What Are Balance Retraining Exercises?

Loss of balance may result in the inability to do everyday activities. There are many reasons why you might lose your balance. However, balance retraining exercises can help you improve balance and decrease the risk of injury due to falling.

Causes for Loss of Balance

Although loss of balance is often associated with aging, problems balancing can affect anyone at any age. Vestibular, or inner ear, problems are one common cause for feeling unsteady as you walk or move about. Weakness in the muscles and joints can also contribute toward an inability to maintain balance. To deal with your cause effectively, it's important to know what the problem is. A consultation with your doctor can help you get to the root of the matter so you can begin appropriate balance retraining.

Balance Retraining Exercises

When you suffer from an inner ear disorder, certain positions or movements can lead to dizziness and loss of balance. Vestibular rehabilitation exercises, such as repeating the movements and positions that lead to dizziness, help the brain become accustomed to the reaction of loss of balance. This helps the brain adapt accordingly so the dizziness is reduced or eliminated. Balance retraining exercises help to resolve the conflict between your brain and inner ear system to restore your ability to balance. Since your ear nerve and eye muscles are connected, you'll also engage in visual coordination exercises to retrain balance. As these rehabilitation exercises take effect, physical exercises such as tai chi and yoga will help you further build coordination and balance.

Building Strong Muscles and Bones

Strength training exercises are important to your health and well-being. When performed consistently, they keep your muscles and bones strong and support balance. Do strength training exercises two to three times each week to build or maintain strength and to develop a full range of motion. Additionally, you can add a few balance-strengthening exercises to your workout, such as single-leg stances with and without raising your arms, knee marching, and stepping to the side in a straight line and then back to the start position.

Other Considerations

As you work to retrain your balancing abilities, it's important to take precautionary measures that ensure safety. Keep clutter off the floor and walkways so you don't trip. Wear comfortable clothing and shoes that allow you to move about with ease. Use handrails when possible, and turn on the lights so you can see more clearly. See your doctor regularly and before you start any new exercises. Check in with your physician if balance issues worsen.