Vertigo Relief Through Movement: The Role of Physical Therapy in Restoring Balance

Vertigo is often described as a sensation of spinning or imbalance, but it is more than just dizziness. It is a complex symptom that can disrupt daily life and significantly impact physical health and emotional well-being. Whether caused by vestibular dysfunction, neurological issues, or musculoskeletal misalignment, vertigo requires a thoughtful and comprehensive approach to care.

 

 

At Saffron & Sage in San Diego, we believe that restoring balance is not just about managing symptoms. It involves identifying the root causes and supporting the body through movement and integrative therapies that promote long-term healing.

Understanding Vertigo and Its Underlying Causes

Vertigo is most often related to dysfunction in the vestibular system, which includes parts of the inner ear and brain that regulate balance and eye movements. Common conditions that contribute to vertigo include:

• Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV)

• Vestibular Neuritis

• Ménière’s Disease

• Migraines

• Cervicogenic Dizziness (related to the cervical spine)

It is estimated that nearly 40 percent of people over the age of 40 will experience vertigo at some point in their lives (National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders). While medications may provide temporary relief, sustainable healing often comes through integrative, movement-based care that supports alignment, nervous system regulation, and balance.

The Connection Between Physical Health and Vertigo

When the body is misaligned or suffering from muscular imbalances, the vestibular system becomes more easily compromised. Physical therapy targets these imbalances by helping patients:

• Strengthen supportive muscles around the neck and spine

• Improve joint mobility and flexibility

• Recalibrate the brain-body connection

• Train the eyes and inner ear to better stabilize balance

This connection between physical health and vertigo underscores the importance of therapeutic movement in treatment plans.

How Physical Therapy Helps Restore Balance

At Saffron & Sage, our approach to vertigo relief includes personalized protocols and treatments that complement physical therapy protocols. Those physical therapy programs are designed to help retrain the body’s balance systems and restore a sense of stability.

1. Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT)

VRT is a specialized form of physical therapy designed specifically to reduce dizziness and improve stability. This is achieved through exercises that stimulate the vestibular system and promote central nervous system compensation. A study in the Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation found that patients undergoing VRT had significantly greater improvements in balance and vertigo symptoms compared to those on medication alone (source: Effectiveness of Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy).

2. Manual Therapy and Cervical Spine Work

Misalignments in the cervical spine can interfere with the brain’s ability to process vestibular input. Physical therapists use manual therapy to restore alignment, release tension, and reduce nerve impingement that may trigger or exacerbate vertigo symptoms. According to research published in the Journal of Manual & Manipulative Therapy, cervical spine mobilization significantly reduces cervicogenic dizziness (Cervical Manual Therapy for Dizziness).

3. Balance and Gait Training

Physical therapy focuses on improving proprioception (awareness of body position), which can be impaired in those with chronic vertigo. Exercises like tandem walking, single-leg stance, and dynamic gait activities help rewire the neuromuscular system to improve control and confidence.

4. Eye-Head Coordination Exercises

The vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR) plays a critical role in maintaining visual focus during head movement. Physical therapists incorporate gaze stabilization exercises to train the brain and eyes to work in harmony, reducing vertigo during motion.

Holistic Healthcare and Vertigo Recovery

While physical therapy is a core component of vertigo treatment, it is most effective when supported by a holistic approach. At Saffron & Sage, we treat the whole person by combining movement therapy with complementary therapies that regulate the nervous system, support emotional well-being, and address inflammation and nutrient status.

Holistic Services That Support Vertigo Relief Include:

• Acupuncture: Helps regulate the nervous system and reduce inflammation.

• Breathwork & Meditation: Supports the parasympathetic system and helps regulate anxiety that often accompanies vertigo.

• Nutritional Therapy: Focuses on reducing inflammation and supporting inner ear function through diet and hydration.

• Functional Lab Testing: Identifies nutrient deficiencies, chronic inflammation, and other underlying contributors that may be influencing vestibular health (Integrative Approaches to Vertigo and Dizziness).

Targeted Physical Therapy Exercises for Vertigo Relief

Your care team may recommend a combination of the following exercises based on your diagnosis:

• Gaze Stabilization: Focus on a fixed point while moving your head from side to side to retrain visual focus. 

• Brandt-Daroff Maneuvers: A series of positional exercises that help reposition displaced crystals in cases of BPPV. 

• Habituation Training: Repeated exposure to movements that cause dizziness in order to reduce sensitivity over time. 

• Proprioceptive Challenges: Standing on soft surfaces or shifting your weight while moving your head to improve body awareness and stability. 

Movement as Medicine

At Saffron & Sage, we believe movement is medicine. Our integrative approach to vertigo combines evidence-based physical therapy with holistic support to address the root causes of imbalance. Whether your symptoms are occasional or persistent, our team collaborates to create a personalized care plan that supports lasting recovery.

Ready to Find Your Center Again?

If vertigo is disrupting your daily life, our team at Saffron & Sage is here to help. We will begin with a full-body assessment and guide you through a customized plan rooted in science and delivered with compassion. Let us help you take the next step toward clarity, stability, and renewed confidence.

 Contact us today at 619-933-2340 to learn more about our services.