Vertigo Treatment in Arcadia, MO | Vestibular Therapy | Physical Therapy for Vertigo Near Arcadia

Vertigo treatment in Arcadia, MO. Vertigo goes beyond simply experiencing 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 Arcadia, MO, 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 Arcadia, MO 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, free from vertigo.

Whether you’re seeking vertigo treatment in Arcadia, MO 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 begin the journey to reclaim your best self today.

What Is 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 world 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 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 usually a symptom of various conditions impacting the vestibular system, which includes parts of the inner ear and brain responsible for processing sensory information crucial for controlling balance and eye movements. Here are some of the most common 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 dizziness and a spinning sensation.
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 causes pressure changes, impacting hearing and balance.
Vestibular Neuritis or Labyrinthitis: This disorder entails swelling of the inner ear or the nerves connecting the inner ear to the brain. Such swelling obstructs the transmission of sensory information from the ear to the brain, resulting in vertigo and issues with balance.
Migraine-Associated Vertigo: Many people with migraines undergo episodes of vertigo or other types of dizziness even without having a severe headache. 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 immediately or sometime after the injury.
Other Causes: Less commonly, 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 the wear and tear of inner ear structures due to age.

Identifying the cause of vertigo is a pivotal step in managing the condition, as it enables our Arcadia, MO physical and occupational therapists to tailor interventions that directly address the underlying issue of imbalance. By focusing on the underlying cause, patients can realize more profound and durable relief from their symptoms.

Vertigo Treatment in Arcadia, MO | Vestibular Therapy | Physical Therapy for Vertigo Near Arcadia

Symptoms of Vertigo

Vertigo can also present several additional symptoms besides dizziness, varying greatly in severity from person to person. Common additional symptoms include:

Nausea or Vomiting: The disorienting sensations of vertigo often lead to nausea and, in severe cases, vomiting.
Balance Problems: Challenges in achieving balance, leading to a higher risk of falls, especially in elderly people.
Tinnitus: Humming or additional noises in either ears, which may occur alongside vertigo episodes.
Hearing Loss: In instances related to 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 physical exertion or temperature.
Nystagmus: Abnormal or jerking eye movements, where the eyes may unintentionally drift and then realign themselves.
Sensitivity to Motion: Challenges with motion, such as quick movements, which can worsen vertigo symptoms.

Diagnosis of Vertigo

Getting the correct diagnosis is the first step to treating vertigo in Arcadia, MO. It usually involves a comprehensive examination, which may include hearing tests, balance assessments, and possibly imaging studies to rule out other causes. Our Arcadia, MO physical therapists, skilled in vestibular therapy, play a significant role in diagnosing vertigo. We’ll assess the type and cause of vertigo to tailor specific treatment plans for you, together with your doctor if needed. Thanks to Direct Access Physical Therapy, recent legislation which allows patients in Arcadia, MO and throughout Missouri to seek physical therapy without a prescription, you can come to Axes for a free injury screening for your initial diagnosis and treatment.

Arcadia, MO Physical Therapy for Vertigo Treatment

Physical therapy is a cornerstone of treating vertigo in Arcadia, MO, offering relief to many patients through targeted exercises. A number of vertigo treatment techniques help directly attacking the issues that cause dizziness and affect balance. Our Arcadia, MO physical therapists will develop a unique treatment plan for your unique situation. That may include 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 Arcadia, MO may include:

Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT): VRT is a specialized treatment modality intended to alleviate both the primary and secondary problems caused by vestibular disorders. It involves a series of customized exercises designed to retrain the brain to process and recognize signals from the vestibular system more efficiently. Exercises include:
- Gaze Stabilization Exercises: These exercises are intended to improve vision and the capability to focus on a stationary object while the head is moving. One such exercise is the “VOR X1 exercise,” where you focus on a small target at eye level. As you maintain your focus fixed on the target, you slowly move your head from side to side or up and down. This aids in conditioning your brain to maintain focus on an object even with movements.
- Balance Training: Balance training exercises play a vital role for individuals with vertigo, as they aid in improving steadiness and lowering the risk of falls. These exercises often begin with simple activities like standing on one foot or taking heel-to-toe steps and advance to more complex tasks that involve walking with head movements or on uneven surfaces.
- Habituation Exercises: Exercises for habituation are meant for those who experience dizziness from their own movement or from visual stimuli. These exercises involve continuous exposure to specific movements or visual stimuli that induce dizziness, with the objective of reducing the brain’s sensitivity of these triggers over time. For instance, 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 aims to reposition the dislodged crystals inside the inner ear back to their correct location, thereby relieving the dizzy spells associated with this disorder. It involves specific head movements with the guidance of a professional, aiming to relocate these crystals and provide relief from the uncomfortable sensations of dizziness.

For safe and effective vertigo treatment, it’s best to meet with our Arcadia, MO physical therapists first, who can teach you what exercises are appropriate to do at home.

Why Choose Axes Physical Therapy for Vertigo Treatment in Arcadia, MO

Selecting the right provider is essential when seeking vertigo treatment. Axes Physical Therapy is a top choice for Arcadia, MO individuals experiencing vertigo, dizziness, and balance issues. Here’s why:

Expertise and Personalization: Axes Physical Therapy boasts a team of expert Arcadia, MO physical therapists with specializations 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: From the initial assessment to the creation of a customized treatment plan, Axes Physical Therapy offers a comprehensive approach to vertigo treatment in Arcadia, MO. We employ a range of therapeutic techniques aimed at reducing symptoms, enhancing balance, reestablishing normal function, getting you back to the things you enjoy doing most, and making you feel great in your daily life.
Patient-Centric Approach: At Axes Physical Therapy, our Arcadia, MO patients are at the heart of everything they do. Acknowledging the challenges that accompany vestibular disorders, we aim to create a caring environment where patients feel heard, valued, and cared for.
Accessibility: With multiple locations in and around Arcadia, MO, Axes Physical Therapy ensures that professional vertigo treatment is accessible for those in need.

For anyone struggling with vertigo, dizziness, or balance problems, reaching out to Axes Physical Therapy can be a significant step toward recovery.

Other services we offer in Arcadia, MO include:

Call Axes for Your Vertigo Treatment | Arcadia, MO 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 standing up from a chair feel challenging. Physical therapy, especially vestibular therapy offered by experts like Axes Physical Therapy, plays a crucial role in treating vertigo by addressing the root causes and helping patients regain their balance and confidence.

If you’re suffering from 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 assist you in managing the complexities of vertigo and return to living a balanced and happy life. Call the location nearest you or contact us online today.