Dizziness is one of the most common symptoms people experience, yet it’s also one of the most misunderstood. It can come and go, appear suddenly, or linger for weeks at a time. While occasional dizziness might be brushed off, persistent or recurring symptoms shouldn’t be ignored. If you’ve been dealing with ongoing dizziness that’s affecting your daily life, vestibular physical therapy may be the key to understanding and treating the root cause. At Norton PT in Washington D.C., we specialize in helping patients regain their balance, stability, and confidence through personalized vestibular care.
What Is Considered Chronic Dizziness?
Dizziness becomes chronic when it occurs frequently or lasts for an extended period—typically longer than a few days or recurs regularly over several weeks or months. It may feel like lightheadedness, spinning, unsteadiness, or even a floating sensation. These symptoms can be brief or constant and may come with other issues like nausea, blurred vision, or difficulty focusing. The causes of chronic dizziness vary, and they are not always easy to pinpoint without a comprehensive assessment.
Common Causes of Ongoing Dizziness
Several conditions can lead to chronic dizziness, many of which involve the vestibular system—the inner ear structures responsible for balance and spatial awareness. Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), vestibular neuritis, and Meniere’s disease are all common contributors. In some cases, chronic dizziness may result from past concussions, neck dysfunction, or even anxiety-related responses. When the brain receives mixed or unclear signals from the eyes, inner ears, and joints, it struggles to maintain balance—and that disconnect often leads to persistent dizziness. Vestibular physical therapy is uniquely equipped to help retrain these systems to work together more effectively.
Warning Signs That It’s Time to Seek Professional Help
It can be tempting to wait and see if dizziness goes away on its own, but there are specific warning signs that indicate it’s time to consult a professional. If you experience any of the following, you should consider an evaluation:
- Dizziness lasting more than a few days
- Recurring episodes triggered by movement or position changes
- Difficulty walking or standing upright
- Nausea or vomiting related to balance issues
- Fear of falling or reduced confidence in mobility
- Symptoms interfering with work, driving, or daily tasks
These signs suggest that the issue may not resolve on its own and could worsen without intervention. Early treatment improves outcomes, reduces fall risk, and speeds up recovery.
How Vestibular Physical Therapy Addresses Chronic Dizziness
At Norton PT, we use vestibular physical therapy to address the root causes of dizziness through targeted, evidence-based treatments. Your therapist will begin with a thorough assessment of your balance, eye movements, posture, and reflexes. From there, a personalized treatment plan is developed to improve stability, reduce symptoms, and restore function.
Treatment may include repositioning maneuvers for BPPV, gaze stabilization exercises to improve visual tracking during head movements, and habituation techniques to reduce sensitivity to motion. Balance and coordination drills help retrain the body to manage environmental changes. Over time, these methods help reduce the intensity and frequency of dizziness episodes while improving confidence and mobility.
Why Delaying Care Can Make Things Worse
Ignoring chronic dizziness doesn’t just prolong discomfort—it increases the likelihood of falls, isolation, and reduced activity levels. Many patients start avoiding movement or social situations out of fear of triggering symptoms, which leads to further deconditioning and instability. Vestibular physical therapy can break this cycle by addressing both the physical and psychological effects of chronic dizziness. The sooner treatment begins, the faster patients tend to recover.
Personalized Vestibular Therapy in Washington D.C.
Norton PT offers vestibular physical therapy grounded in clinical expertise and delivered with one-on-one attention. Our Washington D.C. team understands the impact that chronic dizziness can have on your life, and we’re here to help you navigate it with confidence. Whether your symptoms are recent or long-standing, we’re committed to helping you find relief and restore balance—literally and figuratively.
Take the First Step Toward Lasting Relief
If you’re dealing with chronic dizziness and aren’t sure where to turn, vestibular physical therapy may be the solution. At Norton PT, we provide expert care to help you regain control, improve your stability, and move through life without fear. Contact us today to schedule an evaluation and take the first step toward lasting relief: https://www.joenortonpt.com/take-action