Vestibular Physiotherapy in Auckland: Beat Dizziness, Vertigo, and Balance Problems

If you have ever felt the room spin when you roll over in bed, gone light headed getting out of a chair, or battled wobbly legs in the supermarket aisle, you are not alone. Dizziness and vertigo are common across Aotearoa - and they are often treatable with vestibular physiotherapy. For Aucklanders, especially those on the North Shore, PhysioAction provides targeted assessment and treatment to steady your world and get you moving with confidence again.

Book your vestibular assessment

What do we mean by vestibular dizziness

Vestibular refers to the inner ear balance system and the brain pathways that help you keep your eyes and body stable as you move. When this system is irritated or not working properly, you might experience:

• Vertigo - a spinning sensation where you or the room feels like it is moving

• Imbalance or unsteadiness - feeling off centre or prone to veering

• Visual disturbance - blur or bounce when you walk or turn your head

• Nausea and motion sensitivity - especially with quick movements or busy visual environments

Common vestibular conditions include BPPV (benign paroxysmal positional vertigo), vestibular neuritis or labyrinthitis, persistent postural perceptual dizziness (PPPD), and dizziness after concussion.

For a plain English overview of vertigo and dizziness symptoms, causes, and when to seek care, see the guidance on Healthify NZ (formerly Health Navigator).

How vestibular physiotherapy helps

Vestibular physio aims to identify the driver of your symptoms and then retrain the balance system through specific manoeuvres and exercises. Key elements include:

• Comprehensive assessment
  Your physio will take a detailed history (onset, triggers, positions, recent illness, migraines, concussion) and run targeted tests. These include eye movement checks, head impulse testing, positional tests such as Dix Hallpike, gait and balance measures, and safe symptom provocation to map your thresholds.

• Repositioning manoeuvres for BPPV
  If small calcium crystals in the inner ear canals are the culprit, precise canal specific manoeuvres - for example the Epley or Semont - can often relieve vertigo rapidly, sometimes in a single session. Your physio will also coach you on the next 24 to 48 hours to minimise recurrence.

• Gaze stabilisation and vestibulo ocular reflex (VOR) training
  Exercises teach your eyes and inner ear to work together again so words do not blur when you turn your head. These start gentle and progress carefully to match your tolerance.

• Habituation and motion sensitivity work
  Graded exposure to movements or environments that set you off - supermarket aisles, scrolling screens, busy streets - reduces your nervous system’s over reaction over time.

• Balance and gait rehab
  From simple stance work to dynamic tasks and dual tasking (moving while doing a cognitive task), your programme strengthens the postural systems that keep you upright and confident.

• Autonomic and breathing strategies
  Dizziness is tiring and can be anxiety provoking. Breathing drills, pacing, and symptom management tactics keep progress steady without boom and bust cycles.

What to expect at PhysioAction in Auckland and on the North Shore

Session 1 - Map the problem, settle the system
We listen, test, and pinpoint likely drivers. If BPPV is confirmed, we perform a canal specific manoeuvre immediately when appropriate. You will leave with clear do and do not guidelines for the next 24 hours and a short starter plan.

Session 2 - Stabilise and retrain
We re test key measures and begin VOR or gaze stability drills and light balance work. Intensity is tailored to your just manageable level - enough to stimulate recovery, not flare symptoms.

Session 3 and beyond - Progress with purpose
Exercises progress in speed, complexity, and environmental challenge - for example head turns while walking or busier visual backgrounds. If your dizziness followed a concussion or viral illness, we integrate exertional tolerance and a graded return to work and life strategy.

When should you see a physio - and when to see your GP first

Book a vestibular assessment if you notice:

• Spinning or unsteadiness triggered by particular head positions - rolling in bed or looking up

• Motion sensitivity in shops, on screens, or in the car

• Blurred vision with head movement or difficulty walking in the dark

• Dizziness persisting beyond a few days after a minor illness or travel

Seek urgent medical care if dizziness is accompanied by severe headache, chest pain, fainting, new neurological symptoms, sudden hearing loss, or slurred speech. Your safety comes first.

Why North Shore locals choose PhysioAction

• Targeted expertise
  We treat vestibular conditions every week and use canal specific manoeuvres, VOR training, and graded exposure that align with current best practice.

• Convenient clinics and hours
  Milford - 193 Shakespeare Road offers early and after work bookings Monday to Friday. Parnell - inside Boxing Alley, 65 Parnell Rise runs evening sessions on Mondays and Thursdays - perfect if you commute.

• Calm, measurable progress
  You will see change in black and white - fewer positive positional tests, better balance times, and improved tolerance to head turns and busy environments.

• Joined up care
  Where needed, we liaise with your GP, ENT, or optometrist, and we will flag any red flags fast. You will always know the next step.

Take the first steady step

Dizziness and vertigo are exhausting - but they are rarely life sentences. With vestibular physiotherapy at PhysioAction, most Aucklanders regain confidence in day to day movement, return to driving and work, and get back to the activities they love.

Ready to steady the room
Book your vestibular assessment at Milford for North Shore convenience or Parnell for after work access. One careful plan, paced progress - and a steadier you.