Understanding the Difference — and How Physical Therapy Can Help

What Is Vertigo?

Vertigo is a false sensation of spinning or movement. You may feel like:

  • The room is spinning
  • You are tilting or swaying
  • The ground is moving beneath you

Vertigo is often related to problems in the inner ear (vestibular system), which controls balance.

What Is Dizziness?

Dizziness is a broader term that can describe:

  • Lightheadedness
  • Feeling faint
  • Unsteadiness
  • Imbalance while walking
  • A foggy or off-balance sensation

Not all dizziness is vertigo, but both can significantly affect daily life.

Common Causes of Vertigo and Dizziness

Several conditions can affect your balance system and contribute to symptoms of vertigo or dizziness.

  • Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV)
  • Inner ear dysfunction
  • Vestibular neuritis
  • Concussion
  • Migraine
  • Neck problems
  • Age-related balance decline

How a Physical Therapist Can Help

Vestibular physical therapists are specially trained to evaluate and treat vertigo and balance disorders using safe, evidence-based techniques.

Treatment May Include:

  • Canalith repositioning maneuvers to treat BPPV
  • Vestibular rehabilitation exercises to retrain the brain and inner ear
  • Gaze stabilization exercises to improve visual focus during movement
  • Balance and walking training
  • Neck mobility and strengthening exercises when symptoms are cervicogenic
  • Fall prevention strategies and home safety recommendations

Benefits of Vestibular Physical Therapy

With an individualized treatment plan, physical therapy can help:

  • Reduce dizziness and vertigo symptoms
  • Improve balance and coordination
  • Increase confidence with walking and daily activities
  • Lower the risk of falls
  • Restore independence and quality of life

When to Seek Physical Therapy

Consider scheduling an evaluation if you experience any of the following:

  • Spinning sensations when rolling in bed or looking up
  • Persistent imbalance or unsteadiness
  • Recent falls or near-falls
  • Ongoing dizziness after a concussion
  • Avoidance of movement due to symptoms
  • Difficulty focusing your vision during movement

The Bottom Line

Vertigo and dizziness are common, but they are highly treatable. A comprehensive physical therapy evaluation can identify the underlying cause of your symptoms and guide an effective treatment plan.

Through targeted vestibular rehabilitation, balance training, and patient education, physical therapy can help reduce symptoms, restore stability, and get you back to moving confidently.