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Balance Exercises

Introduction

The balance part of the two ears complement each other, sending equal impulses to the brain which are essential for the maintenance of normal balance. If either or both balance centres are damaged the balance is upset. The result of this is vertigo or giddiness which may be accompanied by nausea and vomiting. Although this condition may be very frightening it is not serious in that it does not, in itself, threaten life. It can, furthermore, be overcome by carrying out special exercises. The purpose of the exercises is to build up a tolerance mechanism in the brain which compensates for the unequal balance in the two ears. The exercises stimulate the development of this tolerance mechanism. The more regularly they are performed, the sooner the vertigo will disappear. The exercises should be carried out persistently for at least five minutes three times daily, and for as long as the vertigo persists. This may be for one to three months. An effort should be made to seek out the neck positions which cause vertigo, as far as this can be tolerated, because the more frequently vertigo is produced the more quickly is the brain compensation mechanism built up.

Some drugs help to control the vertigo while brain compensation is being achieved and if any such tablets have been prescribed you should continue taking them during the course of exercises. As normal a life as possible is, meanwhile, to be recommended. Early return to work and sport is helpful in rehabilitation The earlier and more regularly the balance exercises are carried out, the faster and more complete will be the recovery to normal activity.

The Exercises

If a relative or friend can help with the exercises and with encouragement then progress is often quicker.

The exercises are in graded levels and everyone should start at level 1.

Level 1 - Eye exercises: head kept still

• Look up then down, keeping the head still, at first slowly, then quickly. 20 times.
• Look from one side to the other, head kept still, slowly then quickly. 20 times.
• Focus on a finger held at arm's length, then move it about twelve to fifteen inches towards your nose, then away again. 20 times.

Level 2 - Head and eye movements

• Bend head forwards, then backwards with eyes open, slowly then quickly. 20 times.
• Turn head from side to side, slowly then quickly. 20 times.
• As the dizziness improves repeat level 2 with eyes closed.

Level 3 - Arm and body movements: sitting

• Shrug shoulders. 20 times.
• Circle shoulders. 20 times.
• Turn from the waist to the right then left. 20 times
• Bend forward to pick up an object from the bed, or from the floor if sitting in a chair. Sit up, then bend down to replace the object. Repeat 20 times.
• Turn head from side to side, two slow turns then one rapid turn, hold for a few seconds then do three quick turns. As improvement continues repeat with eyes closed.

Level 4 - Standing up

• Repeat level 3 standing up.
• Move from sitting to standing with eyes open. 20 times.
• Repeat with eyes closed.
• Throw a tennis ball, or the like, from hand to hand, making sure that the ball goes above eye level. 20 times.
• Bend forward and pass the ball from hand to hand behind one knee. 20 times.
• Repeat with eyes closed..
• Change from sitting to standing, turn around once, then sit again. 10 times.

Level 5 - Moving about

• Walk across the room, around a chair and then back across the room. After 10 repeats, attempt with the eyes closed.
• If in a group or with a friend or relative, practise throwing a large ball back and forth, and then with the patient walking in a circle around the ball thrower.
• Step up onto and down from a box or platform. Eyes open first, then after 10 repetitions with eyes closed.
• Then any game involving stooping or aiming such as bowls or skittles.

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