Yes, Spectrum Physiotherapy treats dizziness and vertigo in Newmarket, including benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), the most common cause of vertigo. BPPV often responds well to a simple repositioning manoeuvre done in the clinic. Care is led by clinical director and physiotherapist Dwayne Rebello, MSc PT, and your assessment and repositioning treatment are one-on-one with a registered physiotherapist. Walk-ins are welcome, and you don’t need a doctor’s referral.
What Is BPPV?
BPPV happens when tiny calcium crystals in the inner ear move out of place and into one of the balance canals. When you change head position, such as rolling over in bed, looking up or bending down, the crystals shift and send the wrong signal to your brain. The result is a short, intense spinning sensation, usually lasting less than a minute.
BPPV is common, especially as we get older. A large population study in Germany estimated that about 2.4% of people will have BPPV at some point in their lives (von Brevern et al., Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery and Psychiatry, 2007). Because vertigo affects balance, it can also raise the risk of falling in older adults.
Signs You May Have BPPV
- Brief spinning or dizziness when you lie down, roll over, get out of bed, or tilt your head back or forward
- Feeling unsteady or off-balance for a while after a spinning episode
- Nausea during episodes
- Symptoms that come and go over days or weeks
When to seek urgent care: dizziness together with a sudden severe headache, new weakness or numbness, trouble speaking, double vision, fainting or chest pain is not typical of BPPV. Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department.
How We Assess and Treat Dizziness
- Assessment: your physiotherapist asks about your symptoms and health history, then uses positional tests (such as the Dix-Hallpike test) to see whether BPPV is the cause and which balance canal is involved.
- Repositioning manoeuvres: if BPPV is found, your physiotherapist guides your head through a series of positions, such as the Epley manoeuvre, to move the crystals back where they belong. Many people notice improvement within one or a few treatments.
- Balance and vestibular exercises: if you still feel unsteady, or if your dizziness has another cause, exercises can help your balance system adapt and rebuild your confidence.
- Other contributors: neck problems, concussion and reduced strength can all add to dizziness and unsteadiness. Your physiotherapist will look at the whole picture.
What the Research Says
A Cochrane review of randomized controlled trials concluded that the Epley manoeuvre is a safe and effective treatment for posterior-canal BPPV, the most common type (Hilton and Pinder, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2014). BPPV can come back over time, so your physiotherapist will also show you what to watch for.
Related Conditions We Treat
- Concussion management, which can include dizziness and balance problems
- Neck-related (cervicogenic) headaches
- Balance problems and fall prevention, including our individualized Fall Prevention Program
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a physiotherapist treat vertigo?
Yes. Physiotherapists can assess and treat BPPV with repositioning manoeuvres, and can help with other balance and dizziness problems through vestibular and balance exercises. If your symptoms suggest a different cause, your physiotherapist will recommend that you see your doctor.
How many sessions will I need?
It varies. Some people with BPPV improve after one or two treatments, while others need a few more visits or follow-up balance exercises. Your physiotherapist will review your progress at each visit.
Do I need a referral?
No. In Ontario, you can book directly with a physiotherapist. Some extended health plans require a referral for reimbursement, so check your plan.
Is vertigo treatment covered by insurance?
Vertigo and BPPV treatment is physiotherapy, so it is usually covered under the physiotherapy portion of extended health benefits. We offer direct billing to many insurance plans.
Book an Assessment for Dizziness or Vertigo
If dizziness is affecting your day, we can help you find out why. Spectrum Physiotherapy is in the Dixon Medical Centre at 531 Davis Drive, Suite 101, Newmarket, and we see patients from across York Region. Contact us, call 905-853-2511, or walk in.
