The Balance and Vestibular Rehabilitation program at Hoag is a comprehensive approach for treatment of vertigo, dizziness, gait and balance disorders.
The assessment and treatment is provided by Master’s Degree or Doctorate level trained physical therapists who have received advanced certification in vestibular rehabilitation.
Patients undergo a comprehensive physical therapy evaluation which usually includes:
Computerized balance testing:
A computerized standing balance test that assesses the patient’s systems involved in maintaining balance: vision, inner ear balance structures, muscles and joints
The assessment helps determine a patient’s fall risk and specific balance difficulties
Assessment of standing and walking balance, strength and flexibility
Vestibular (inner ear) assessment for vertigo, dizziness, balance disturbances and motion sensitivity
Gait analysis: assessment of walking to determine if there are problems with strength, flexibility or balance
Treatment may include:
Neck maneuvers for positional vertigo
Vestibular exercises to improve dizziness, equilibrium, standing and walking balance
Strengthening and conditioning
Computerized balance and gait training