Vertigo treatment in Alton, IL. Vertigo is more than just a brief moment of dizziness; living with symptoms that are largely “in your head” can be even more frustrating as others aren’t able to see the outward signs of an injury. At Axes Physical Therapy in Alton, IL, our approach to vertigo treatment targets the underlying causes of your vertigo with vestibular therapy and other physical therapy treatment modalities. Our expert team of Alton, IL therapists work with you and your doctor to offer personalized, evidence-backed care plans. Our goal? To help you regain balance and resume the activities you love, without the constraints of vertigo.

Whether you’re seeking vertigo treatment in Alton, IL because of a years-long condition or if symptoms arose suddenly, Axes is here to help. Call the Axes location nearest you, contact us online, or request an appointment to initiate your path to recovery today.

Understanding Vertigo

Vertigo typically presents as a sensation of spinning, where either you feel like you’re moving when you’re not, or it seems like the environment around you is moving. Anyone who’s suffered from vertigo will tell you it’s much more than just being light-headed. It’s a specific kind of dizziness often induced by changes in the position of your head, inner ear problems, stroke, a brain tumor, or other conditions affecting the brain.

What Causes Vertigo?

Vertigo is usually a symptom of various conditions influencing the vestibular system, comprising parts of the inner ear and brain involved in managing information about our position in the world around us. Here are several of the most common causes of vertigo:

• Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV): BPPV is the most common cause of vertigo and occurs when small calcium particles (canaliths) clump up in canals of the inner ear. The inner ear transmits information to the brain about head and body movements relative to gravity. BPPV alters these signals, causing dizziness and a spinning sensation.
• Meniere’s Disease: This condition of the inner ear may result in dizzy spells (vertigo) and hearing loss. In Meniere’s disease, a buildup of fluid in the inner ear causes pressure changes, affecting balance and hearing.
• Vestibular Neuritis or Labyrinthitis: This condition entails swelling of the inner ear or the nerves connecting the inner ear to the brain. This inflammation obstructs the transfer of sensory information from the ear to the brain, leading to vertigo and issues with balance.
• Migraine-Associated Vertigo: Many people who suffer from migraines undergo episodes of vertigo or other types of dizziness even in the absence of an actual migraine. These episodes can affect balance and cause motion sickness.
• Head or Neck Injuries: Trauma to the head or neck can cause vertigo, which may appear shortly or long after the injury.
• Other Causes: Less commonly, vertigo can be a symptom of a more serious neurological problem (such as a stroke or brain tumor), certain medications that cause ear damage, or age-related degeneration of the inner ear structures.

Recognizing the cause of vertigo is a crucial step in treatment, as it allows our Alton, IL physical and occupational therapists to tailor interventions aimed specifically at the specific source of imbalance. Concentrating on the underlying cause, patients can achieve more profound and durable relief from their symptoms.

Symptoms of Vertigo

Vertigo can also be accompanied by several additional symptoms besides dizziness, differing widely in severity from one individual to another. Common other symptoms include:

• Nausea or Vomiting: The confusing sensations of vertigo frequently cause nausea and, in extreme cases, vomiting.
• Balance Problems: Challenges in achieving balance, heightening the chances for falls, particularly in elderly people.
• Tinnitus: Ringing or additional noises in one or both ears, which can occur concurrently with vertigo episodes.
• Hearing Loss: In instances associated with Meniere’s disease or other inner ear conditions, hearing loss may be a symptom.
• Sweating: An episode of vertigo may cause sudden sweating, unrelated to physical exertion or temperature.
• Nystagmus: Abnormal or jerking eye movements, where the eyes may drift without control and then adjust themselves.
• Sensitivity to Motion: Difficulty with motion, such as quick movements, which can intensify vertigo symptoms.

Diagnosis of Vertigo

Getting the correct diagnosis is the first step to vertigo treatment in Alton, IL. It typically involves a thorough examination, which often includes hearing tests, balance assessments, and possibly MRIs or X-Rays to rule out other causes. Our Alton, IL physical therapists, specialized in vestibular rehabilitation, are trained to diagnose vertigo. They’ll assess the type and cause of vertigo to tailor personalized treatment plans for you, in tandem with your doctor if needed. Because of Direct Access Physical Therapy, recent legislation which allows patients in Alton, IL and throughout Missouri to seek physical therapy without a prescription, you can approach Axes for a free injury screening for your initial diagnosis and treatment.

