Looking for Vestibular PT on westside of Los Angeles

[minardh]

Hi,

I am looking for a PT who specializes in Vestibular Rehab and is located on the westide of Los Angeles.  Any referrals or recommendations?  Happy to get a couple to increase the odds of finding one that takes my insurance.

Also, my approach has been to do the drills in the ANA booklet on my own and want to visit a PT to make sure I'm headed the right way.  Is that a reasonable approach?  I would say my balance is 90% there.  I can drive, handle stairs, etc.  But I couldn't play sports (ski, tennis, etc.) successfully yet.  And I want to.  

Thanks.

[jaylogs]

Maybe you can try the folks out at House Ear Clinic, which is in LA near St. Vincents hospital.  They may be able to refer you to someone in the area? It may be a good place to start...hope this helps!
Jay

[leapyrtwins]

Didn't know there were "drills" in the ANA booklet 

My neurotologist gave me vestibular exercises to do prior to my surgery - and to continue for a few weeks post op.  You might find them useful.  They certainly can't hurt.

If you'd like a copy, PM me your email address.

As for sports, in my experience, that takes a little longer than "regular" balance stuff like handling stairs, etc.  It took me a while post op to be able to ride a bicycle again and although I can run (my surgery was 3+ years ago) I can no longer run on a treadmill.  Not sure why; but prior to my surgery I could.

Jan

[lori67]

All PT's are taught vestibular exercises in school (I know, because I am one).  It shouldn't be too hard to find a therapist that can help you.

I would ask your doctor for a referral, or ask friends or neighbors if they know of a good PT.  Chances are, they'll be able to help you.

Lori

[minardh]

Thanks for the input.
I already have a list both from the House Clinic and another MD, but none are on the Westside.  
Hoping someone has direct experience with a PT they found helpful and knowledgeable on the Westside.
Nothing like a personal referral to winnow that long list down.

Thanks for any specific names.

[Cynaburst]

I had a very good vestibular rehab guy on La Cienega after my surgery 9 years ago.  His name is Greg Cox, and he owns this practice:

http://www.balancetherapy.com/about_balance_disorders_institute.html

I found him to be very good.

[stoneaxe]

If your balance is at 90% you will likely have an easier time of it than I did. I have to say that I never found the vestibular therapy very helpful....terribly boring=not wanting to do it. I always tell folks to find something you can enjoy doing that challenges you to extremes without endangering yourself. I was very lucky....my balance today is pretty close to normal and I feel that having a brain tumor was a positive experience in my life. Finally went skiing again this year for the 1st time since 2003. i don't feel held back at all.
http://www.anausa.org/smf/index.php?topic=8379.0