Vertigo is more than just a fleeting feeling of dizziness, it’s a disorienting sensation where the world around you seems to spin or tilt, even while standing still. Unlike general lightheadedness, vertigo specifically stems from disruptions in the body’s balance system, often linked to the inner ear or brain.

This condition can significantly impact a person’s quality of life, interfering with simple day-to-day tasks like walking, driving, or even standing. From loss of balance to nausea, the consequences of untreated vertigo can be both physically and emotionally draining.

At Westminster Ortho Med Clinic, located in Dubai Healthcare City, we understand how debilitating vertigo can be. That’s why we offer targeted physiotherapy treatments designed to address its root causes. Led by our dedicated and DHA-licensed physiotherapist Rose Mary P, our clinic integrates specialized assessment techniques and rehabilitation protocols to restore balance, reduce symptoms, and help patients regain confidence in their movement.

Understanding Vertigo

Vertigo is defined as a false sensation of spinning or movement, often accompanied by symptoms such as nausea, unsteadiness, or a loss of balance. It differs from general dizziness, which may feel like faintness or being lightheaded. Vertigo specifically involves a disturbance in your sense of spatial orientation.

Common causes of vertigo include:

  • Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV): Triggered by sudden head movements or position changes.
  • Vestibular Neuritis: An inner ear infection that affects the vestibular nerve.
  • Meniere’s Disease: A chronic disorder involving fluid buildup in the inner ear.
  • Migraines: Some individuals experience vertigo episodes linked to migraine attacks.
  • Post-concussion or trauma: Head injuries can disturb the brain’s balance-processing centers.

Proper diagnosis typically involves a combination of clinical assessments, positional testing, and sometimes referrals to ENT or neurology for imaging and auditory tests.

Physiotherapy and Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT)

Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT) is a specialized form of physiotherapy focused on improving balance and minimizing dizziness-related symptoms.

At Westminster Ortho Med Clinic – Dubai, VRT is expertly delivered by Rose Mary P, who uses her training in manual therapy, kinesiology taping, and functional movement therapy to address the specific impairments contributing to vertigo.

Key goals of vestibular physiotherapy include:

  • Reducing dizziness and vertigo episodes
  • Improving balance and coordination
  • Enhancing gaze stability (so the eyes stay focused while the head moves)
  • Preventing falls by training postural and muscular responses

VRT not only addresses the physical effects of vertigo but also builds patient confidence, reducing the fear of movement that often accompanies recurrent symptoms.

Assessment at Westminster Ortho Med Clinic – Dubai

At Westminster Ortho Med Clinic – Dubai, your journey begins with a comprehensive evaluation. Our physiotherapist Rose Mary P conducts a detailed assessment that includes:

  • Review of symptoms and medical history
  • Balance and gait analysis
  • Positional testing to identify trigger movements (e.g., Dix-Hallpike maneuver for BPPV)
  • Neuromuscular evaluations to assess movement dysfunction or musculoskeletal involvement, especially in the cervical spine

Each patient receives a personalized treatment plan based on the identified root cause of vertigo. Rose Mary P’s expertise ensures that every component of care — from manual therapy to rehabilitation exercises — is integrated for maximum effectiveness.

Her patient-centric approach also includes lifestyle advice, home exercise programs, and regular progress monitoring, ensuring that each individual moves steadily toward recovery.

Management Techniques Used in Physiotherapy

Our approach to vertigo management at Westminster Ortho Med Clinic – Dubai Healthcare City is multifaceted, incorporating both traditional and advanced physiotherapy techniques:

Canalith Repositioning Maneuvers

For BPPV, Epley and Semont maneuvers help guide dislodged crystals in the inner ear back to their original position.

Gaze Stabilization Exercises

Exercises such as VOR (Vestibulo-Ocular Reflex) training enhance the eyes’ ability to stay focused during head movement, reducing visual disturbances and instability.

Balance Training

Tailored exercises to improve core stability and proprioception, vital in preventing falls and promoting confidence during daily activities.

Habituation Exercises

Repeated exposure to movements that provoke dizziness to retrain the brain to reduce the response over time.

Postural Re-education

To correct postural habits that might contribute to cervical dizziness or muscle strain, especially in sedentary individuals.

Neck and Upper Back Mobilization

Manual therapy techniques by Rose Mary P to address tension or dysfunction in the cervical spine often associated with vertigo symptoms.

Kinesiology Taping and Manual Therapy

Applied when muscular imbalances or cervical instability are contributing factors. These methods support joint alignment and reduce tension.

Electrotherapy and Ultrasound (as needed)

For associated muscle pain or inflammation, especially when vertigo is accompanied by musculoskeletal discomfort.

Real-Life Recovery at Westminster Ortho Med Clinic – Dubai

At Westminster Ortho Med Clinic, we’ve witnessed the transformative impact of targeted physiotherapy for patients suffering from vertigo. One anonymized case involved a 36-year-old female who had been experiencing recurrent dizzy spells and instability for over six months. Her symptoms were triggered by sudden head movements and worsened when lying down or getting up.

After medical clearance from an ENT specialist, she was referred to our physiotherapy department. Under the care of Rose Mary P, our experienced physiotherapist, a comprehensive vestibular rehabilitation plan was initiated. The treatment involved Epley maneuvers, gaze stabilization exercises, and cervical spine mobilization, tailored precisely to her condition.

Within just a few sessions, the patient began noticing significant improvements in her balance and confidence. Through consistent follow-ups, home exercise assignments, and posture education, she returned to her regular routine without the fear of dizziness or falls.

This case reflects the multidisciplinary and holistic approach practiced at Westminster Ortho Med Clinic – Dubai Healthcare City. Our collaboration with ENT specialists, neurologists, and internal medicine ensures patients receive well-rounded care. Rose Mary P’s ability to blend evidence-based techniques with patient-centered education is at the heart of these successful outcomes.

When to See a Physiotherapist

If you or a loved one is experiencing vertigo symptoms, seeking timely physiotherapy intervention can be life-changing. You should consult a physiotherapist if you notice:

  • Persistent dizziness or spinning sensations that don’t improve with rest
  • Frequent loss of balance or unsteadiness while walking
  • Discomfort or vertigo triggered by head movements
  • A history of falls or head trauma
  • Referral from an ENT or neurologist for vestibular rehabilitation

Early assessment can prevent the condition from becoming chronic and improve your quality of life significantly.

To Summarise:

Physiotherapy plays a vital role in demystifying vertigo and restoring balance, quite literally. At Westminster Ortho Med Clinic – Dubai Healthcare City, our commitment to patient well-being is reflected in every aspect of care. With a deep understanding of vestibular disorders and hands-on expertise,  Rose Mary P ensures that every patient receives individualized treatment tailored to their unique condition.

Don’t let vertigo disrupt your daily life. If you’re experiencing dizziness, instability, or unexplained balance issues, take the first step toward recovery.