Vertigo treatment in Barretts, MO. Vertigo is more than just simply experiencing dizziness; it’s complex and can make you lose your sense of presence in the world, heavily affecting your ability to perform basic tasks. At Axes Physical Therapy in Barretts, MO, our approach to vertigo treatment goes beyond temporary fixes. We target root causes of your vertigo with vestibular therapy and other physical therapy treatment modalities. Our expert team of Barretts, MO therapists collaborate with your healthcare provider to offer personalized, evidence-backed care plans. Our goal? To help you regain balance and return to the activities you love, without the constraints of vertigo.

Whether you’re seeking vertigo treatment in Barretts, 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 start getting your best you back today.

What Is Vertigo?

Vertigo is often described as a spinning sensation, 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. 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 commonly a symptom of various conditions impacting the vestibular system, comprising parts of the inner ear and brain that processes sensory information essential for maintaining balance and eye movements. 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) move into the wrong position in the inner ear. The inner ear sends signals to the brain about head and body movements relative to gravity. BPPV interferes with these signals, causing dizziness and a spinning sensation.
• Meniere’s Disease: This condition of the inner ear can lead to dizzy spells (vertigo) and hearing loss. In Meniere’s disease, a buildup of fluid in the inner ear results in pressure changes, impacting balance and hearing.
• Vestibular Neuritis or Labyrinthitis: This disorder entails inflammation of the inner ear or the nerves that send signals from the inner ear to the brain. Such swelling obstructs the transmission of sensory information from the ear to the brain, causing vertigo and issues with balance.
• Migraine-Associated Vertigo: Many people who suffer from migraines experience episodes of vertigo or other types of dizziness even in the absence of an actual migraine. These episodes can impact 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: 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 cause ear damage, or the wear and tear of inner ear structures due to age.

Identifying the cause of vertigo is an essential step in managing the condition, as it allows our Barretts, MO physical and occupational therapists to customize interventions targeting the specific source of imbalance. With a focus on the underlying cause, patients can achieve more lasting and profound relief from their symptoms.

Symptoms of Vertigo

This condition can also come with several additional symptoms beyond dizziness, showing significant variation in severity from one individual to another. Common additional symptoms include:

• Nausea or Vomiting: The unsettling sensations of vertigo commonly result in nausea and, in serious cases, vomiting.
• Balance Problems: Difficulty in keeping balance, leading to a higher risk of falls, especially in elderly people.
• Tinnitus: Ringing 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 issues, hearing loss may be a symptom.
• Sweating: An episode of vertigo may cause sudden sweating, unrelated to your activity level or temperature.
• Nystagmus: Irregular or jerking eye movements, where the eyes may unintentionally drift and then realign themselves.
• Sensitivity to Motion: Problems with motion, such as standing up quickly, which can exacerbate vertigo symptoms.

Diagnosis of Vertigo

Getting a professional diagnosis is the first step to treating vertigo in Barretts, MO. It often involves a comprehensive examination, which may include hearing tests, balance assessments, and possibly MRIs or X-Rays to rule out other causes. Our Barretts, MO physical therapists, expert in vestibular therapy, are trained to diagnose vertigo. We’ll assess the type and cause of vertigo to tailor personalized treatment plans for you, in tandem with your doctor if needed. Thanks to Direct Access Physical Therapy, recent legislation which allows patients in Barretts, 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.

Barretts, MO Physical Therapy for Vertigo Treatment

Physical therapy is a cornerstone of vertigo treatment in Barretts, MO, offering relief to many patients through targeted exercises. Several vertigo treatment techniques help directly attacking the issues that cause dizziness and affect balance. Our Barretts, MO physical therapists will develop a personalized treatment plan for your specific 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 Barretts, MO could involve:

• Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT): VRT is a focused form of therapy designed to alleviate both the primary and secondary problems caused by vestibular disorders. It involves a series of tailored exercises aimed to retrain the brain to process and recognize signals from the vestibular system more efficiently. Exercises include:
  • Gaze Stabilization Exercises: These exercises are designed to better vision and the ability 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 keep your gaze fixed on the target, you slowly turn your head from side to side or up and down. This helps training your brain to maintain focus on an object regardless of movements.
  • Balance Training: Balance training exercises play a vital role for individuals with vertigo, as they aid in enhancing steadiness and reduce the risk of falls. Such activities may start with simple tasks like standing on one foot or walking heel-to-toe and advance to more complex tasks that involve moving while turning the head or on uneven surfaces.
  • Habituation Exercises: Habituation exercises are intended 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 goal of reducing the sensitivity to these triggers over time. For instance, moving the head from side to side at a controlled speed for a specified number of repetitions.
• The Canalith Repositioning Technique (Epley Maneuver): In cases of BPPV, the Epley Maneuver stands as a safe method that seeks to reposition the dislodged crystals within the inner ear to where they’re supposed to be, effectively reducing the dizzy spells that are characteristic of this disorder. It involves specific head movements with the guidance of a professional, aiming 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 Barretts, MO 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 Barretts, MO

Selecting the right provider is crucial when seeking vertigo treatment. Axes Physical Therapy stands out as a premier choice for Barretts, MO individuals experiencing vertigo, dizziness, and balance issues. Here’s why:

• Expertise and Personalization: Axes Physical Therapy boasts a team of skilled Barretts, MO physical therapists with specializations in vestibular disorders and post-concussion syndrome. Our team comprehends the nuances of vertigo and are dedicated to providing personalized care designed for your particular needs and conditions.
• Comprehensive Care: From the initial assessment to the development of a personalized treatment plan, Axes Physical Therapy offers a comprehensive approach to vertigo treatment in Barretts, MO. Our team uses a variety of therapeutic techniques designed to reducing symptoms, enhancing 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 Barretts, MO patients are at the heart of everything they do. Acknowledging the challenges that accompany vestibular disorders, we strive to create a supportive environment where patients feel heard, valued, and cared for.
• Accessibility: With multiple locations in and around Barretts, MO, Axes Physical Therapy ensures that expert vertigo treatment is within reach for anyone seeking help.

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

Other services we offer in Barretts, MO include:

• Back Pain Treatment
• Neck Pain Treatment
• Physical Therapy Clinic
• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Treatment
• Sciatica Treatment
• Sports Medicine
• Hand Pain Physical Therapy
• Foot & Ankle Pain Treatment
• Hip Pain Treatment
• Plantar Fasciitis Treatment

Call Axes for Your Vertigo Treatment | Barretts, 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 turning around feel challenging. Physical therapy, especially vestibular therapy offered by experts like Axes Physical Therapy, plays a vital role in treating vertigo by tackling the underlying issues and helping patients regain their balance and self-assuredness.

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 balanced and happy life. Call the location nearest you or contact us online today.