Vertigo treatment in Benton Park West, MO. Vertigo goes beyond 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 Benton Park West, 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 Benton Park West, MO therapists work with you and your doctor to offer personalized, evidence-backed care plans. Our goal? To help you regain balance and return to the activities you love, free from vertigo.
If you’re in search of vertigo treatment in Benton Park West, MO, regardless of whether your condition has been ongoing for years or if it’s a recent development, 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.
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 commonly a symptom of various conditions influencing the vestibular system, comprising parts of the inner ear and brain involved in processing sensory information vital for controlling balance and eye movements. Listed are some of the most typical causes of vertigo:
- Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV): BPPV is a primary cause of vertigo and occurs when small calcium particles (canaliths) move into the wrong position in the inner ear. The inner ear transmits information to the brain about how we’re positioned and where we’re moving. BPPV interferes with these signals, causing vertigo.
- 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 causes pressure changes, impacting hearing and balance.
- Vestibular Neuritis or Labyrinthitis: This condition entails swelling of the inner ear or the nerves linking the inner ear to the brain. This inflammation obstructs the transfer of sensory information from the ear to the brain, leading to vertigo and problems with balance.
- Migraine-Associated Vertigo: Many people with migraines experience episodes of vertigo or other types of dizziness even in the absence of an actual migraine. These episodes can influence balance and cause motion sickness.
- Head or Neck Injuries: Harm to the head or neck can cause vertigo, which may appear shortly or long after the injury.
- Other Causes: In fewer cases, 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.
Understanding the cause of vertigo is a pivotal step in treatment, as it enables our Benton Park West, MO physical and occupational therapists to tailor interventions aimed specifically at the underlying issue of what’s affecting you. Concentrating 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 other symptoms beyond dizziness, showing significant variation in severity from person to person. Common additional symptoms include:
- Nausea or Vomiting: The unsettling sensations of vertigo often lead to nausea and, in severe cases, vomiting.
- Balance Problems: Difficulty in achieving balance, increasing the risk of falls, especially in elderly individuals.
- Tinnitus: Ringing or additional noises in either ears, which can occur alongside vertigo episodes.
- Hearing Loss: In cases 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, independent of physical exertion 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 quick movements, which can exacerbate vertigo symptoms.
Diagnosis of Vertigo
Getting a professional diagnosis is the first step to treating vertigo in Benton Park West, MO. It often involves a thorough examination, which may include hearing tests, balance assessments, and possibly imaging studies to rule out other causes. Our Benton Park West, MO physical therapists, expert in vestibular therapy, are trained to diagnose vertigo. We’ll assess the type and cause of vertigo to tailor customized treatment plans for you, together with your doctor if needed. Because of Direct Access Physical Therapy, recent legislation which allows patients in Benton Park West, MO and throughout Missouri to seek physical therapy without a prescription, you can visit Axes for a free injury screening for your initial diagnosis and treatment.
Benton Park West, MO Physical Therapy for Vertigo Treatment
Therapy is a cornerstone of vertigo treatment in Benton Park West, MO, improving the daily lives of many patients through targeted exercises. Various vertigo treatment techniques aid in directly attacking the issues that cause dizziness and affect balance. Our Benton Park West, MO physical therapists will develop a personalized treatment plan for your particular disorder. 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 Benton Park West, MO could involve:
- Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT): VRT is a specialized form of therapy designed to alleviate both the primary and secondary problems caused by vestibular disorders. It involves a series of tailored exercises designed to retrain the brain to recognize and process signals from the vestibular system more effectively. Exercises include:
- Gaze Stabilization Exercises: These exercises are designed to improve vision and the ability to focus on a stationary object while the head is moving. An example 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 rotate 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 people with vertigo, as they help improving steadiness and reduce the risk of falls. Such activities may start with simple tasks like standing on one foot or taking heel-to-toe steps and advance 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 from self-motion or from visual stimuli. These exercises involve repeated exposure to certain motions or visual stimuli that induce dizziness, with the goal of reducing the sensitivity of these triggers over time. For instance, moving the head from side to side at a steady speed for a set number of repetitions.
- Canalith Repositioning Maneuvers (Epley Maneuver): For patients diagnosed with BPPV, the Epley Maneuver stands as a safe method that aims to move the dislodged crystals inside the inner ear to where they’re supposed to be, thereby relieving the dizzy spells that are characteristic of this disorder. This maneuver involves specific head positions with the guidance of a specialist, designed to shift these crystals and provide relief from the unsettling sensations of dizziness.
For effective and safe vertigo treatment, it’s most advisable to meet with our Benton Park West, MO physical therapists initially, who can show you what exercises are appropriate to do at home.
Why Choose Axes Physical Therapy for Vertigo Treatment in Benton Park West, MO
Choosing the right provider is essential when seeking vertigo treatment. Axes Physical Therapy is a top choice for Benton Park West, MO individuals experiencing vertigo, dizziness, and balance issues. Here’s why:
- Expertise and Personalization: Axes Physical Therapy boasts a team of expert Benton Park West, MO physical therapists specialized in vestibular disorders and post-concussion syndrome. We understand the nuances of vertigo and are dedicated to providing personalized care designed for your particular needs and conditions.
- Comprehensive Care: Starting with your first evaluation to the creation of a personalized treatment plan, Axes Physical Therapy offers a holistic approach to vertigo treatment in Benton Park West, MO. Our team uses a variety of therapeutic techniques designed to reducing symptoms, improving 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 Benton Park West, MO patients are at the heart of everything we do. Recognizing the challenges that accompany vestibular disorders, we aim to create a supportive environment where patients feel understood, valued, and supported.
- Accessibility: With multiple locations in and around Benton Park West, 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, reaching out to Axes Physical Therapy can be a crucial step toward recovery.
Other services we offer in Benton Park West, MO include:
- Geriatric Physical Therapy
- Injury Rehabilitation
- Pain Management Services
- TMJ Treatment
- Herniated Disc Treatment
- Rotator Cuff Tear Treatment
- Running Injury
- MCL Tear
- ACL Rehabilitation
- Functional Capacity Evaluation
Call Axes for Your Vertigo Treatment | Benton Park West, MO Physical Therapy
Vertigo can drastically affect 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 vital role in treating vertigo by addressing the root causes and helping patients restore 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 help you navigate the complexities of vertigo and get back to living a harmonious and happy life. Call the location nearest you or contact us online today.