3 effective physical therapy techniques that may help manage your vertigo symptoms

There are several different medical conditions that can cause vertigo, and it can happen on its own, too. This is called benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV). If you’re experiencing vertigo, especially with other symptoms, you should see a doctor or a physical therapist. There are some exercises you can do at home to help manage your vertigo symptoms. 

Try the following three exercises to help manage vertigo symptoms at home:

• Brandt-Daroff exercises — You can do Brandt-Daroff exercises every day to help reduce dizziness. Try doing one set in the morning and one at night for two weeks.
• Sit upright on the edge of a bed.
• Turn your head about 45 degrees to the left.
• Lie down on the right side of your body, keeping your head and neck at the same angle. Curl your legs up to help keep you balanced.
• Hold this position for 30 seconds or until you no longer feel dizzy.
• Slowly return to the starting position.
• Turn your head back to the center.
• Repeat the exercise on the other side.
• Wait for any dizziness to pass before you stand up.
• Gaze stabilization — You’ll need a target to look at, such as a playing card or a target drawn on a piece of paper. Put it up on a wall 3 to 10 feet in front of you, or hold it in your hand. Fix your eyes on the target and slowly move your head side to side for 30 seconds. Take a break and repeat three times. Now do the same exercises nodding your head up and down. You can make these exercises more challenging by doing them standing up with your feet shoulder width apart, standing with your feet together or standing on one foot. It may be more difficult if you’re looking at a wall with patterned wallpaper versus a solid color.
• Eye movement — Hold up your two index fingers at arm’s length, about 2 to 3 feet apart. Facing straight ahead, move your eyes only to look at your right finger. Slowly shift your gaze to look at your left finger. Go back and forth a few times, getting faster if you can. Start by doing these sitting down, and then try standing up once your dizziness starts to improve. If you can’t hold up your hands, you can look at two items on a shelf or targets taped to a wall.

Balance training and vestibular rehabilitation are both types of physical therapy that can help with vertigo symptoms. Oftentimes symptoms can be reduced. PT can also help you manage your symptoms and reduce your risk of injury from falls. 

Vertigo symptoms and the conditions that cause them are unique to each person. At REPAIR SI, we can create a personalized exercise program for you based on what you’re experiencing and how it affects your daily routine. 

Are you wondering if physical therapy is right for you? We can help. Contact our team today for more information or to schedule an initial appointment.