Vertigo treatment in Catawissa, MO. Vertigo is more than just a brief moment of dizziness; it’s a complex condition that can cause you to lose your sense of presence in the world, severely impacting your ability to perform basic tasks. At Axes Physical Therapy in Catawissa, MO, our approach to vertigo treatment extends beyond temporary fixes. We target the underlying causes of your vertigo with vestibular therapy and other physical therapy treatment modalities. Our expert team of Catawissa, MO 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.
If you’re in search of vertigo treatment in Catawissa, 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 start getting your best you back 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. 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 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 commonly associated with various disorders affecting the vestibular system, comprising parts of the inner ear and brain that processes sensory information vital for controlling balance and eye movements. Listed are several of the most common causes of vertigo:
- Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV): BPPV is a primary cause of vertigo and occurs when tiny 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 alters these signals, causing vertigo.
- Meniere’s Disease: This disorder of the inner ear can lead to 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 involves swelling of the inner ear or the nerves that send signals from the inner ear to the brain. This inflammation interferes with the transfer of sensory information from the ear to the brain, resulting in vertigo and issues with balance.
- Migraine-Associated Vertigo: Many people with migraines suffer from episodes of vertigo or other types of dizziness even when they’re not having a severe headache. These episodes can influence balance and cause motion sickness.
- Head or Neck Injuries: Harm to the head or neck can cause vertigo, which may manifest 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.
Recognizing the cause of vertigo is an essential step in managing the condition, as it enables our Catawissa, MO physical and occupational therapists to personalize interventions aimed specifically at the underlying issue of what’s affecting you. With a focus on the underlying cause, patients can achieve more profound and durable relief from their symptoms.
Symptoms of Vertigo
This condition can also come with several additional symptoms beyond dizziness, differing widely in severity from person to person. Common other symptoms include:
- Nausea or Vomiting: The unsettling sensations of vertigo frequently cause nausea and, in severe cases, vomiting.
- Balance Problems: Trouble in maintaining balance, leading to a higher risk of falls, especially in elderly people.
- Tinnitus: Humming 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 conditions, hearing loss is often a symptom.
- Sweating: An episode of vertigo can lead to sudden sweating, not related to your activity level or temperature.
- Nystagmus: Unusual or jerking eye movements, where the eyes may drift without control and then adjust themselves.
- Sensitivity to Motion: Problems with changes in position, such as rapid changes in posture, which can worsen vertigo symptoms.
Diagnosis of Vertigo
Diagnosis is the first step to vertigo treatment in Catawissa, MO. It often involves a thorough examination, which may include hearing tests, balance assessments, and possibly imaging studies to rule out other causes. Our Catawissa, MO physical therapists, expert in vestibular therapy, are trained to diagnose vertigo. They’ll assess the type and cause of vertigo to tailor customized treatment plans for you, alongside your doctor if needed. Because of Direct Access Physical Therapy, a new law which allows patients in Catawissa, 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.
Catawissa, MO Physical Therapy for Vertigo Treatment
Physical therapy is a cornerstone of treating vertigo in Catawissa, MO, improving the daily lives of many patients through targeted exercises. A number of vertigo treatment techniques help directly attacking the issues that cause dizziness and affect balance. Our Catawissa, MO physical therapists will develop a customized treatment plan for your particular situation. 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 Catawissa, MO could involve:
- Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT): VRT is a specialized form of therapy aimed at alleviate both the primary and secondary problems caused by vestibular disorders. It involves a series of customized 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 ability to focus on a stationary object while the head is moving. One such exercise is the “VOR X1 exercise,” where you fix your gaze on a small target at eye level. As you hold your gaze fixed on the target, you slowly turn your head from side to side or up and down. This assists teaching your brain to maintain focus on an object despite movements.
- Balance Training: Exercises focused on balance training play a vital role for people with vertigo, as they aid in enhancing steadiness and reduce 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: Habituation exercises are intended for those who experience dizziness from self-motion or from visual stimuli. These exercises involve repeated exposure to specific movements 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 set number of repetitions.
- Canalith Repositioning Maneuvers (Epley Maneuver): For patients diagnosed with BPPV, the Epley Maneuver is recognized as a gentle method that seeks to reposition the dislodged crystals inside the inner ear back to where they’re supposed to be, thus alleviating vertigo that are characteristic of this condition. It entails specific head movements under the guidance of a professional, aiming to relocate these crystals and offer relief from the uncomfortable sensations of dizziness.
For effective and safe vertigo treatment, it’s best to meet with our Catawissa, MO physical therapists first, who can show you what exercises are safe for you to do at home.
Why Choose Axes Physical Therapy for Vertigo Treatment in Catawissa, MO
Choosing the right provider is essential when seeking vertigo treatment. Axes Physical Therapy stands out as a top choice for Catawissa, MO people experiencing vertigo, dizziness, and balance issues. Here’s why:
- Expertise and Personalization: Axes Physical Therapy boasts a team of expert Catawissa, MO physical therapists with specializations in vestibular disorders and post-concussion syndrome. Our team of occupational and physical therapists understands the complexities of vertigo and commit to providing personalized care tailored to your specific 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 Catawissa, MO. Our team uses a variety of therapeutic techniques aimed at reducing symptoms, improving balance, restoring normal function, getting you back to the activities you love, and having you feeling great in your daily life.
- Patient-Centric Approach: At Axes Physical Therapy, our Catawissa, MO patients are the center of everything we do. Recognizing the challenges that accompany vestibular disorders, we aim to create a supportive environment where patients feel understood, appreciated, and supported.
- Accessibility: With multiple locations in and around Catawissa, MO, Axes Physical Therapy ensures that professional vertigo treatment is within reach for those in need.
For anyone experiencing vertigo, dizziness, or balance problems, contacting Axes Physical Therapy can be a crucial step toward recovery.
Other services we offer in Catawissa, MO include:
- 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 | Catawissa, 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 walking up the stairs seem daunting. Physical therapy, especially vestibular therapy offered by specialized providers like Axes Physical Therapy, plays a crucial role in treating vertigo by addressing the root causes and helping patients regain 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 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.