The room keeps spinning. Can physio help?

Why the room spins

Vertigo is the feeling that you or the room is spinning, even when you are still. Dizziness can also feel like swimming, floating, or being off balance.

One common cause is a problem in the balance organ of the inner ear, which can be set off by rolling over in bed or looking up. It can come in short, strong spells.

Dizziness makes people fear moving, so they move less and become unsteady. The right exercises can help the balance system settle and adapt.

What a physiotherapist works on

Our physiotherapist checks your balance, your eye and head movements, and what brings on the dizziness. This helps work out what is driving it.

For many types of dizziness, specific exercises retrain the balance system so the brain adapts and the spinning settles. For some inner ear causes, careful head positioning techniques can help.

We build the exercises up safely, with support, and train steadiness so you feel confident moving again. We teach the family how to help between sessions.

Moving safely while dizzy

While dizziness settles, a few steps lower the risk of a fall. Rising slowly from bed or a chair gives the head time to adjust.

A clear floor, good light, and a rail to hold in the bathroom all add safety. We help the family set these up.

Doing the balance exercises as taught, little and often, helps the system adapt over time. We guide the pace so the exercises challenge without overwhelming you.

When to see a doctor first

Most everyday dizziness is safe to treat, but some signs need urgent care. Get help fast if dizziness comes with sudden weakness, numbness, slurred speech, a bad headache, or double vision, as these can point to a stroke.

See a doctor if there is new hearing loss, chest pain, fainting, or a fast, uneven heartbeat with the dizziness.

A doctor should look first when the cause is unclear. We work alongside them, and start balance work once it is safe.