Feeling Dizzy? It Could Be BPPV.

And Physiotherapy Can Help!

Have you ever rolled over in bed or looked up quickly and suddenly felt like the room was spinning? You might have thought, “Whoa, am I dizzy, or is the ceiling moving?”
If this sounds familiar, you could be experiencing something called Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo — or BPPV for short.

It sounds like a mouthful, but don’t worry — it’s a common and treatable condition. And yes, physiotherapy can really help!

So, What Is BPPV?

Let’s break it down:

• Benign = not serious or life-threatening
• Paroxysmal = happens suddenly and comes in bursts
• Positional = triggered by certain head positions or movements
• Vertigo = the feeling that you or your surroundings are spinning

In simple terms, BPPV happens when tiny calcium crystals (called otoconia) in your inner ear get loose and end up where they don’t belong. Your inner ear helps with balance, and when these crystals float around in the wrong spot, your brain gets mixed signals about movement — cue the spinning sensation.

Common triggers for BPPV include:

• Rolling over in bed
• Looking up or down
• Turning your head quickly
• Getting out of bed

The dizziness usually lasts for a few seconds to a minute but can feel very unsettling.

How Can We Help?

Here’s the good news — BPPV is one of the most treatable forms of vertigo, and our physiotherapists are trained to help you manage it.

We use gentle, guided movements called repositioning maneuvers to move those loose crystals back where they belong. The most common technique is called the Epley maneuver — you might also hear about the Semont or Brandt-Daroff exercises, depending on your symptoms.

These treatments usually take just a few sessions, and many people feel a huge improvement right away!

What Can You Expect at Your Physiotherapy Appointment?

1. Assessment
   Your physiotherapist will start by asking questions about your symptoms and performing tests to confirm if BPPV is the cause.
2. Repositioning Maneuvers
   If BPPV is confirmed, your therapist will guide you through specific head and body movements to help reposition the crystals.
3. Follow-Up & Exercises
   Sometimes a few sessions are needed to fully resolve symptoms. Your therapist may also teach you simple exercises to do at home to speed up recovery and prevent future episodes.

Final Thoughts

BPPV can be frustrating, but the solution is often simple and effective. If you’re dealing with dizziness or vertigo, don’t just “wait it out” — book an appointment with our physiotherapist. We’re here to help you get back to feeling steady and confident again!

👉 Feeling dizzy? Don’t let BPPV keep you off balance — book an appointment with David N or Trish today and let’s get you steady on your feet again!