Vertigo treatment in Bridgeton, MO. 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 Bridgeton, MO, our approach to vertigo treatment targets root causes of your vertigo with vestibular therapy and other physical therapy treatment modalities. Our expert team of Bridgeton, MO physical and occupational 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. Call the Axes location nearest you, contact us online, or request an appointment to begin the journey to reclaim your best self 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 world 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 managing sensory information crucial for controlling balance and eye movements. Listed are some of the most frequent causes of vertigo:

• Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV): BPPV is the most common cause of vertigo and occurs when tiny calcium particles (canaliths) move into the wrong position in the inner ear. The inner ear sends signals to the brain about how we’re positioned and where we’re moving. BPPV interferes with these signals, causing dizziness and a spinning sensation.
• 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 leads to pressure changes, impacting hearing and balance.
• Vestibular Neuritis or Labyrinthitis: This disorder 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, resulting in vertigo and issues with balance.
• Migraine-Associated Vertigo: Many people who suffer from migraines suffer from episodes of vertigo or other types of dizziness even without having a severe headache. 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 soon after or long following 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 the wear and tear of inner ear structures due to age.

Recognizing the cause of vertigo is an essential step in treatment, as it enables our Bridgeton, MO physical and occupational therapists to customize interventions aimed specifically at the root cause of imbalance. By focusing on the underlying cause, patients can achieve more profound and durable relief from their symptoms.

Symptoms of Vertigo

Vertigo can also be accompanied by several additional symptoms besides dizziness, showing significant variation in severity from one individual to another. Common additional symptoms include:

• Nausea or Vomiting: The confusing sensations of vertigo frequently cause nausea and, in serious cases, vomiting.
• Balance Problems: Trouble in keeping balance, increasing the risk of falls, especially in elderly individuals.
• Tinnitus: Ringing or other 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 might trigger sudden sweating, independent of physical exertion or temperature.
• Nystagmus: Abnormal or jerking eye movements, where the eyes might drift without control and then realign themselves.
• Sensitivity to Motion: Challenges with changes in position, such as quick movements, which can worsen vertigo symptoms.

Diagnosis of Vertigo

Getting the correct diagnosis is the first step to vertigo treatment in Bridgeton, MO. It usually 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, skilled in vestibular therapy, have years of experience diagnosing vertigo. We’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, recent legislation which allows patients in Bridgeton, 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.

Bridgeton, MO Physical Therapy for Vertigo Treatment

Therapy is a cornerstone of vertigo treatment in Bridgeton, MO, offering relief to many patients through targeted exercises. Various vertigo treatment techniques help repositioning particles in the ears that cause dizziness and affect balance. Our Bridgeton, MO physical therapists will develop a customized treatment plan for your particular circumstances. That may include 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 could involve:

• 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 customized exercises intended to retrain the brain to interpret and process signals from the vestibular system more effectively. 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. One such exercise is the “VOR X1 exercise,” where you concentrate on a small target at eye level. As you keep your gaze 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 play a vital role for individuals with vertigo, as they help enhancing steadiness and lowering the risk of falls. These exercises may start with simple activities like standing on one foot or taking heel-to-toe steps and progress 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 suffer from dizziness due to their own movement or from visual stimuli. Such activities involve continuous exposure to certain motions or visual stimuli that induce dizziness, with the goal of reducing the brain’s sensitivity to these triggers over time. For instance, moving the head from side to side at a steady speed for a set number of repetitions.
• The Canalith Repositioning Technique (Epley Maneuver): In cases of BPPV, the Epley Maneuver is recognized as a safe method that seeks to reposition the misplaced crystals within the inner ear back to their correct location, thereby relieving the dizzy spells associated with this disorder. It entails precise head positions under the guidance of a professional, designed to relocate these crystals and provide relief from the unsettling sensations of dizziness.

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

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

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

• Expertise and Personalization: Axes Physical Therapy boasts a team of skilled Bridgeton, MO physical therapists with specializations in vestibular disorders and post-concussion syndrome. Our team of occupational and physical therapists understands the nuances of vertigo and commit to providing individualized care designed for your specific 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 Bridgeton, MO. We employ a range of therapeutic techniques aimed at reducing symptoms, improving balance, reestablishing normal function, returning you to the activities you love, and having you feeling great in your daily life.
• Patient-Centric Approach: At Axes Physical Therapy, our Bridgeton, MO patients are the center of everything we do. Acknowledging the challenges that accompany vestibular disorders, we aim to create a supportive environment where patients feel heard, valued, and supported.
• Accessibility: With multiple locations in and around Bridgeton, MO, Axes Physical Therapy ensures that expert vertigo treatment is within reach 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:

• Migraine Relief
• Sprain and Strain Treatment
• Geriatric Physical Therapy
• Injury Rehabilitation
• Pain Management Services
• TMJ Treatment
• Herniated Disc Treatment
• Rotator Cuff Tear Treatment
• Running Injury
• MCL Tear

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 walking up the stairs feel challenging. Physical therapy, especially vestibular therapy offered by experts like Axes Physical Therapy, plays a crucial role in treating vertigo by tackling the underlying issues and helping patients regain their balance and self-assuredness.

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