Exercise Vertigo

Article Sections Introduction Examples of Exercises

Contributed by Singapore General Hospital


Introduction

These exercises aim to decrease dizziness arising from a benign form of vertigo. Although these exercises appear simple and ‘harmless’, they are increasingly more demanding. Consult your physiotherapist or physician about these exercises before you start.

These exercises should be done for 15 minutes, 2 times a day, and then gradually increased to about 30 minutes.

Examples of Exercises

Eye Exercise

• Look up, then down. First, slowly, and then, quickly.
• Look from side to side. First, slowly, and then, quickly.
• Focus on your finger at arm’s length. Move your finger from side to side, keeping your eyes focused on the finger.

Head Exercise

• Bend your head forward, and then backward with eyes open. First, slowly, and then, quickly.
• Turn your head from side to side. First, slowly, and then, quickly.
• As your dizziness improves, these head exercises can be done with your eyes closed.

Sitting

• In sitting, shrug your shoulders
• Turn your shoulders from side to side.
• Bend forward and pick up objects from the ground. Then, sit up.

Standing

• From sitting, stand up. Sit down again. Do this with eyes open.
• Repeat with your eyes closed.
• In standing, pass a small rubber ball from one hand to the other under one knee.

Walking

• Walk across the room with your eyes open. Repeat this with your eyes closed.
• Walk up and down a slope with your eyes open. Repeat this with your eyes closed.
• Walk up and down stairs with your eyes open. Repeat this with your eyes closed.

Warning! Remember these exercises should bring relief to your symptoms. If they persist, or worsen, stop! Consult your physiotherapist.




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