We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Health

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What are the Different Types of Vestibular Exercises?

Mary McMahon
By
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 7,622
Share

Vestibular exercises designed to help people with balance problems come in a number of types, including exercises in specific positions, exercises with and without supervision, and exercises using various props, as opposed to things people can do on their own. People with balance disorders usually benefit from consulting a physical therapist to discuss vestibular exercises and may be given assignments to do at home, in addition to working under the direction of the therapist. People who lack access to a physical therapist can do a range of home exercises to improve balance and learn to compensate for balance problems.

Positionally, exercises can be broken into sitting, standing, and moving exercises. People may start with sitting exercises to begin developing more balance and stability with limited risk of falling. As they improve, they can move to standing exercises to work on posture, balance, and stability in a standing position. With a physical therapist, patients may work in a harness for safety. Moving exercises require patients to walk or engage in other movements while doing things like tilting their heads, moving their limbs, and otherwise pushing their vestibular systems to adjust to changes in the environment.

Vestibular exercises include head exercises like head tilts and turns where people work on moving their heads while staying stable and keeping their eyes fixed on an object. Eye exercises to move the eyes independently without getting dizzy or nauseous are also used. These types of vestibular exercises are easy to do at home after a patient has been provided with instruction.

For balance, patients are sometimes advised to try yoga, tai chi, and similar activities. These can improve strength, coordination, and balance. While not vestibular exercises in the traditional sense, they can be beneficial for people with balance disorders and may also have other health benefits, depending on a patient's general level of fitness. Activities like yoga, for example, can sometimes help people with anxiety, stress, and depression, while the focus in tai chi may be helpful for people who have trouble concentrating.

Before undertaking vestibular exercises, patients should get coaching in how to perform the exercises properly. It is important to stop and rest if people start feeling dizzy or disoriented during a session, and to pick up once the discomfort subsides. Having spotters around while doing standing and walking exercises can be recommended for people at risk of falls. Physical therapists may be able to travel to a patient's home to provide guidance and assistance for people with mobility limitations who cannot easily get to a physical therapy center.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Mary McMahon
By Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a WiseGeek researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a...

Learn more
Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/what-are-the-different-types-of-vestibular-exercises.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.