Much of your balance is related to your inner ear. If you experience problems with dizziness, such as feelings of unsteadiness or trouble balancing even when sitting, this can indicate trouble with the inner ear and how the eye works with the inner ear. Vestibular rehabilitation therapy enhances your head-eye-ear coordination to ensure that the proper signals are going to the right places. While many vestibular therapy exercises may seem basic, they can help re-train your brain to recognize and correct feelings of dizziness.
Head Movement Exercises
Dizziness is often brought on by sudden changes in body positioning, such as a quick turn of your head. Head movement exercises help you adjust to these changes and require quick turns of your head to help your brain acclimate. Exercise examples include holding a business card with the letter "E" written on it about 1 inch high. Hold the card 10 inches from your nose, and turn your head from side to side as you keep your focus on the E. Repeat this movement 15 to 20 times. Another exercise variation is to focus on something to the right of you and turning your head side to side 15 times, then focusing on something to the left of you, turning your head side to side.
Balance Activities
Maintaining your balance is a challenge if you have an inner ear disorder. Ankle sways are an exercise that helps you maintain your balance from a standing position. To perform them, stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and your arms relaxed at your sides. Shift your weight from one foot to the other, first with your eyes open for 10 repetitions and then with your eyes closed for 10 repetitions. As you increase in ability, you can practice balancing on one foot, then the other.
Gait Training
Vestibular rehabilitation therapy aims to help you not only when standing still but also when walking. This helps reduce the risk for staggering or losing your balance while you are in motion. Exercise examples include focusing on a point 20 feet in front of you and walking forward while focusing on the point. Walking down a hallway free of objects to impede you can be helpful in performing this task. As your balance increases, you can turn your head to either side as you walk.
General Fitness
Your rehabilitation therapist may recommend a general exercise program as a supplement to vestibular rehabilitation exercises. Exercises such as walking or tai chi improve balance and reduce stress, which can contribute to dizziness. Speak to your physician before beginning a program of this type to ensure that your dizziness will not adversely affect you.
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