Kim Hawkins Vestibular Physiotherapist

25/10/2025

October was an incredible month of learning and connection — I had the privilege of attending both and conferences.

Across both events, I was inspired by the depth of knowledge and the passion within our profession. The lectures and discussions covered the most up-to-date science around the vestibular system and the latest advances in physiotherapy, reminding me how dynamic and evidence-driven our field truly is.

My overwhelming takeaway? Pride — in being part of a community of highly intelligent, innovative, forward-thinking, and deeply caring professionals who remain steadfastly healthspan and consumer-focused in everything we do.

I’m proud to be a physiotherapist and a scientist — and even prouder to see where our profession is heading.

24/11/2024

We’re working on some issues with our email provider. Hopefully these should be sorted out in the next day or so. If you’re trying to get in touch, please call 02 99587935.

17/08/2023

Did you know that you can have migraine and never once experience a headache?

Migraine is wildly misunderstood, and this helps partially explain why diagnosis is so low. Only half of those living with migraine have ever had a diagnosis, let alone an effective treatment plan.

What are some of the most common misdiagnoses which may actually be migraine?

Sinus headache/ sinusitis- Over 90% of those with recurrent sinus headache have migraine. In fact, sinus headache is not even a proper diagnosis.

Cervicogenic headache and Neck pain- 80% of people experience neck pain as a symptom of migraine. This is referred pain, where the issue is originating in our brains but presenting in other areas.

Vertigo / Ménière's disease/ Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV)- People living with vestibular migraine are often misdiagnosed with one of these disorders.

Anxiety/ depression- Many of those with migraine are misdiagnosed with mental health conditions such as anxiety or depression.

When you do not have an accurate diagnosis, it's extremely difficult to get an effective treatment plan. People with undiagnosed migraine are often treating with OTC pain or nausea medications, decongestants, or just suffering in silence. There are much better and effective options available, and having this information can change lives.

Were you misdiagnosed? What helped you learn that you actually had migraine?

08/08/2023

Please join us for this interactive workshop next Monday 14th August 7-8:30

You can tell from Kim's soothing presence that she'd be the perfect person to guide you out of an episode of vertigo - Kim Hawkins Vestibular Physiotherapist. Balance is a word that gets used a in the wellbeing space these days and our 3-part practical workshop series definitely encompasses that but we thought we'd start right from the physics of vestibular balance.

Your inner ear balance system (known as the vestibular system) helps your brain know where your body is in space and helps you stay balanced. Usually, this happens without you even realizing it. The vestibular system is very sensitive, and if it's not working well, you might feel dizzy, have vertigo (a spinning feeling), or have trouble staying steady on your feet. In the first session of the series on Monday 14th August, you'll learn how to tune up your vestibular pathways to maximize balance; to recognize when dizziness might be related to a vestibular problem and what you can do to help make it better. Balance in Action is the theme! Bring your inner ears, your feet, your core, your sit bones, your brain and your 'righting reflexes' for a fun and informative evening at The Diddy!
https://www.facebook.com/events/179090704860065/179090718193397

25/07/2023

Join us for the Balance in a Busy world series at the Diddy in August.

Balance in a Busy World

If you're feeling the busyness that is life in the modern world, this 3-part practical workshop series is for YOU!

Join some fun and informative workshops 3 Monday evenings in August, 7-8.30pm on the 14th, 21st and 28th

Other than the fabulous Wendy from A Cut Above Nutrition, you'll learn from Kim Hawkins Vestibular Physiotherapist, Dr Adrienne Leahy - Chiropractor, Pro-align Physio & Rehab, Soul Healing Studio, Yyoga Roseville, Wholebeing Health & Meditation and Moving in Tune. Hosted by Fitness Revelation (located at the Diddy)

Hurry, spots are limited!

More information and link to book here - https://inthecove.com.au/events/balance-in-a-busy-world/

01/07/2023

Balance in a Busy World workshop series on Monday evenings in August in Lane Cove. This is a fun and informative series presented by 7 health care professionals covering many facets of ‘balance’ in life. I’m presenting during the first session on the vestibular system and how this can impact on physical balance and dizziness. Early bird rates until 10th July.

End of the week, end of financial year, if you're feeling the busyness that is life in the modern world, this 3-part practical workshop series is for YOU!

Balance is how we maintain our equilibrium. Join us for some fun and informative workshops at The Diddy in Longueville: 3 Monday evenings in August, 7-8.30pm on the 14th, 21st and 28th - https://www.facebook.com/events/179090704860065/179090718193397

Other than myself, you'll get to learn from Kim Hawkins Vestibular Physiotherapist, Dr Adrienne Leahy - Chiropractor, Pro-align Physio & Rehab, Soul Healing Studio, Yyoga Roseville, A Cut Above Nutrition, Wholebeing Health & Meditation; hosted in the fabulous Fitness Revelation. We love that you can have dinner at the venue - The Diddy - beforehand!

We're offering a special deal to attend all three sessions but you can also choose a single topic that interests you most; full details of the program available here - https://nspa.com.au/nspa-events/

EARLY BIRD rates available until July 10th! As we only have capacity for 35 and tickets have started selling, we recommend getting in pronto - https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1075274

28/06/2023

Thank you Vesticam. This is a super article for people with vestibular migraine and those of us who look after them.

This article (pub Brain. 2022 Nov) provides a practical review of vestibular migraine (VM) interventions in adults. Although the evidence base is still low, “Overall, vestibular rehabilitation is consistently associated with improvement in VM, particularly for balance, degree of disability and vertigo symptoms, including in patients refractory to medical treatment” Be sure to read to find out more about this underdiagnosed vestibular condition.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9679161/

17/04/2023

Sensitised brains can turn up the volume on pain. Regular exercise such as walking, swimming or cycling can be part of the solution to decreasing sensitivity to pain. We also see this in brain sensitivity related to chronic dizziness.

‘Sensitisation’ can affect anyone, but some people may be more prone to it than others due to genetic factors, environmental factors or previous experiences.

15/04/2023

Sometimes, preconceived notions about physical activity can prevent people from participating and being active. Reversing those myths and changing mindsets can get people up and moving!

Check out this tip sheet created by the members of the ACSM Strategic Health Initiative for Behavioral Strategies: https://fal.cn/3xmP9

15/04/2023

Here’s a link to some excellent falls prevention resources. I love helping people build better balance and witnessing how better balance confidence can change day to day life.

This month is April Falls Month and the theme is ‘Better Balance for Fall Prevention’. Unlike an April Fools’ Day joke, a fall is no laughing matter. 37% of injury-related deaths are caused by falls and 30% of those aged 65 and over fall each year.

Month is the NSW Fall Prevention & Healthy Ageing Network's annual campaign to raise awareness about the impact of falls and to promote fall prevention strategies.

During this month, we’ll be sharing information on the health and economic impacts of falls, as well as on how physiotherapy is vital in preventing falls and helping to care for those who suffer a fall.

If you’d like to learn more about this year’s campaign, head to: https://fallsnetwork.neura.edu.au/aprilfalls/

18/03/2023

Shared from my QLD colleagues. Well done SMH for reporting on vertigo.

Vertigo can last for hours, days or longer – and it’s more common than you might think. Why does it happen?