What are vestibular rehabilitation exercises?
Once the short-term (acute) symptoms of a balance disorder have subsided, physical therapy (that is, vestibular rehabilitation exercises) can be particularly helpful. The goal of this rehabilitation is to help the patient adjust (accommodate) to the balance problem so as to diminish recurrent symptoms. The following is a list of vestibular exercises that may be helpful. 1. Seated or in bed. • Eye movements: move the eyes slowly at first, then quickly up and down, side to side, and diagonally. Focus on your finger as you move it from 1 foot to 3 feet away from the face. • Head movements: move the head slowly at first, then quickly, with eyes open, bending forward and backward, turning from side to side, tilting from side to side, and moving diagonally. Repeat with the eyes closed. 2. Standing • Repeat section 1 exercise while standing. • Change from a sitting to a standing position, first with eyes open, and then with the eyes closed. • Throw a ball from hand to hand above eye level. •
