Vertigo treatment in Alton, IL. The condition known as vertigo is more than just a brief moment of dizziness; living with symptoms that are largely “in your head” can be particularly challenging 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 root causes of your vertigo with vestibular therapy and other physical therapy treatment modalities. Our expert team of Alton, IL physical and occupational 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, you can trust in Axes. Call the Axes location nearest you, contact us online, or request an appointment to initiate your path to recovery today.

What Is Vertigo?

Vertigo typically presents as a sensation of spinning, where you might feel as though you’re moving when in fact you’re stationary, or it seems like the environment around you is moving. Those who have experienced vertigo can attest it’s much worse than just light-headedness. It’s a specific kind of dizziness that’s typically triggered 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 commonly associated with various ailments affecting the vestibular system, comprising parts of the inner ear and brain that manages information about our position in the world around us. Listed are several of the most typical causes of vertigo:

• Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV): BPPV is a primary cause of vertigo and occurs when tiny 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 disrupts these signals, causing vertigo.
• Meniere’s Disease: This disorder of the inner ear often causes dizzy spells (vertigo) and hearing loss. In Meniere’s disease, fluid accumulation in the inner ear results in pressure changes, impacting hearing and balance.
• Vestibular Neuritis or Labyrinthitis: This disorder entails inflammation of the inner ear or the nerves connecting the inner ear to the brain. Such swelling interferes with the transmission of sensory information from the ear to the brain, resulting in vertigo and problems with balance.
• Migraine-Associated Vertigo: Many people with migraines undergo episodes of vertigo or other types of dizziness even when they’re not having a severe headache. These episodes can influence balance and cause motion sickness.
• Head or Neck Injuries: Harm to the head or neck can cause vertigo, which may develop shortly or long after the injury.
• Other Causes: In fewer cases, vertigo can be a symptom of a more serious condition affecting the brain (such as a stroke or brain tumor), certain medications that affect the inner ear, or age-related degeneration of the inner ear structures.

Understanding the cause of vertigo is a crucial step in managing the condition, as it enables our Alton, IL physical and occupational therapists to personalize interventions that directly address the underlying issue of imbalance. With a focus on the underlying cause, patients can achieve more effective and lasting relief from their symptoms.

Vertigo Symptoms

This condition can also be accompanied by several additional symptoms besides dizziness, varying greatly in severity from person to person. Common other symptoms include:

• Nausea or Vomiting: The disorienting sensations of vertigo often lead to nausea and, in extreme cases, vomiting.
• Balance Problems: Difficulty in maintaining balance, increasing the risk of falls, particularly in elderly people.
• Tinnitus: Buzzing or other noises in either ears, which can occur concurrently with vertigo episodes.
• Hearing Loss: In instances associated with Meniere’s disease or other inner ear problems, hearing loss may be a symptom.
• Sweating: An episode of vertigo might trigger sudden sweating, not related to your activity level or temperature.
• Nystagmus: Abnormal or jerking eye movements, where the eyes may drift without control and then correct themselves.
• Sensitivity to Motion: Problems with changes in position, such as quick movements, which can exacerbate vertigo symptoms.

Diagnosis of Vertigo

Getting the correct diagnosis is the first step to treating vertigo in Alton, IL. It typically involves a thorough examination, which often includes hearing tests, balance assessments, and possibly imaging studies to rule out other causes. Our Alton, IL physical therapists, expert in vestibular therapy, are trained to diagnose vertigo. They’ll assess the type and cause of vertigo to tailor customized treatment plans for you, alongside your doctor if needed. Because of Direct Access Physical Therapy, a new law 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

Therapy is a cornerstone of treating vertigo in Alton, IL, offering relief to many patients through targeted exercises. Several vertigo treatment techniques aid in repositioning particles in the ears that cause dizziness and affect balance. Our Alton, IL physical therapists will develop a customized treatment plan for your unique circumstances. That might involve 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 might feature:

• Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT): VRT is a focused treatment modality aimed at alleviate both the both acute and chronic symptoms caused by vestibular disorders. It involves a series of tailored exercises designed to retrain the brain to interpret and process signals from the vestibular system more effectively. Exercises include:
  • Gaze Stabilization Exercises: These exercises are aimed at enhance vision and the capability to focus on a stationary object while the head is moving. A common technique is the “VOR X1 exercise,” where you fix your gaze on a small target at eye level. As you maintain your focus fixed on the target, you slowly rotate your head from side to side or up and down. This aids in conditioning your brain to maintain focus on an object regardless of movements.
  • Balance Training: Exercises focused on balance training play a vital role for individuals with vertigo, as they aid in improving steadiness and reduce the risk of falls. These exercises often begin with simple activities like standing on one foot 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 suffer from dizziness from self-motion or from visual stimuli. These exercises involve repeated exposure to specific movements or visual stimuli that induce 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 controlled speed for a specified number of repetitions.
• Canalith Repositioning Maneuvers (Epley Maneuver): In cases of BPPV, the Epley Maneuver is recognized as a gentle procedure that seeks to move the misplaced crystals within the inner ear to their original position, thus alleviating vertigo that are characteristic of this disorder. It entails precise head movements under the guidance of a professional, designed to relocate these crystals and offer relief from the uncomfortable sensations of dizziness.

For effective and safe vertigo treatment, it’s most advisable to consult our Alton, IL physical therapists initially, who can guide you on 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 stands out as a top choice for Alton, IL people suffering from vertigo, dizziness, and balance issues. Here’s why:

• Expertise and Personalization: Axes Physical Therapy boasts a team of expert Alton, IL physical therapists specialized in vestibular disorders and post-concussion syndrome. We understand the complexities of vertigo and are dedicated to providing individualized care tailored to your specific needs and conditions.
• Comprehensive Care: Starting with your first evaluation to the creation of a personalized treatment plan, Axes Physical Therapy offers a comprehensive approach to vertigo treatment in Alton, IL. We employ a variety of therapeutic techniques aimed at alleviating symptoms, improving balance, reestablishing normal function, returning you to the things you enjoy doing most, and making you feel great in your daily life.
• Patient-Centric Approach: At Axes Physical Therapy, our Alton, IL patients are at the heart of everything they do. Recognizing the challenges that come with vestibular disorders, we aim to create a supportive environment where patients feel understood, valued, and cared for.
• Accessibility: With multiple locations in and around Alton, IL, Axes Physical Therapy ensures that expert vertigo treatment is accessible for those in need.

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

Other services we offer in Alton, IL include:

• Stroke Rehabilitation
• Hip Replacement Physical Therapy
• Workers Comp' Physical Therapy
• Migraine Relief
• Sprain and Strain Treatment
• Geriatric Physical Therapy
• Injury Rehabilitation
• Pain Management Services
• TMJ Treatment
• Herniated Disc Treatment

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 feel challenging. Physical therapy, especially vestibular therapy offered by specialized providers like Axes Physical Therapy, plays a crucial role in treating vertigo by addressing the root causes and helping patients regain their balance and self-assuredness.

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