Vertigo Exercises: How They Can Help with Treatment
You’re out for a walk in your neighborhood when, all of a sudden, the world seems to tilt and spin around you. It only lasts for a minute or so, but the experience is deeply unnerving. You just suffered a vertigo attack–but fortunately, targeted vertigo exercises from the team at Physio For Life can help you manage this troublesome system.
Vertigo is a specific type of dizziness that causes a sudden, disorienting spinning sensation. It usually stems from an issue with the vestibular system, which is why physiotherapy is an effective means of addressing it. Vestibular rehabilitation, a specific treatment approach, offers a comprehensive approach to addressing the underlying reasons for vertigo.
How Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy Works
Vestibular rehabilitation directly targets impairments in the vestibular system, the part of the body responsible for controlling balance and stability. It specifically targets the areas of the vestibular system located in the inner ear, which interprets messages from the eyes and muscles and transmits them to the brain.
Vertigo typically occurs when an issue in your inner ear prevents those messages from being sent. Vestibular rehabilitation uses specific vertigo exercises to address those issues and help you find relief.
Vertigo Exercises Used in Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy
Habituation Exercises
Habituation exercises aim to reduce dizziness triggered by specific movements or environments. These exercises involve repeated exposure to movements or stimuli that provoke symptoms. Over time, this reduces the brain’s sensitivity to these triggers.
Examples of Habituation Exercises
- Repeated head turns while seated or standing
- Slow, controlled movements that mimic vertigo-inducing actions, like looking up or bending forward
Gaze Stabilization Exercises
Gaze stabilization exercises are designed to improve visual focus during head movements. They strengthen the connection between the eyes and inner ear to prevent blurred vision or dizziness when moving.
An Example Gaze Stabilization Exercise
- Focus on a fixed object, like a dot on a wall. Move your head from side to side while keeping your eyes fixed on the object. Gradually increase the speed as your symptoms improve.
Balance Training
Balance training helps strengthen the muscles and systems that support stability. This is particularly important for individuals with vertigo who may experience unsteadiness.
Examples of Balance Exercises
- Standing on one foot while holding onto a stable surface.
- Walking heel-to-toe in a straight line.
- Practicing balance on uneven surfaces, such as foam pads or balance boards.
Postural Training
Poor posture can contribute to dizziness and instability by disrupting the center of gravity. Postural exercises help retrain the body to maintain proper alignment, improving how the brain processes balance signals.
Examples of Postural Training Exercises
- Standing against a wall to help understand proper spinal alignment
- Core strengthening exercises to improve support for your spine
- Personalized, hands-on postural corrections
Strength and Mobility Exercises
Strengthening and mobility exercises target the muscles and joints that support your balance, particularly in the neck, shoulders, core, and lower body. These exercises help improve stability, reduce tension, and increase your confidence in movement.
Examples of Strength and Mobility Exercises
- Targeted stretches to improve your neck’s range of motion and overall function
- Planks, squats, and other core and lower body exercises
Let Us Help You Find Vertigo Relief
If vertigo is interfering with your daily life, there’s hope. Personalized vertigo exercises can help you regain balance and confidence. Contact Physio For Life today to learn more about how our comprehensive approach can work for you.