotherapist reviews your health history, tests the movement, strength and joints involved in your vertigo, explains what is actually driving your symptoms, and usually starts treatment the same day. You leave with a clear diagnosis, a personalized plan and realistic milestones — no doctor’s referral needed.
Vertigo FAQs
Do I need a referral to physiotherapy for Vertigo?
No. In BC, physiotherapists are primary-care practitioners, so you can book directly with us. If your symptoms ever need a physician’s eyes, we will tell you and point you in the right direction.
Can vertigo go away without treatment?
BPPV sometimes resolves spontaneously over weeks — but repositioning manoeuvres fix it in days, and leaving it invites falls and lost confidence. Other causes rarely settle without targeted therapy, so an accurate diagnosis first is the fastest route back.
How many sessions will my Vertigo need?
Most patients notice meaningful improvement within 4–8 visits, though recovery varies with severity and how long symptoms have been present. Your physiotherapist gives you a personalized estimate after the first assessment.
Get Vertigo Relief in Surrey & Langley
If vertigo is limiting your day, the team at Dynamic Balance Physiotherapy & Vestibular Rehab Clinic is ready to help. Book online or call — same-week appointments are usually available, and we direct bill ICBC, WorkSafeBC and most extended-health plans.