Alton, IL Physical Therapy for Vertigo Treatment

Physical therapy is a cornerstone of treating vertigo in Alton, IL, improving the daily lives of many patients through targeted exercises. Various vertigo treatment techniques assist in directly attacking the issues that cause dizziness and affect balance. Our Alton, IL physical therapists will develop a personalized treatment plan for your particular disorder. That could encompass the treatment of acute conditions such as BPPV, as well as ongoing management of chronic conditions such as dizziness, imbalance, and vestibular hypofunction.

Your vertigo treatment plan in Alton, IL may include:

• Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT): VRT is a focused treatment modality intended to alleviate both the both acute and chronic symptoms caused by vestibular disorders. It involves a series of customized exercises intended to retrain the brain to process and recognize signals from the vestibular system more effectively. Exercises include:
  • Gaze Stabilization Exercises: These exercises are designed to enhance vision and the ability to focus on a stationary object while the head is moving. One such exercise is the “VOR X1 exercise,” where you concentrate on a small target at eye level. As you keep your gaze fixed on the target, you slowly move your head from side to side or up and down. This assists training your brain to maintain focus on an object regardless of movements.
  • Balance Training: Balance training exercises are crucial for people with vertigo, as they help enhancing steadiness and reduce the risk of falls. These exercises often begin with simple tasks like balancing on a single leg or walking heel-to-toe and progress to more complex tasks that involve moving while turning the head or on uneven surfaces.
  • Habituation Exercises: Exercises for habituation are intended for those who experience dizziness due to their own movement or from visual stimuli. These exercises involve continuous exposure to certain motions or visual stimuli that trigger dizziness, with the objective of diminishing the sensitivity of these triggers over time. An example is moving the head from side to side at a steady speed for a specified number of repetitions.
• Canalith Repositioning Maneuvers (Epley Maneuver): For patients diagnosed with BPPV, the Epley Maneuver is recognized as a gentle procedure that seeks to move the dislodged crystals inside the inner ear back to where they’re supposed to be, effectively reducing vertigo that are characteristic of this condition. It involves precise head movements under the guidance of a specialist, designed to relocate these crystals and provide relief from the unsettling sensations of dizziness.

For effective and safe vertigo treatment, it’s most advisable to consult our Alton, IL physical therapists first, who can show you what exercises are safe for you to do at home.

Why Choose Axes Physical Therapy for Vertigo Treatment in Alton, IL

Choosing the right provider is essential when seeking vertigo treatment. Axes Physical Therapy is a premier choice for Alton, IL people experiencing vertigo, dizziness, and balance issues. Here’s why:

• Expertise and Personalization: Axes Physical Therapy boasts a team of skilled Alton, IL physical therapists with specializations in vestibular disorders and post-concussion syndrome. Our team comprehends the nuances of vertigo and are dedicated to providing individualized care designed for your specific needs and conditions.
• Comprehensive Care: Starting with your first evaluation to the development of a personalized treatment plan, Axes Physical Therapy offers a holistic approach to vertigo treatment in Alton, IL. We employ a variety of therapeutic techniques aimed at reducing symptoms, enhancing balance, restoring normal function, getting you back to the things you enjoy doing most, and having you feeling great in your daily life.
• Patient-Centric Approach: At Axes Physical Therapy, our Alton, IL patients are the center of everything they do. Acknowledging the challenges that come with vestibular disorders, we strive to create a caring environment where patients feel heard, valued, and supported.
• Accessibility: With multiple locations in and around Alton, IL, Axes Physical Therapy ensures that professional vertigo treatment is accessible for those in need.

For anyone experiencing vertigo, dizziness, or balance problems, contacting Axes Physical Therapy can be a crucial step toward recovery.

Other services we offer in Alton, IL include:

• Rotator Cuff Tear Treatment
• Running Injury
• MCL Tear
• ACL Rehabilitation
• Functional Capacity Evaluation
• Vestibular Therapy
• Concussion Treatment
• Soft Tissue Mobilization

Call Axes for Your Vertigo Treatment | Alton, IL Physical Therapy

Vertigo can significantly impact your quality of life, keeping you from doing the things you love most, and even making simple tasks like turning around seem daunting. Physical therapy, especially vestibular therapy offered by specialized providers like Axes Physical Therapy, plays a vital role in treating vertigo by tackling the underlying issues and helping patients restore their balance and confidence.

If you’re experiencing vertigo or related symptoms, remember that you’re not alone. Reach out to Axes Physical Therapy today to learn more about how their vestibular therapy services can help you navigate the complexities of vertigo and return to living a harmonious and happy life. Call the location nearest you or contact us online today.