Vertigo treatment in Bridgeton, MO. Vertigo is more than just simply experiencing dizziness; it’s a complex condition that can cause you to lose your sense of presence in the world, severely impacting your daily life. At Axes Physical Therapy in Bridgeton, MO, our approach to vertigo treatment goes beyond temporary fixes. We attack the underlying causes of your vertigo with vestibular therapy and other physical therapy treatment modalities. Our expert team of Bridgeton, MO therapists collaborate with your healthcare provider to offer personalized, evidence-backed care plans. Our goal? To help you regain balance and resume the activities you love, without the constraints of vertigo.

If you’re in search of vertigo treatment in Bridgeton, MO, regardless of whether your condition has been ongoing for years or if it’s a recent development, Axes is here to help. 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 you might feel as though you’re moving when in fact you’re stationary, or it seems like the environment around you is moving. Those who have experienced vertigo can attest it’s much worse than just light-headedness. 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 disorders affecting the vestibular system, comprising parts of the inner ear and brain responsible for processing 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 communicates 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 may result in dizzy spells (vertigo) and hearing loss. In Meniere’s disease, fluid accumulation in the inner ear results in pressure changes, impacting hearing and balance.
• Vestibular Neuritis or Labyrinthitis: This disorder involves 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, resulting in 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 impact 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: 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 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 treatment, as it allows our Bridgeton, MO physical and occupational therapists to tailor interventions aimed specifically at the root cause of what’s affecting you. By focusing on the underlying cause, patients can experience more lasting and profound relief from their symptoms.

Vertigo Symptoms

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

• Nausea or Vomiting: The disorienting sensations of vertigo commonly result in nausea and, in serious cases, vomiting.
• Balance Problems: Difficulty in maintaining balance, increasing the risk of falls, especially in elderly individuals.
• Tinnitus: Buzzing or additional noises in one or both ears, which may occur concurrently with vertigo episodes.
• Hearing Loss: In instances related to Meniere’s disease or other inner ear issues, hearing loss is often 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 might unintentionally drift and then correct themselves.
• Sensitivity to Motion: Difficulty with changes in position, such as standing up quickly, which can intensify vertigo symptoms.

Diagnosis of Vertigo

Diagnosis is the first step to vertigo treatment in Bridgeton, MO. It typically involves a thorough examination, which can involve hearing tests, balance assessments, and possibly MRIs or X-Rays to rule out other causes. Our Bridgeton, MO physical therapists, expert in vestibular rehabilitation, are trained to diagnose vertigo. They’ll assess the type and cause of vertigo to tailor specific treatment plans for you, together with your doctor if needed. Because of Direct Access Physical Therapy, a new law which allows patients in Bridgeton, 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.

Bridgeton, MO Physical Therapy for Vertigo Treatment

Physical therapy is a cornerstone of vertigo treatment in Bridgeton, MO, improving the daily lives of many patients through targeted exercises. Various vertigo treatment techniques aid in repositioning particles in the ears that cause dizziness and affect balance. Our Bridgeton, MO physical therapists will develop a unique 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 Bridgeton, MO might feature:

• Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT): VRT is a specialized form of therapy intended to alleviate both the both acute and chronic symptoms 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 efficiently. Exercises include:
  • Gaze Stabilization Exercises: These exercises are intended 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 concentrate 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 teaching your brain to maintain focus on an object despite movements.
  • Balance Training: Balance training exercises are crucial for individuals with vertigo, as they help enhancing steadiness and lowering the risk of falls. These exercises may start with simple tasks like standing on one foot or walking heel-to-toe and progress 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 due to their own movement or from visual stimuli. These exercises involve continuous exposure to specific movements or visual stimuli that trigger dizziness, with the goal of reducing the sensitivity to these triggers over time. An example is 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 back to their correct location, effectively reducing vertigo associated with this condition. This maneuver involves specific head movements under the guidance of a professional, designed to shift these crystals and provide relief from the uncomfortable sensations of dizziness.

For safe and effective vertigo treatment, it’s best to meet with our Bridgeton, MO 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 Bridgeton, MO

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

• Expertise and Personalization: Axes Physical Therapy features a team of skilled Bridgeton, MO physical therapists specialized in vestibular disorders and post-concussion syndrome. Our team comprehends the nuances of vertigo and commit 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 Bridgeton, 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 making you feel great in your daily life.
• Patient-Centric Approach: At Axes Physical Therapy, our Bridgeton, MO patients are at the heart of everything we do. Acknowledging the challenges that accompany vestibular disorders, we strive to create a caring environment where patients feel understood, appreciated, and supported.
• Accessibility: With multiple locations in and around Bridgeton, MO, Axes Physical Therapy ensures that professional vertigo treatment is accessible for those in need.

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

Other services we offer in Bridgeton, MO include:

• 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
• Stroke Rehabilitation

Call Axes for Your Vertigo Treatment | Bridgeton, 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 standing up from a chair 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 confidence.

If you’re suffering from vertigo or related symptoms, remember that you’re not alone. Contact 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.