Balance Disorders and Vestibular Rehab

For people with balance, equilibrium or dizziness problems.

Sharp HealthCare's Vestibular and Balance Program provides comprehensive rehabilitative therapy for individuals who have difficulty with balance, equilibrium or complaints of dizziness. Dedicated teams of therapists work together under the direction of a physician to return each person to their highest level of independence, productivity and well being.

Sharp HealthCare's Vestibular and Balance Program provides rehabilitative therapy for individuals who have difficulty with balance, equilibrium or complaints of dizziness 

Four facts you may not know about dizziness:

  • Approximately 40 percent of the population over 40 years old will experience a dizziness disorder during their lifetime
  • In patients with chronic balance problems, only vestibular rehabilitation has shown to improve balance function and performance when compared to medical therapy or general exercise  
  • Vestibular abnormalities are found in 50 percent of patients who fall 
  • Vestibular disorders are responsible for 85 percent of dizziness complaints in patients

About Vestibular Rehabilitation at Sharp 
Vestibular rehabilitation is an exercise-based approach to treat dizziness. Any patient with dizziness or disequilibrium who is motivated and has been cleared by his or her physician for treatment can benefit from this educational process. Program goals are to reduce or eliminate dizziness and vertigo, improve balance and gait skills, prevent falls and return individuals to recreation, work or vocational rehabilitation.

Program components may include:

  • Biofeedback for treatment of related symptoms, such as muscle tension
  • Comprehensive evaluation includes testing of sensory organization using the state of the art "SMART Balance Master"
  • Physical therapy for balance re-education, gait training, vestibular habituation, education and equipment
  • Psychology for stress and anxiety management and developing coping strategies
  • Social Services for resource referral case management and counseling services

For More Information
For more information about the Balance and Vestibular Rehabilitation program, please call a clinical evaluator at 858-939-3097 or send us an email. To learn more about Sharp's rehabilitation services or to find a Sharp-affiliated doctor, search for a San Diego physical therapist or call 1-800-82-SHARP (1-800-827-4277), Monday through Friday, 8 am to 6 pm. To find general information about rehabilitation, visit Rehabilitation in Adult Health or read the Rehabilitation News archive.

Last Updated: November 24, 2009