How Massage Therapy Can Help with Dizziness
- Betterform
- Aug 28
- 2 min read
Dizziness can feel unsettling—whether it shows up as lightheadedness, unsteadiness, or the sensation that the room is spinning. While physiotherapy and vestibular rehabilitation are the mainstays of treatment for balance disorders, many people are surprised to learn that massage therapy can also play a valuable role in easing dizziness.
Understanding the Link Between Muscle Tension and Dizziness
Not all dizziness comes from the inner ear. Sometimes, it’s influenced by:
Neck and shoulder tension – Tight muscles can restrict blood flow, irritate nerves, and affect how the brain receives balance signals.
Stress and anxiety – Emotional tension often shows up physically, and stress can make dizziness feel worse.
Poor posture – Hours at a desk can strain the upper back and neck, which may trigger cervicogenic dizziness (dizziness originating from the neck).
This is where massage therapy comes in.
How Massage Therapy Can Help
A registered massage therapist (RMT) uses targeted techniques that may:
Relieve muscle tension in the neck, shoulders, and jaw, reducing strain that can contribute to dizziness.
Improve circulation and promote relaxation, helping the body manage stress responses.
Enhance posture awareness, making it easier to maintain positions that don’t aggravate dizziness.
Support vestibular rehab by working alongside physiotherapy treatments, creating a more well-rounded recovery plan.
When to Consider Massage for Dizziness
Massage therapy may be especially helpful if your dizziness is linked to:
Neck pain or stiffness
Stress and muscle tension
Postural strain from work or screen use
Recovery after certain vestibular conditions (with guidance from your healthcare provider)
⚠️ Important: Massage therapy is not a cure for dizziness. If dizziness is sudden, severe, or accompanied by hearing loss, vision changes, or neurological symptoms, it’s important to seek medical attention right away.
Combining Massage and Physiotherapy
At Betterform Physiotherapy in North York, our physiotherapists and massage therapists work together. For patients dealing with dizziness, this means you may benefit from both:
Vestibular physiotherapy to retrain balance and inner ear function.
Massage therapy to ease muscle tension and support overall well-being.
Together, they can help reduce symptoms and improve your quality of life.
Massage therapy for dizziness in North York
If you are looking for manual treatment techniques, or massage therapy tailored to help with dizziness and/or headaches, Betterform Physiotherapy is the place to go. Our licensed therapists specialize in vertigo, balance, and dizziness to address concerns such as BPPV, hypofunction, neuritis, PPPD, or vestibular migraine. We deliver the best possible care to our patients so you are confident in the service you are getting. Book now!
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