Persistent Perceptual Postural Dizziness (PPPD) Treatment in Cardiff

Specialist Vestibular Rehabilitation at Pro Sports Medicine

Persistent dizziness that doesn’t resolve can be frustrating, debilitating, and often misunderstood. At Pro Sports Medicine, our specialist vestibular rehabilitation service in Cardiff provides a structured, evidence-based approach to diagnosing and treating Persistent Perceptual Postural Dizziness (PPPD).

If you’ve been experiencing ongoing dizziness, imbalance, or sensitivity to movement and busy environments, this may be more than just a lingering issue — it may be PPPD.

What is Persistent Perceptual Postural Dizziness (PPPD)?

Persistent Perceptual Postural Dizziness (PPPD) is a chronic vestibular condition characterised by:

• Ongoing dizziness or unsteadiness lasting 3 months or longer
• Non-spinning vertigo (a feeling of swaying, rocking, or floating)
• Symptoms worsened by:
  • Upright posture
  • Movement
  • Visually complex environments (e.g. supermarkets, crowds, screens)

Unlike structural vestibular disorders, PPPD is a functional condition. This means the issue lies in how the brain processes balance and spatial information — not damage to the inner ear.

What Causes PPPD?

PPPD is commonly triggered by an initial vestibular or neurological event, including:

• Vestibular neuritis or labyrinthitis
• Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV)
• Vestibular migraine
• Concussion or head injury

While the original issue may resolve, the brain can remain in a heightened threat-sensitive state, leading to persistent symptoms.

This results in the brain misinterpreting normal movement and visual input as a threat — driving ongoing dizziness and imbalance.

PPPD Symptoms

Physical (Vestibular) Symptoms

• Persistent feeling of imbalance
• “Floating”, “rocking”, or swaying sensations
• Non-spinning dizziness
• Sensitivity to head movement
• Difficulty in busy or visually complex environments

Cognitive & Psychological Factors

• Anxiety linked to movement or environments
• Hypervigilance to symptoms
• Fear of falling or loss of control
• Increased focus on bodily sensations

PPPD is best understood as an interaction between sensory processing and behavioural responses — which is why treatment must address both.

Specialist PPPD Treatment in Cardiff

At Pro Sports Medicine, we deliver a fully integrated vestibular rehabilitation programme designed to:

• Retrain the brain’s balance system
• Reduce dizziness and visual sensitivity
• Improve movement confidence
• Restore normal daily function and activity levels

The PSM Vestibular Rehab Approach

Our treatment model combines:

1. Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT)

A structured exercise programme to recalibrate how the brain processes movement and balance.

This includes:

• Habituation exercises to reduce sensitivity to motion
• Gaze stability training (improving vision during head movement)
• Balance and gait retraining
• Gradual exposure to challenging environments

2. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

A key component in breaking the cycle of dizziness, anxiety, and avoidance.

ACT focuses on:

• Reducing fear-driven responses to symptoms
• Improving psychological flexibility
• Re-engaging with meaningful daily activities
• Managing hypervigilance and symptom focus

Expert-Led Vestibular Care

Your care at Pro Sports Medicine is delivered by a specialist multidisciplinary team:

• Dr Allison Cooper – Specialist Vestibular Physiotherapist providing detailed assessment and tailored rehabilitation programmes

• Sophie Jones – Qualified Counsellor and Psychotherapist delivering ACT to support behavioural and psychological recovery

This combined approach ensures we treat both the physical and neurological drivers of PPPD — not just the symptoms.

The PSM Pathway for PPPD

At Pro Sports Medicine, every patient follows a structured clinical system:

Diagnose → Plan → Treat → Rehabilitate → Return to Performance

We don’t just manage symptoms — we guide you through a clear pathway back to confidence, function, and performance.

Why Choose Pro Sports Medicine for PPPD Treatment?

• Specialist vestibular rehabilitation service in Cardiff
• Integrated physiotherapy + psychological therapy model
• Experience working with elite athletes and complex cases
• Evidence-based, structured rehabilitation pathways
• Focus on long-term recovery, not short-term symptom relief

Start Your Recovery

If you are experiencing persistent dizziness, imbalance, or suspected PPPD, early specialist intervention is key.

Book an assessment with our vestibular rehabilitation team today.

📩 Email: info@prosportsmedicine.co.uk
🌐 Visit: https://prosportsmedicine.co.uk

Should you require any further information about the Pro Sports Medicine Vestibular Rehab clinic services – please complete the below contact form or email us on info@prosportsmedicine.co.uk;