Vertigo treatment in Bismarck, 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 Bismarck, 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 Bismarck, MO physical and occupational therapists work with you and your doctor to offer personalized, evidence-backed care plans. Our goal? To assist you in regaining balance and return to the activities you love, without the constraints of vertigo.

Whether you’re seeking vertigo treatment in Bismarck, MO because of a years-long condition or if symptoms arose suddenly, you can trust in Axes. Reach out to the closest Axes location, contact us online, or request an appointment to begin the journey to reclaim your best self today.

Vertigo: Causes, Symptoms, & Diagnosis

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 usually a symptom of various ailments impacting the vestibular system, comprising parts of the inner ear and brain involved in managing information about our position in the world around us. Listed are some 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 communicates to the brain about head and body movements relative to gravity. BPPV interferes with 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, a buildup of fluid 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 linking the inner ear to the brain. Such swelling disrupts the transfer of sensory information from the ear to the brain, leading to vertigo and issues 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 affect balance and cause motion sickness.
• Head or Neck Injuries: Trauma to the head or neck can cause vertigo, which may develop soon after or long following the injury.
• Other Causes: More rarely, 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 allows our Bismarck, MO physical and occupational therapists to personalize interventions that directly address the root cause of imbalance. Concentrating on the underlying cause, patients can realize more profound and durable relief from their symptoms.

Vertigo Symptoms

Vertigo can also present several other symptoms besides dizziness, differing widely in severity from one individual to another. Common additional symptoms include:

• Nausea or Vomiting: The unsettling sensations of vertigo frequently cause nausea and, in extreme cases, vomiting.
• Balance Problems: Trouble in achieving balance, increasing the risk of falls, especially in elderly individuals.
• Tinnitus: Ringing or additional noises in either ears, which may occur alongside vertigo episodes.
• Hearing Loss: In instances associated with Meniere’s disease or other inner ear conditions, hearing loss is often a symptom.
• Sweating: An episode of vertigo might trigger sudden sweating, independent of your activity level or temperature.
• Nystagmus: Unusual or jerking eye movements, where the eyes might unintentionally drift and then correct themselves.
• Sensitivity to Motion: Problems with motion, such as rapid changes in posture, which can exacerbate vertigo symptoms.

Diagnosis of Vertigo

Diagnosis is the first step to treating vertigo in Bismarck, MO. It typically involves a comprehensive examination, which can involve hearing tests, balance assessments, and possibly imaging studies to rule out other causes. Our Bismarck, MO physical therapists, specialized in vestibular therapy, are trained to diagnose vertigo. They’ll assess the type and cause of vertigo to tailor specific treatment plans for you, alongside your doctor if needed. Thanks to Direct Access Physical Therapy, a new law which allows patients in Bismarck, MO 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.

Bismarck, MO Physical Therapy for Vertigo Treatment

Physical therapy is a cornerstone of vertigo treatment in Bismarck, MO, improving the daily lives of many patients through targeted exercises. Various vertigo treatment techniques assist in directly attacking the issues that cause dizziness and affect balance. Our Bismarck, MO physical therapists will develop a personalized treatment plan for your specific 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 Bismarck, MO may include:

• Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT): VRT is a focused treatment method aimed at 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 effectively. Exercises include:
  • Gaze Stabilization Exercises: These exercises are designed to better 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 hold your gaze fixed on the target, you slowly rotate your head from side to side or up and down. This helps training your brain to maintain focus on an object despite movements.
  • Balance Training: Balance training exercises are crucial for people with vertigo, as they help enhancing steadiness and reduce the risk of falls. Such activities often begin with simple activities like balancing on a single leg or walking heel-to-toe and advance to more complex tasks that involve walking with head movements or on uneven surfaces.
  • Habituation Exercises: Exercises for habituation are intended for those who experience dizziness due to their own movement or from visual stimuli. These exercises involve continuous exposure to certain motions or visual stimuli that trigger dizziness, with the objective of diminishing the brain’s sensitivity of these triggers over time. An example is moving the head from side to side at a controlled speed for a set number of repetitions.
• The Canalith Repositioning Technique (Epley Maneuver): In cases of BPPV, the Epley Maneuver stands as a gentle procedure that aims to move the dislodged crystals inside the inner ear to where they’re supposed to be, effectively reducing the dizzy spells that are characteristic of this disorder. It entails precise head movements under the guidance of a professional, designed to shift these crystals and provide relief from the unsettling sensations of dizziness.

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

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

Choosing the right provider is essential when seeking vertigo treatment. Axes Physical Therapy is a top choice for Bismarck, MO people suffering from vertigo, dizziness, and balance issues. Here’s why:

• Expertise and Personalization: Axes Physical Therapy features a team of skilled Bismarck, MO physical therapists specialized in vestibular disorders and post-concussion syndrome. We understand the nuances of vertigo and commit to providing individualized care designed for your specific needs and conditions.
• Comprehensive Care: Starting with your first evaluation to the creation of a customized treatment plan, Axes Physical Therapy offers a holistic approach to vertigo treatment in Bismarck, MO. We employ a range of therapeutic techniques aimed at alleviating 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 Bismarck, MO patients are at the heart of everything we do. Recognizing the challenges that accompany vestibular disorders, we strive to create a supportive environment where patients feel understood, appreciated, and cared for.
• Accessibility: With multiple locations in and around Bismarck, MO, Axes Physical Therapy ensures that professional 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 Bismarck, 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 | Bismarck, 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 seem daunting. Physical therapy, especially vestibular therapy offered by specialized providers like Axes Physical Therapy, plays a crucial 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 return to living a balanced and happy life. Call the location nearest you or contact us online today.