Surface Orientation Exercises

The purpose of these exercises is to increase your brain's use of somatosensory information for orientation of your body.  This will help to: (1) improve balance, and (2) decrease your feelings of unsteadiness and imbalance.

Sit in a well supported position with your feet flat on the floor.  Breathe deeply, and relax.  Focus your thoughts on feeling your feet in contact with the floor, and your bottom and back in contact with the chair.  Concentrate on the sensation that you are not moving.  Do this with your eyes open.  Close your eyes for 5-10 seconds.  Again concentrate on the sensation from your body in contact with your support surface, you are not moving.  Repeat 5 times.

Stand with your feet shoulder distance apart and your back against the wall.  Breathe deeply, and relax.  Focus your thoughts on feeling your feet in contact with the floor, and your back in contact with the wall.  Concentrate on the sensation that you are not moving.  Do this with your eyes open.  Close your eyes for 5-10 seconds.  Again concentrate on the sensation from your body in contact with your supporting surfaces, you are not moving.  Repeat 5 times.