Dizziness and Vertigo Physiotherapy in Burlington: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment

Cogent Rehab Blog

Folarin Babatunde PT PhD MScSEM MScPT BScPT

August 22, 2025

Feeling dizzy or experiencing vertigo can be frustrating and even frightening. The good news is that many causes of dizziness can be treated with physiotherapy. Physiotherapists are movement experts. We help people reduce dizziness, improve balance, and get back to the activities they enjoy.

You don’t need a doctor’s referral to see a physiotherapist. If dizziness or vertigo is affecting your daily life, an assessment is a safe first step.

Burlington physiotherapy patient frustrated by dizziness and fear of falling before vestibular rehab

Understanding Dizziness and Vertigo

What Is Dizziness?

Dizziness describes feeling lightheaded, unsteady, or off balance. It is very common in older adults and one of the leading reasons for medical visits. Dizziness is often caused by inner ear problems, motion sickness, medication side effects and by many factors and should never be ignored (Mayo Clinic). It is not a normal part of aging. Dizziness can reduce independence, limit social activity, and increase fall risk if left untreated.

What Is Vertigo?

Vertigo is a specific type of dizziness. It feels like you or your surroundings are spinning, even when you are standing still. Johns Hopkins Medicine explains that vertigo is usually linked to problems in the inner ear, which controls balance. Vertigo is more common in adults than children and can be dangerous for older adults, as it increases the risk of falls and fractures.

Causes of Dizziness and Vertigo

Dizziness	Vertigo
Low blood pressure or sudden drops	Inner ear disorders (e.g., BPPV – Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo
Low blood sugar	Inner ear infections (labyrinthitis, neuritis)
Medication side effects	Migraines (vestibular migraines)
Dehydration or fatigue	Head injuries affecting the inner ear
Neck problems (arthritis, posture)	Tumors (e.g., acoustic neuroma)
Anxiety or stress	Stroke or reduced blood flow to the brain
Brain conditions (e.g., Parkinson’s disease, stroke)	Ear surgery or nerve damage

Tip: This table shows that dizziness often has general medical causes, while vertigo usually points to inner ear or neurological issues.

Canadian Academy of Audiology and the Vestibular Disorders Association provide excellent resources for understanding vestibular system causes.

Symptoms You Should Know

Dizziness	Vertigo
Feeling lightheaded or faint	Spinning sensation (you or the room feels like it’s moving)
Rocking or swaying, like being on a boat	Nausea and vomiting
Unsteadiness when walking	Abnormal eye movements (nystagmus)
Difficulty concentrating or “brain fog”	Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
Fatigue or low energy	Trouble walking or keeping balance
Anxiety or uneasiness	Sweating during episodes
Depression due to long-term symptoms	Fullness or pressure in the ear

Tip: dizziness often feels vague or unsteady, while vertigo feels like spinning with stronger physical reactions.

For a full list of symptoms, visit Cleveland Clinic - Vertigo Vs. Dizziness: How to Tell Them Apart.

How Physiotherapists Diagnose Dizziness & Vertigo in Burlington

Key Questions During Assessment

Your physiotherapist may ask:

• When did the dizziness or vertigo start?

• How long do episodes last?

• What positions or activities make it worse?

• Do you have hearing loss, ringing, or fullness in the ears?

• Do you feel nausea or changes in heart rate?

Tests and Examinations

A physiotherapy assessment may include:

• Measuring blood pressure in sitting, standing, and lying positions.

• Observation of your walking to check fall risk.

• Special tests such as the Dix-Hallpike manoeuvre for BPPV.

Physiotherapy Treatment Options in Burlington

Repositioning Manoeuvres (e.g., Epley)

These are gentle head and neck movements that help move crystals in the inner ear back into place for BPPV. BPPV treatment could be initiated based on the description of the dizziness symptom (vertigo rather than light-headedness), provocation of the dizziness by movements, and a short duration of the dizziness attack, and positive clinical vestibular tests.

Balance and Gaze Stabilization Exercises

Physiotherapists prescribe balance and eye exercises to reduce dizziness and improve stability.

Learn more about our Vestibular Rehabilitation Services for dizziness and vertigo physiotherapy in Burlington.

Education and Home Strategies

We provide practical advice to prevent falls, reduce triggers, and manage flare-ups. Topics may include motion sickness, low blood sugar, modifications for sensory overload and using gait aids.

Why Choose Physiotherapy for Dizziness and Vertigo Treatment in Burlington

At Cogent Rehab, physiotherapy can:

• Reduce dizziness and vertigo episodes.

• Improve steadiness and prevent falls.

• Increase independence and confidence.

• Provide strategies to manage symptoms at home and work.

Many patients improve after just a few visits, while others benefit from structured vestibular rehabilitation.

When to Seek Help

See a physiotherapist if dizziness or vertigo is interfering with your daily life.

Seek emergency care immediately if dizziness comes with slurred speech, vision changes, or weakness in your arms or legs, as these may be signs of a stroke. Visit the Heart & Stroke Foundation of Canada for more.

Book an Appointment at Cogent Rehab in Burlington

At Cogent Physical Rehabilitation Center in Burlington, our physiotherapists are trained in vestibular rehabilitation.

We create tailored treatment plans for dizziness and vertigo treatment in Burlington to help you move safely and confidently.

Book An Appointment Today

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1. What is the difference between dizziness and vertigo?

Dizziness is a general feeling of being lightheaded or unsteady, while vertigo is a spinning sensation as if you or your surroundings are moving. Both can increase fall risk and may need treatment.

Q2. Can physiotherapy really help with dizziness and vertigo?

Yes. Physiotherapists trained in vestibular rehabilitation use specific exercises and techniques, such as the Epley manoeuvre, to reduce symptoms, improve balance, and help you move with confidence.

Q3. How long does it take to feel better?

Some patients with BPPV improve after just 1–2 sessions. Others with more complex causes may need several weeks of physiotherapy. Your progress depends on your condition and overall health.

Q4. Do I need a doctor’s referral to see a physiotherapist?

No. In Ontario, you can book directly with a physiotherapist at Cogent Physical Rehabilitation Center in Burlington. Some insurance providers may require a referral for coverage.

Q5. Is dizziness common in older adults?

Yes, but it’s not a normal part of aging. Dizziness is very common in adults over 65, and it increases the risk of falls. Physiotherapy can help improve balance and independence.

Q6. When should I see a doctor instead of a physiotherapist?

If you experience sudden dizziness with slurred speech, double vision, weakness, or difficulty walking, call 911 immediately — these may be signs of a stroke.

Sources

1. Lou Y, Cai M, Xu L, Wang Y, Zhuang L, Liu X. Efficacy of BPPV diagnosis and treatment system for benign paroxysmal positional vertigo. Am J Otolaryngol. 2020;41(3):102412. 

2. Bronstein AM, Golding JF, Gresty MA. Visual vertigo, motion sickness, and disorientation in vehicles. Semin Neurol. 2020;40(1):116–129. 

3. De Hertogh W, Castien R, Jacxsens L, De Pauw J, Vereeck L. Outcome for dizzy patients in a physiotherapy practice: an observational study. Ann MEd. 2022;54:1787-1796.

4. Pfieffer ML, Anthamatten A, Glassford M. Assessment and treatment of dizziness and vertigo. Nurse Pract. 2019;44(10):29–36. 

5. Lempert T, von Brevern M. Vestibular migraine. Neurol Clin. 2019;37(4):695–706.

6. Luryi AL, LaRouere M, Babu S, et al. Traumatic versus idiopathic benign positional vertigo: analysis of disease, treatment, and outcome characteristics. Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2019;160(1):131–136.