A sudden spinning dizziness when standing up, the feeling that the floor is swaying under your feet, unsteadiness when walking on uneven ground – dizziness attacks in everyday life are an enormous burden for many people. They impair quality of life, restrict freedom of movement and often lead to a fear of falling. But there are effective ways to regain balance: Modern physiotherapy and osteopathy start exactly where the cause lies.
Where does the dizziness come from?
Dizziness is not a disease in its own right, but a symptom – and its causes can be many and varied. The most common are
- Disorders of the vestibular apparatus in the inner ear
- Problems with the cervical spine (e.g. blockages or tension)
- Circulatory disorders
- Neurological diseases
- Mental stress such as anxiety or stress
In the case of recurring or severely restrictive dizziness, a medical examination is recommended first to rule out serious causes. In many cases, targeted therapy is then advisable – and this is where physiotherapy and osteopathy come into play.
How does physiotherapy help with dizziness?
Physiotherapy takes a holistic approach to dizziness: In addition to the sense of balance, body awareness, posture and coordination of movement are also trained with the aim of improving the interaction between the sense of balance and strengthening the muscles.
Common therapies for dizziness in physiotherapy usually include the following measures:
- Dizziness therapy: Targeted exercises that challenge the balance organ in the inner ear and create new connections in the brain.
- Gait and balance training: re-establish confidence when walking, initially on level ground and later also on uneven ground.
- Strengthening the deep core muscles: A stable core improves overall posture and movement control.
- Movement training for positional vertigo: Certain positioning maneuvers can help to move crystals in the inner ear back into the right place.
Just a few targeted exercises, carried out regularly, can noticeably improve your quality of life. The training is individually adapted to your symptoms and level of exertion.
Osteopathy: Bringing the body into balance
Osteopathy complements physiotherapeutic treatment in a meaningful way and considers the body as a whole: problems in one area such as the spine, internal organs or the facia can affect the entire system.
Osteopathic treatment for dizziness can focus on the following areas:
- Release of blockages in the cervical spine that impair blood flow and nerve supply
- Gentle mobilization of the skull and jaw, as tension here can disturb the sense of balance
- Treatment of the chest and diaphragm region to improve breathing and stabilize the body center.
- Work on fascial adhesions that hinder the fine coordination between different parts of the body
Osteopathic methods are generally characterized by their gentle nature and focus on promoting the body’s own self-healing powers. Osteopathy can be particularly effective for non-specific or multifactorial dizziness – i.e. when several small causes interact.
When should you take action?
Dizziness attacks are not just annoying symptoms – they can also increase insecurity and, in the worst case, lead to dangerous falls. Early therapeutic support is therefore important.
You should take action if:
- the dizziness restricts your freedom of movement
- Feel unsteady when walking
- the dizziness does not improve for weeks
- you avoid certain activities for fear of dizziness
Physiotherapy and osteopathy not only help to treat the physical causes – they also promote your confidence in your own ability to move.
Typical questions from our practice
How quickly can I expect an improvement?
This varies from person to person. Some patients notice significant improvements after just a few sessions, while for others the process takes longer. The decisive factor is the regularity of the exercises and the precise coordination of the treatment.
Can I also do something at home?
Yes, depending on the findings, you will receive a customized exercise program to do at home. Continuous training is a key success factor.
Do I need a doctor’s prescription for physiotherapy or osteopathy?
A prescription is required for physiotherapy services. Osteopathic treatments can often be billed privately or with the support of health insurance – we will be happy to advise you on this.
Conclusion: Your balance is in your hands
Dizziness does not have to be a permanent condition. With targeted physiotherapeutic care and osteopathic support, your balance system can be retrained and strengthened. The first step: get active, seek advice and find the right individual therapy approach.
Do you often struggle with dizzy spells or feel unsteady when walking?
Make an appointment at our practice now – we will be happy to support you.