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Vertigo & Dizziness
Treatment & Physiotherapy

Vertigo and dizziness can be caused by vestibular disorders like BPPV, labyrinthitis, or Meniere's disease. Physiotherapy offers highly effective treatment through repositioning maneuvers, vestibular exercises, and balance retraining to eliminate or significantly reduce symptoms.

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Common Symptoms of Vertigo & Dizziness

Spinning sensation when changing head position
Loss of balance and unsteadiness
Nausea and vomiting with dizziness
Difficulty focusing the eyes during movement
Lightheadedness when standing up

Symptom Severity Profile

* Typical severity profile. Individual symptoms may vary.

What Causes Vertigo & Dizziness?

Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) from displaced calcium carbonate crystals in the semicircular canals
Vestibular neuritis or labyrinthitis caused by viral infection inflaming the inner ear vestibular nerve
Meniere's disease involving excess fluid accumulation in the inner ear causing episodic vertigo and hearing changes
Cervicogenic dizziness arising from dysfunction of the upper cervical spine joints and proprioceptors
Central vestibular disorders from brainstem or cerebellar pathology including stroke or multiple sclerosis

When Should You See a Physiotherapist for Vertigo & Dizziness?

You should consider seeing a physiotherapist if your vertigo & dizziness symptoms have persisted for more than a few days, are affecting your daily activities, or are getting worse over time. Early intervention typically leads to faster recovery and better outcomes.

Seek immediate medical attention if you experience sudden, severe pain, numbness or tingling in your limbs, loss of bladder or bowel control, or symptoms following a significant trauma. These may indicate a more serious condition requiring urgent medical evaluation.

Physiotherapy Treatments for Vertigo & Dizziness

Epley maneuver for BPPV
Vestibular habituation exercises
Gaze stabilization training
Balance retraining exercises
Fall prevention and confidence building

Recommended Exercises for Vertigo & Dizziness

These exercises are commonly recommended by physiotherapists. Always consult a professional before starting any exercise program.

1
Epley Maneuver – Begin seated on a bed, turn the head 45 degrees to the affected side, lie back quickly with the head extended over the edge, then rotate the head and body to the opposite side and sit up to reposition displaced otoconia in the posterior semicircular canal
2
Brandt-Daroff Exercises – Sit upright, quickly lie to the affected side with the head tilted 45 degrees upward, wait 30 seconds, return to sitting, then lie to the opposite side to habituate the vestibular system to positional changes
3
Gaze Stabilization – Hold a finger at arm's length and move the head side-to-side while keeping the eyes focused on the fingertip to retrain the vestibulo-ocular reflex and reduce motion-provoked dizziness
4
Standing Balance Progression – Progress from standing with feet together with eyes open, to eyes closed, to standing on a foam pad to systematically challenge and improve vestibular balance control
5
Walking with Head Turns – Walk in a straight line while slowly turning the head side-to-side to habituate the vestibular system to movement and improve dynamic balance and gait stability

Your Recovery Timeline

Weeks 1–2

Diagnosis and Immediate Treatment

Vestibular assessment to identify the specific disorder, Epley or Semont maneuver for BPPV with high resolution rates within 1–3 sessions, and education on movement precautions

Weeks 3–5

Vestibular Habituation

Vestibular habituation exercises, gaze stabilization training, and head movement desensitization to reduce dizziness provoked by movement and daily activities

Weeks 6–10

Balance and Functional Retraining

Progressive balance training on unstable surfaces, dynamic gait training, and return to functional activities including driving and sport if applicable

Weeks 11–16

Return to Full Activity

Independent home exercise program, confidence building for community mobility, and monitoring for BPPV recurrence with self-management strategies provided

Expected Recovery Curve

* Estimates based on typical recovery timelines. Individual results may vary.

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Chat with a licensed physiotherapist – no referral needed, no commitment.

Get Started on WhatsApp

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Research & Evidence

Our physiotherapy treatments are supported by published medical research.

1
Vestibular rehabilitation for unilateral peripheral vestibular dysfunction

McDonnell MN, Hillier SL.Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2015. PMID: 25581507

Vestibular rehabilitation is a safe, effective treatment with moderate to strong evidence for symptom resolution, based on 27 trials with 1,668 participants.

