Vertigo can be a deeply unsettling experience. Whether it feels like the room is spinning,
your body is tilting, or your balance suddenly disappears, these sensations can make even
simple daily tasks challenging. Many people don’t realize that osteopathy can play a
meaningful role in assessing, managing, and easing vertigo symptoms.
Here’s how osteopaths help:
Understanding Vertigo
Vertigo isn’t a condition itself but a symptom of an underlying issue. The most common
causes include:
– Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV): Crystals in the inner ear shift out of
place, disrupting balance signals.
-Vestibular Neuritis / Labyrinthitis: Inflammation of the inner ear.
– Neck-related (Cervicogenic) Dizziness: Neck tension, reduced mobility, or joint
irritation affecting balance signals.
-TMJ issues: Jaw dysfunction can influence surrounding muscles and nerves.
– Circulatory or neurological factors
Osteopaths are trained to consider all potential contributors while assessing a patient.
How Osteopaths Assess Vertigo
A typical osteopathic assessment may include:
1. Neck and upper-body movement
Osteopaths assess mobility and muscle tension in the neck, upper back, and surrounding
tissues, as these areas play a key role in balance and sensory feedback.
2. Functional mobility testing
They look at how well different parts of the body move and interact, helping identify areas
that may be contributing to dizziness.
3. Neurological and vestibular screening
This includes eye-tracking tests, balance assessments, and positional tests such as the Dix-
Hallpike manoeuvre to identify BPPV.
4. Whole-body perspective
Osteopaths consider breathing patterns, stress levels, muscle tone, and circulation—all of
which can influence dizziness.
Osteopathic Techniques That Can Help With Vertigo
1. Treating BPPV (Positional Vertigo)
Many osteopaths are trained to perform repositioning manoeuvres—such as the Epley
manoeuvre—that help guide displaced inner-ear crystals back where they belong. This often
provides rapid relief for BPPV.
2. Releasing tension in the neck
Soft-tissue techniques, gentle joint mobilisation, and stretching can help reduce cervicogenic
dizziness associated with muscle tightness or restricted movement.
3. Improving blood and lymphatic flow
Gentle techniques can support fluid movement around the head and neck, helping the
vestibular system function more efficiently.
4. TMJ and cranial techniques
If dizziness is linked to jaw tension or cranial strain patterns, osteopaths can use gentle,
manual therapy techniques to improve comfort and function.
5. Supporting the nervous system
Osteopaths often work to calm the sympathetic (stress-related) response, which can reduce
sensitivity to motion and help ease dizziness.
Self-Care Advice
In addition to hands-on treatment, osteopaths often provide:
– Exercises to improve balance and vestibular adaptation
– Neck and upper-back stretches
-Postural advice for work and daily activities
– Breathing techniques for anxiety-related dizziness
-Sleep, hydration, and recovery guidance
– Referral to a GP or specialist if needed
The Bottom Line
Vertigo can have many different causes, but osteopaths are trained to look at the whole body
and provide gentle, targeted treatment. Whether it involves helping reposition inner-ear
crystals, easing neck tension, or supporting your vestibular system, osteopathy offers a non-
invasive and holistic way to manage dizziness.
If vertigo is impacting your daily life, an osteopathic consultation may be a valuable step
toward feeling more balanced and steadier again.
If you are experiencing these types of symptoms and are after some relief book online or call the clinic on 9717 1200.