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Condition’s Commonly Treated

Dizziness

What is Dizziness?

Dizziness is a broad, non-specific term used to describe a false sensation of motion of the body. Associated dizziness symptoms may include: light-headedness, giddiness and unsteadiness. Vertigo differs as it involves a specific sensation of the room/ environment spinning. Vertigo is highly characteristic of an inner ear (vestibular) issue, while dizziness can have numerous contributing factors, including the neck (cervicogenic dizziness – CGD).

Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo

Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) is the most common type of vertigo. It is associated with reoccurring, short-lasting bouts of dizziness caused by changes in head position. For example, sudden sensations of the room spinning when rolling or getting out of bed. BPPV can also be associated with nausea and loss of balance. As frightening as BPPV can be, there is a pathophysiological reason as to why people experience it, and successful physiotherapy treatment for it.

BPPV occurs when crystals from the inner ear (otoconia) become dislodged from the sensory site in the ear (utricle) and migrate into one of the three semicircular canals where they are not supposed to be. Normally, the crystals are attached to hair-like cells inside the utricle. This attachment allows our brains to recognise changes in head position and tells us where our head is in space. In the case of BPPV the dislodged crystals disrupt this process, resulting in disorientation and spinning sensations.

Physiotherapists are able to do specific vertigo tests to determine the likely position of these crystals. Then they may perform necessary treatment to re-position them to help alleviate vertigo symptoms.

Cervicogenic Dizziness

Cervicogenic Dizziness – CGD is similar to BPPV in that there is a clear relationship between cervical (neck) movement and symptoms. However, CGD is a diagnosis of exclusion that is associated with vague sensations of dizziness, rather than the rotatory, spinning sensation as experienced with vertigo. Signs and symptoms of CGD may include unsteadiness and disorientation but also neck pain, limited neck range of motion and cervicogenic headaches (headaches stemming from the upper cervical spine).

Treatment

Physiotherapists are able to differentially diagnose and exclude types of dizziness with a comprehensive series of questions and special tests to reproduce symptoms. Depending on the type of dizziness, physiotherapy treatment may involve manoeuvres to reposition the crystals
within the ear (eg. Epley’s manoeuvre) or treatment to the neck for CGD, both of which can be very helpful to ease symptoms. Through the assessment, physiotherapists are also able to determine if your dizziness symptoms are not caused by the above mentioned conditions and will triage
and refer on to any necessary health professional.

Appointments with one of our Physiotherapists can be requested by clicking here.

Meet Our Expert Physio’s

Our physiotherapists are experts in dizziness and vertigo. You can learn more about them in depth below.

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John-Paul Chitti

John-Paul is a Titled APA Sports and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapist in Adelaide with an interest in Orthopaedic/Post-Surgical Rehabilitation.

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John-Paul Chitti graduated with a Bachelor of Physiotherapy degree from the University of South Australia in 2000. Following two years of working in a Medical Specialist Centre, he completed his Masters Degree in Sports & Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy and established Pro Physio SA. John-Paul was physiotherapist for the Adelaide United Football Club for 3 years from 2006, where he co-ordinated the club’s injury prevention, management and rehabilitation within a cohesive Medical Team that assisted the club in their successful Asian Champions League and A-League competition. John-Paul has been a Clinical Educator at the University of South Australia in both the undergraduate and post-graduate degrees. He holds an interest in Sports Injuries, particularly of the Wrist/Hand, Shoulder, Hip/Groin and Spine. He also has a special interest in Orthopaedic/Post-Surgical Rehabilitation.

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Kathryn Meade

Kathryn is a leading Women’s Health and Occupational Physiotherapist in Adelaide.

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Kathryn Meade graduated with a Bachelor of Applied Science in Physiotherapy from the University of South Australia in 1998. Following this she commenced work in a public hospital setting, focusing on managing a wide range of musculoskeletal, spinal and Orthopaedic conditions. Over the last several years she has developed skills managing a wide range of Women’s Health issues such as conditions arising during the Antenatal and Post-natal periods, Incontinence, Pelvic Floor Dysfunction syndromes and Osteoporosis. She also has a keen interest and developed skills in Occupational and Industrial physiotherapy and is accredited to perform Functional Capacity Evaluations, Activities of Daily Living Assessments, Work-site Assessments, Job Analysis Assessments and Pre-employment screenings.

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Jonathan Norodom

Jonathan is an Adelaide trained Physiotherapist with an interest in Sports and work related injuries.

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Jonathan graduated with a Bachelor of Physiotherapy from the University of South Australia in 2019 and has since gained extensive experience in both sports and musculoskeletal physiotherapy. His passion for sports physiotherapy is reflected in his work with the Adelaide United Football Club, where he has supported both the Youth and Women’s teams. These roles have provided him with valuable expertise in injury prevention, rehabilitation, and performance management for athletes at all levels.
In addition to his sports work, Jonathan treats a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions, including neck pain, headaches, and low back pain. He is committed to achieving long-term outcomes for his patients by combining hands-on treatment, dry needling, and strength and conditioning principles with education and self-management strategies.
Jonathan values a collaborative, multi-disciplinary approach and works closely with other Allied Health Professionals to deliver the best possible care. Outside of physiotherapy, he enjoys playing golf, fishing, and supporting the Brisbane Lions.
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