Balance Exercises

These exercises will help you recover your balance after acoustic neuroma surgery.

Stretch cerv sidebends arm outstretched

1. Stand or sit.
2. Reach downward with right arm.
3. Place left arm on top of head.
4. Gently bend head while resting hand on your head to left, stretching muscles on right side of neck.
5. Hold exercise for 30 seconds.
6. Repeat on other side.

Perform 1 set of 2 repetitions, twice a day.

Stretch scalleni/SCM

1. Cross arms over chest.
2. Place hands over upper ribs and collar bone and firmly press downward toward stomach.
3. Gently bend neck to left and bend neck backward slightly.
4. Hold exercise for 30 seconds. Stretch will be felt in front and side of neck.
5. Relax and repeat stretch on right side.

Perform 1 set of 2 repetitions, twice a day.

AROM cerv retract (chin tuck) sit/stand

1. Sit or stand, looking forward, with good posture.
2. Tuck chin in.
3. Return to start position.
4. To progress, place finger on chin, apply backwards pressure.

Perform 1 set of 10 repetitions, twice a day.

AROM vestib standing balance (dynamic)

1. Stand with feet together.
2. Try to maintain balance.
3. Stand in a corner for safety.
4. Hold exercise for 30 seconds.

Perform 1 set of 3 repetitions, twice a day.

AROM stance uni balance eyes open

1. Stand on firm surface with arms at side.
2. Lift one leg and balance on the other leg.
3. Stand in a corner for safety.
4. If needed to maintain balance, raise arms out away from sides.
5. Hold exercise for 30 seconds.

Perform 1 set of 3 repetitions, once a day. Perform 1 repetition every 4 seconds.

AROM gait toe-to-toe walk

1. Begin standing as shown.
2. Step forward with left foot, placing it in line with right foot.
3. Continue to step, placing right food in front of left.
4. Repeat sequence.
5. Do this along a counter or wall so you can hold on if needed.

Perform 1 set of 10 repetitions, twice a day.

AROM vestib standing on foam

1. Stand with both feet on a piece of foam or pillow.
2. Hold for 30 seconds.
3. When this can be done without loss of balance, close the eyes.
4. Stand in a corner for safety and have someone stand by you for safety as well.

Perform 1 set of 3 repetitions, twice a day.

Use rubber bar.

AROM gait turns

1. Stand with both feet at hip distance apart.
2. Turn around 360 degrees as quickly but as safely as you can.
3. Stand in a corner for safety.

Perform 1 set of 5 repetitions, twice a day.

AROM gait walking

1. Walk at a comfortable pace, trying to go for a walk as soon as you feel you are able to do so.
2. Incorporate head turning left and right for 10 steps every couple of minutes..

Perform 1 set of 15 minutes, once a day.

AROM vestib with eye dynamic head side/side

1. Hold arm straight out in front at eye level holding a target such as a circle. Make sure the target has a linear quality to it so that you can tell if it is in focus.
2. Keep eye focused on target.
3. Turn head to left and right 45 degrees, keeping eye contact on target. Go as fast as you can, making sure the target stays in clear focus.
4. Hold exercise for 1 minute.

Perform 1 set of 1 repetitions, twice a day.

AROM vestib with eye out phase side/side

1. Hold arm straight out in front at eye level holding a target as in the previous exercise.
2. Keep eye focused on target.
3. Move arm to the left, turn head to right, then reverse in a smooth movement, 45 degrees each side.
4. Keep eye contact on target.
5. Hold exercise for 1 minute.

Perform 1 set of 1 repetitions, twice a day.