Dizziness, Room Spinning, or Balance Problems?

How Physical Therapy Can Help

Do you feel dizzy when you move your head? Does the room feel like it’s spinning? Are you experiencing double vision, trouble walking, or the need to close one eye just to focus? These symptoms can be unsettling—and they’re more common than you may think.

Common Symptoms of Dizziness and Balance Disorders

You may benefit from a physical therapy evaluation if you experience:

• Dizziness or lightheadedness

• A spinning sensation (vertigo)

• Double vision or blurry vision

• Needing to rely on one eye to focus

• Difficulty walking or feeling unsteady

These symptoms can affect daily activities, increase fall risk, and reduce confidence with movement.

BPPV vs. Central Causes: What’s the Difference?

Not all dizziness is the same. One of the most important distinctions is between BPPV and central causes of dizziness.

BPPV (Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo)

BPPV is one of the most common causes of vertigo and is related to tiny calcium crystals in the inner ear becoming displaced. It typically causes:

• Brief episodes of spinning

• Dizziness triggered by head movements (rolling in bed, looking up)

• Symptoms that improve with specific repositioning maneuvers

Physical therapy is often highly effective for treating BPPV.

Central Causes of Dizziness

Central dizziness originates from the brain or nervous system rather than the inner ear. Symptoms may include:

• Persistent dizziness

• Double vision

• Difficulty walking or poor coordination

• Trouble focusing visually

These cases require careful screening. Physical therapists are trained to identify red flags and refer to a medical provider when needed.

How Physical Therapy Helps with Dizziness and Balance

A physical therapist can:

• Determine whether your symptoms are vestibular or central in origin

• Perform repositioning maneuvers for BPPV

• Improve balance and walking stability

• Address vision-related balance issues

• Reduce fall risk and restore confidence with movement

  
  

Each treatment plan is personalized and based on your symptoms, movement patterns, and goals.

When Should You See a Physical Therapist?

If dizziness, visual disturbances, or walking difficulty are interfering with your daily life, don’t wait. Early evaluation can speed recovery and prevent complications.

At Matter Rehabilitation Physical Therapy, we take a one-on-one, comprehensive approach to help you regain balance, clarity, and confidence.