Vertigo — the sensation that you or the world around you is spinning — can be disorienting, frightening, and significantly limiting. Physiotherapy with vestibular rehabilitation is the most evidenced treatment. Acupuncture, craniosacral therapy, and dietary approaches provide useful adjunct support depending on the underlying cause.
See therapies that may helpVertigo is not just dizziness — it is a specific sensation of movement, typically spinning, that occurs when the brain receives conflicting information from the balance system. The most common cause is benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), in which calcium crystals become displaced in the inner ear.
Vestibular neuritis and Meniere's disease are other common causes. Treatment depends significantly on the underlying cause, making accurate diagnosis important.
Symptoms of vertigo include:
In Meniere's disease, episodes are typically accompanied by tinnitus, a sense of ear fullness, and fluctuating hearing loss. Anxiety about falls and the unpredictability of attacks is common.
Effective approaches for vertigo depend on the underlying cause:
Vertigo warrants medical diagnosis before commencing treatment, as the cause determines the most appropriate approach. New onset severe vertigo, vertigo with neurological symptoms, or vertigo following head injury requires urgent medical assessment.
Showing 10 therapies linked to Vertigo support.
| Therapy | Evidence | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Cognitive Behavioural Therapist |
strong
|
Helps reframe the fear and avoidance that often follow dizzy spells, reducing the anxiety that can worsen and prolong vertigo. |
| Physiotherapist |
strong
|
Vestibular rehabilitation exercises retrain the balance system and the brain to compensate, easing dizziness and unsteadiness. |
| Acupuncturist |
moderate
|
Some people find acupuncture helps relieve the nausea and dizziness of vertigo, though evidence is limited and it complements proper assessment. |
| Chiropractor |
moderate
|
Occasionally used for vertigo linked to neck problems; evidence is limited, so it should support, not replace, proper vestibular assessment. |
| Counsellor |
moderate
|
Offers space to process the distress and loss of confidence that recurrent vertigo can bring, supporting day-to-day coping. |
| Hypnotherapist |
moderate
|
May help some people manage the anxiety and tension surrounding dizzy spells, though evidence is limited and it should not replace medical care. |
| Mindfulness Practitioner |
moderate
|
Mindfulness practices can steady attention during dizzy episodes and lower the stress and tension that often amplify vertigo symptoms. |
| Nutritional Therapist |
moderate
|
Reviewing diet, hydration and triggers like salt or caffeine may support conditions such as Meniere's; evidence is limited and it aids medical care. |
| Osteopath |
moderate
|
Gentle osteopathic work may ease neck-related tension thought to contribute to dizziness, though evidence is limited and it supports formal assessment. |
| Psychotherapist |
moderate
|
Provides longer-term support for the anxiety, low mood and avoidance that chronic vertigo can drive, alongside appropriate medical treatment. |
The Epley manoeuvre is a series of head position changes performed by a physiotherapist to reposition displaced crystals in the inner ear. It is highly effective for BPPV.
Not exactly. Dizziness is a broad term including lightheadedness; vertigo specifically involves a spinning sensation related to the vestibular system.
Yes. Sodium restriction and hydration management are cornerstones of Meniere's management and can significantly reduce the frequency of attacks.