Are you experiencing new, mild dizziness and vertigo? A few simple exercises may help. If your symptoms are long lasting or severe, you may need medical care before vertigo physical therapy exercises can assist you. In this case, seek advice from your medical provider.
If the symptoms haven’t lasted for long and they aren’t severe, licensed professionals at REPAIR SI can provide exercises to address them. You can also come to us for physical therapy treatment.
Which exercises can reduce dizziness or vertigo?
Dizziness and vertigo stem from disturbances in the vestibular system, a group of inner ear structures that your brain uses to sense head movements. Your brain uses this information and physical sensations to balance you. The Cleveland Clinic provides a detailed explanation here.
When your vestibular system is disturbed, you might have dizziness (a disoriented sensation) or vertigo (a sensation that you or your surroundings are spinning).
You can try to reduce these sensations by:
Using the Epley maneuver
This exercise is designed to shift calcium crystals within the vestibular system. To begin, sit up on your bed with your pillow behind you. Turn your head 45 degrees to your right, so that your chin moves in the direction of your shoulder but isn’t fully aligned with it.
Holding this position, lie back on your pillow quickly. Wait 30 seconds, turn your head 90 degrees to the left, wait for 30 seconds, and then turn your head and body sideways so that your left ear is on your pillow. Wait for 30 seconds again before sitting up. Switch sides and repeat the exercise for your other ear.
Using Brandt-Daroff exercises
These exercises can also be performed while sitting on your bed. Sit upright with your legs over the edge of your bed. Turn your head 45 degrees to the left; then lie down on your right side, so that you are looking toward the ceiling or upper part of the wall. Be still for 30 seconds or until any dizziness fades away.
Next, sit up again and face forward. Turn your head 45 degrees to the right and lie down on your left side. Again, stay for 30 seconds or until dizziness subsides before sitting up.
Is your vertigo persisting? REPAIR SI can help
If you practice several repetitions of these maneuvers, you may find that your symptoms begin to fade. However, if your dizziness and vertigo continue, you may need a physical therapist’s help. A licensed physical therapist at REPAIR SI can provide more vertigo physical therapy exercises and help you improve your balance.
Before you get started, we can provide basic information, like insurance coverage or what to wear to physical therapy. Contact our team today for more information or to schedule an initial appointment.