2
The Epley (canalith repositioning) manoeuvre for benign paroxysmal positional vertigo

Hilton MP, Pinder DK.Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2014. PMID: 25485940

The Epley manoeuvre is a safe, effective treatment for posterior canal BPPV, with resolution of symptoms in the majority of patients after one or two treatments.

References are from peer-reviewed medical journals. Click to view on PubMed.

Recommended Services for Vertigo & Dizziness

Vestibular Rehabilitation

Targeted physiotherapy for vertigo, dizziness, and balance disorders including BPPV, labyrinthitis, and vestibular neuritis. Our trained physiotherapists perform specialized maneuvers and prescribe customized exercises to help you regain stability and confidence in movement. PhysioNear has connected patients with vestibular-trained physiotherapists across Malaysia for over 14 years. BPPV patients often experience relief after just 1–3 treatment sessions.
Neurological Physiotherapy

Specialized physiotherapy for neurological conditions including stroke, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, and traumatic brain or spinal cord injuries. Our neurological physiotherapists use evidence-based techniques to help restore movement, improve balance, and maximize functional independence. PhysioNear connects patients with neuro-trained physiotherapists in all 16 states, backed by 14 years of trusted referrals. Consistent therapy over 8–12 weeks typically leads to significant functional gains.

Exercises for Vertigo & Dizziness

These exercises may help with prevention and recovery. Always consult a physiotherapist before starting any exercise program.

Intermediate Rehabilitation

Heel-Toe Walking

10 minutes · 3 sets × 20 steps

A balance and coordination exercise where you walk in a straight line placing the heel of one foot directly in front of the toes of the other. This exercise challenges the vestibular system and is used in rehabilitation for vertigo, stroke, and falls prevention.

Learn more
View all exercises →

Find Vertigo & Dizziness Treatment Near You

Our network of licensed physiotherapists across Malaysia can help treat your vertigo & dizziness. Select a city below to find physiotherapy services near you.

Subang Jaya

Selangor
Klang

Selangor
Ipoh

Perak
Ampang Jaya

Selangor
Shah Alam

Selangor
Petaling Jaya

Selangor
Kuching

Sarawak
Seremban

Negeri Sembilan

People Also Ask About Vertigo & Dizziness

What causes vertigo & dizziness?

Vertigo & Dizziness can be caused by various factors including injury, overuse, poor posture, age-related changes, and underlying medical conditions. A thorough physiotherapy assessment can help identify the specific cause in your case.

How long does physiotherapy take to treat vertigo & dizziness?

Treatment duration varies depending on the severity and chronicity of your vertigo & dizziness. Most patients see improvement within 4-8 sessions, though some conditions may require ongoing management. Your physiotherapist will discuss a personalized treatment plan during your first session.

Can vertigo & dizziness be treated without surgery?

In many cases, yes. Physiotherapy is often the first-line treatment for vertigo & dizziness and can be highly effective without the need for surgery. Evidence-based techniques such as manual therapy, therapeutic exercises, and lifestyle modifications can significantly reduce symptoms.

How much does physiotherapy for vertigo & dizziness cost in Malaysia?

Physiotherapy session costs in Malaysia typically range from RM100 to RM250+ per session, depending on the location, type of treatment, and duration. Many insurance plans cover physiotherapy. Contact us via WhatsApp for specific pricing information.

Should I see a physiotherapist or doctor for vertigo & dizziness?

Both can help. If you have been diagnosed with vertigo & dizziness or are experiencing persistent symptoms, a physiotherapist can provide specialized treatment. For new or severe symptoms, seeing a doctor first for diagnosis is recommended, and they may refer you to physiotherapy.

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Professionally reviewed
| Reviewed by Priya Devi a/p Krishnan, BSc Physiotherapy (UiTM), Women's Health Certified |

Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Please consult a licensed physiotherapist or healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment of vertigo & dizziness. In case of emergency, contact your nearest hospital or dial 999. Read our editorial policy.