Vertigo treatment in Bethalto, IL. Vertigo goes beyond simply experiencing 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 Bethalto, 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 Bethalto, IL therapists collaborate with your healthcare provider to offer personalized, evidence-backed care plans. Our goal? To assist you in regaining balance and resume the activities you love, free from vertigo.

If you’re in search of vertigo treatment in Bethalto, IL, 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 is often described as a spinning sensation, 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 associated with various ailments influencing the vestibular system, which includes parts of the inner ear and brain that processes sensory information essential for maintaining balance and eye movements. Here are some of the most typical causes of vertigo:

• Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV): BPPV is the foremost cause of vertigo and occurs when small calcium particles (canaliths) clump up in canals of the inner ear. The inner ear communicates to the brain about head and body movements relative to gravity. BPPV alters these signals, causing vertigo.
• Meniere’s Disease: This condition of the inner ear may result in 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 condition entails inflammation of the inner ear or the nerves linking the inner ear to the brain. This inflammation disrupts the transmission of sensory information from the ear to the brain, resulting in 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 influence balance and cause nausea.
• Head or Neck Injuries: Injuries to the head or neck can cause vertigo, which may develop soon after or long following 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 affect the inner ear, 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 Bethalto, IL physical and occupational therapists to customize interventions that directly address the root cause of imbalance. Concentrating on the underlying cause, patients can achieve more profound and durable relief from their symptoms.

Vertigo Symptoms

This condition can also be accompanied by several additional symptoms besides dizziness, showing significant variation in severity from person to person. Common additional symptoms include:

• Nausea or Vomiting: The unsettling sensations of vertigo commonly result in nausea and, in serious cases, vomiting.
• Balance Problems: Challenges in maintaining balance, heightening the chances for falls, particularly in elderly individuals.
• Tinnitus: Buzzing or additional noises in one or both ears, which may occur concurrently with vertigo episodes.
• Hearing Loss: In instances associated with Meniere’s disease or other inner ear problems, hearing loss can be a symptom.
• Sweating: An episode of vertigo might trigger sudden sweating, independent of your activity level or temperature.
• Nystagmus: Abnormal or jerking eye movements, where the eyes might drift without control and then correct themselves.
• Sensitivity to Motion: Difficulty with changes in position, such as standing up quickly, which can worsen vertigo symptoms.

Diagnosis of Vertigo

Getting the correct diagnosis is the first step to treating vertigo in Bethalto, IL. 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 Bethalto, IL physical therapists, skilled in vestibular rehabilitation, are trained to diagnose vertigo. We’ll assess the type and cause of vertigo to tailor personalized treatment plans for you, together with your doctor if needed. Thanks to Direct Access Physical Therapy, a new law which allows patients in Bethalto, IL 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.

Bethalto, IL Physical Therapy for Vertigo Treatment

Therapy is a cornerstone of treating vertigo in Bethalto, IL, offering relief to many patients through targeted exercises. A number of vertigo treatment techniques aid in directly attacking the issues that cause dizziness and affect balance. Our Bethalto, IL physical therapists will develop a customized 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 Bethalto, IL might feature:

• Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT): VRT is a focused form of therapy intended to alleviate both the primary and secondary problems caused by vestibular disorders. It involves a series of personalized exercises aimed to retrain the brain to interpret and process signals from the vestibular system more efficiently. Exercises include:
  • Gaze Stabilization Exercises: These exercises are designed 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 concentrate on a small target at eye level. As you hold your gaze fixed on the target, you slowly move your head from side to side or up and down. This aids in teaching your brain to maintain focus on an object even with movements.
  • Balance Training: Exercises focused on balance training are crucial for individuals with vertigo, as they aid in improving steadiness and lowering the risk of falls. Such activities may start 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 suffer from dizziness due to self-motion or from visual stimuli. These exercises involve continuous exposure to certain motions 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 steady speed for a specified number of repetitions.
• Canalith Repositioning Maneuvers (Epley Maneuver): In cases of BPPV, the Epley Maneuver stands as a safe method that seeks to move the misplaced crystals inside the inner ear back to their original position, effectively reducing the dizzy spells associated with this condition. This maneuver entails specific head positions with the guidance of a specialist, aiming to shift these crystals and provide relief from the unsettling sensations of dizziness.

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

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

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

• Expertise and Personalization: Axes Physical Therapy boasts a team of skilled Bethalto, IL physical therapists specialized in vestibular disorders and post-concussion syndrome. Our team of occupational and physical therapists understands the complexities of vertigo and are dedicated to providing personalized care designed for your specific needs and conditions.
• Comprehensive Care: Starting with your first evaluation to the development of a customized treatment plan, Axes Physical Therapy offers a holistic approach to vertigo treatment in Bethalto, IL. We employ a range of therapeutic techniques aimed at reducing symptoms, improving balance, restoring 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 Bethalto, IL patients are the center of everything they do. Acknowledging the challenges that accompany vestibular disorders, we aim to create a supportive environment where patients feel heard, appreciated, and cared for.
• Accessibility: With multiple locations in and around Bethalto, IL, Axes Physical Therapy ensures that professional vertigo treatment is within reach for those in need.

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 Bethalto, IL include:

• 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
• Stroke Rehabilitation
• Hip Replacement Physical Therapy

Call Axes for Your Vertigo Treatment | Bethalto, IL 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 walking up the stairs seem daunting. 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 restore 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 assist you in managing the complexities of vertigo and get back to living a harmonious and happy life. Call the location nearest you or contact us online today.