Finding Your Balance: How Massage Therapy Can Help Clients with Vertigo

Vertigo can make even the simplest daily tasks feel overwhelming. The spinning sensations, dizziness, and imbalance may leave you feeling exhausted and uncertain on your feet. At A Better Body Massage Therapy, we believe in supporting our clients’ wellness from every angle and massage therapy can be an important part of easing vertigo symptoms.

What Is Vertigo?

Vertigo is more than just feeling dizzy; it's a sensation that you or your surroundings are spinning or moving, even when you’re still. It can stem from several causes, including:

• Inner ear issues such as benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) or infections
  
  

• Circulation problems that affect blood flow to the brain
  
  

• Neck tension or misalignment that impacts balance signals
  
  

• Stress and anxiety, which can make symptoms feel worse
  
  

Regardless of the root cause, vertigo can interfere with your daily life and leave you searching for solutions.

How Massage Therapy Can Help

While massage therapy can’t cure vertigo, it can address several contributing factors and help reduce symptoms:

1. Relieves muscle tension in the neck and shoulders
   Tight muscles in the neck, upper back, and jaw can affect blood flow and nerve signals related to balance. Massage helps release these areas, promoting better circulation and reducing pressure that may intensify vertigo.
   
   

2. Reduces stress
   Vertigo symptoms are often heightened by stress. Massage activates the parasympathetic nervous system, your body’s natural “rest and digest” mode  which helps lower stress hormones and calm the nervous system.
   
   

3. Improves overall circulation
   Gentle, targeted massage encourages healthy blood flow to the head and inner ear, which may help decrease dizziness and feelings of instability.
   
   

4. Supports postural alignment
   If your vertigo is worsened by poor posture or neck strain, massage can ease tension patterns that pull your body out of balance. Combined with gentle stretching, it may help you feel steadier and more centered.
   
   

What to Expect During a Session

If you experience vertigo, we’ll take special care to ensure your massage session is safe and comfortable:

• We’ll avoid rapid changes in position to prevent dizziness.
  
  

• Supportive cushions and adjustments will help keep your head and neck in a neutral position.
  
  

• Gentle techniques rather than deep or aggressive pressure will be used to encourage relaxation and circulation without triggering symptoms.
  
  

Massage as Part of a Bigger Plan

It’s important to speak with your healthcare provider about persistent or severe vertigo. Massage therapy works best as a complementary approach, alongside medical treatment or physical therapy when needed.

At A Better Body Massage Therapy, our goal is to help you feel grounded, supported, and at ease. If vertigo has been disrupting your life, consider adding massage to your wellness routine. Your body (and your sense of balance) may thank you. Click HERE to Book!