Vertigo treatment in Chain of Rocks, 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, heavily affecting your ability to perform basic tasks. At Axes Physical Therapy in Chain of Rocks, 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 Chain of Rocks, MO physical and occupational therapists work with you and your doctor to offer personalized, evidence-backed care plans. Our goal? To help you regain balance and resume the activities you love, free from vertigo.

If you’re in search of vertigo treatment in Chain of Rocks, MO, 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 initiate your path to recovery 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 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 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 often associated with various ailments affecting the vestibular system, which includes parts of the inner ear and brain responsible for processing information about our position in the world around us. Here 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 head and body movements relative to gravity. BPPV disrupts 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, affecting balance and hearing.
• Vestibular Neuritis or Labyrinthitis: This disorder involves 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 undergo episodes of vertigo or other types of dizziness even without having a severe headache. These episodes can affect balance and cause motion sickness.
• Head or Neck Injuries: Injuries to the head or neck can cause vertigo, which may manifest immediately or sometime after 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 the wear and tear of inner ear structures due to age.

Understanding the cause of vertigo is a crucial step in treatment, as it enables our Chain of Rocks, MO physical and occupational therapists to customize interventions aimed specifically at the specific source of what’s affecting you. By focusing on the underlying cause, patients can realize more effective and lasting relief from their symptoms.

Symptoms of Vertigo

Vertigo can also be accompanied by several additional symptoms beyond dizziness, differing widely in severity from one individual to another. Common other symptoms include:

• Nausea or Vomiting: The unsettling sensations of vertigo often lead to nausea and, in serious cases, vomiting.
• Balance Problems: Challenges in maintaining balance, increasing the risk of falls, particularly in elderly people.
• Tinnitus: Buzzing or other noises in one or both ears, which can occur simultaneously with vertigo episodes.
• Hearing Loss: In cases related to Meniere’s disease or other inner ear issues, hearing loss can be a symptom.
• Sweating: An episode of vertigo may cause sudden sweating, independent of 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: Challenges with motion, such as quick movements, which can exacerbate vertigo symptoms.

Diagnosis of Vertigo

Getting the correct diagnosis is the first step to vertigo treatment in Chain of Rocks, MO. It typically involves a thorough examination, which may include hearing tests, balance assessments, and possibly MRIs or X-Rays to rule out other causes. Our Chain of Rocks, MO physical therapists, expert in vestibular therapy, play a significant role in diagnosing vertigo. They’ll assess the type and cause of vertigo to tailor customized treatment plans for you, together with your doctor if needed. Thanks to Direct Access Physical Therapy, a new law which allows patients in Chain of Rocks, 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.

Chain of Rocks, MO Physical Therapy for Vertigo Treatment

Therapy is a cornerstone of treating vertigo in Chain of Rocks, MO, improving the daily lives of many patients through targeted exercises. Several vertigo treatment techniques aid in directly attacking the issues that cause dizziness and affect balance. Our Chain of Rocks, MO physical therapists will develop a customized treatment plan for your particular 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 Chain of Rocks, MO could involve:

• Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT): VRT is a focused treatment method aimed at alleviate both the both acute and chronic symptoms caused by vestibular disorders. It involves a series of personalized exercises designed to retrain the brain to interpret and process signals from the vestibular system more efficiently. Exercises include:
  • Gaze Stabilization Exercises: These exercises are intended to better vision and the ability to focus on a stationary object while the head is moving. A common technique is the “VOR X1 exercise,” where you fix your gaze 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 assists conditioning your brain to maintain focus on an object even with movements.
  • Balance Training: Exercises focused on balance training play a vital role for people with vertigo, as they aid in enhancing steadiness and lowering the risk of falls. These exercises may start with simple tasks like standing on one foot or taking heel-to-toe steps and progress 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. Such activities involve continuous exposure to specific movements or visual stimuli that induce dizziness, with the objective of diminishing the brain’s sensitivity of these triggers over time. For instance, moving the head from side to side at a controlled speed for a specified number of repetitions.
• Canalith Repositioning Maneuvers (Epley Maneuver): For patients diagnosed with BPPV, the Epley Maneuver is recognized as a safe procedure that seeks to reposition the dislodged crystals inside the inner ear back to their correct position, thereby relieving vertigo that are characteristic of this condition. This maneuver involves precise head movements with the guidance of a professional, designed to relocate these crystals and offer relief from the uncomfortable sensations of dizziness.

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

Why Choose Axes Physical Therapy for Vertigo Treatment in Chain of Rocks, MO

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

• Expertise and Personalization: Axes Physical Therapy boasts a team of expert Chain of Rocks, 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 are dedicated to providing individualized care designed for your particular needs and conditions.
• Comprehensive Care: From the initial assessment to the creation of a customized treatment plan, Axes Physical Therapy offers a holistic approach to vertigo treatment in Chain of Rocks, MO. We employ a range of therapeutic techniques aimed at alleviating symptoms, enhancing balance, reestablishing normal function, getting you back to the activities you love, and making you feel great in your daily life.
• Patient-Centric Approach: At Axes Physical Therapy, our Chain of Rocks, MO patients are at the heart of everything they do. