Do you feel like the ground is moving beneath your feet, as if you were constantly on a boat in motion? Have you ever experienced a moment when the room seemed to spin around you?

These symptoms may be related to disorders of the vestibular system and require special attention. But do you really know the difference between vertigo and dizziness?

In this article, we help you better understand your symptoms, their possible causes, and how vestibular rehabilitation physiotherapy can help you regain your balance.

 

The sensation of being on a boat: what does it mean?

Feeling as though you are on a boat is a description frequently used by people experiencing dizziness. Unlike vertigo, this sensation is not accompanied by the impression that objects are spinning around you. Instead, it presents as instability, a feeling that the ground is swaying or giving way beneath your feet.

This rocking sensation may be linked to several benign causes such as fatigue, stress, cervical stiffness, or more complex disorders of the vestibular system located in your inner ear.

 

What is the vestibular system?

The vestibular system is a sensory organ located in the inner ear that is responsible for balance and spatial orientation. It works closely with the brain through the vestibulocochlear nerve.

This complex system includes:

• Three semicircular canals, which detect head rotations.
• Two otolithic organs (the utricle and the saccule), which detect linear movements and gravity.

When this system is disrupted, incorrect signals are sent to the brain, causing dizziness, vertigo, balance problems, and sometimes even visual disturbances.

 

The difference between vertigo and dizziness

It is important to understand the difference between vertigo and dizziness in order to guide the right treatment.

Dizziness: A sensation of instability or swaying, similar to being on a boat. There is no visual perception of objects moving around you.

Vertigo: A sensation that the environment is spinning around you, similar to being on a ride at an amusement park. Vertigo can be very intense and may cause nausea and sometimes vomiting.

Quick summary

Sensation	Dizziness	Vertigo
Feeling	Instability, rocking	Spinning environment
Visual perception	Fixed environment	Objects appear to spin
Associated symptoms	Fatigue, discomfort	Nausea, vomiting

 

Common causes of vertigo and dizziness

Vestibular disorders can be linked to several conditions:

Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV)

The most common cause of peripheral vertigo. It occurs when calcium crystals move within the semicircular canals. Specific head movements trigger intense but short-lived vertigo.

Vestibular neuritis

Inflammation of the vestibular nerve, often following a viral infection. Symptoms include severe vertigo and significant imbalance without hearing loss.

Labyrinthitis

Inflammation of the inner ear affecting both balance and hearing. In addition to vertigo, it may cause hearing loss and tinnitus.

 

Physiotherapy treatment: vestibular rehabilitation

Vestibular rehabilitation is a specialized approach used to treat vestibular system disorders. It is based on a precise assessment and targeted exercises.

The role of the physiotherapist

• Diagnose the cause of vestibular symptoms
• Perform repositioning maneuvers (e.g., the Epley maneuver for BPPV)
• Provide habituation exercises to reduce sensitivity to vertigo
• Develop balance and coordination exercise programs
• Work on eye movement control and cervical rehabilitation when needed

Each treatment plan is personalized according to the cause, symptom intensity, and the patient’s goals.

 

When should you consult a professional?

It is important to consult a physiotherapist specialized in vestibular rehabilitation if:

• You regularly feel the sensation of being on a boat
• You cannot determine whether your symptoms are vertigo or dizziness
• Your symptoms worsen or last several days without improvement
• You experience balance problems or vision disturbances

The sooner treatment begins, the better your chances of quickly regaining comfort and quality of life.

 

Feeling unstable or experiencing vertigo? Come see us!

At Évolution Physio, our physiotherapists trained in vestibular rehabilitation are here to help identify the cause of your symptoms and restore your balance.

Don’t let dizziness or vertigo disrupt your daily life.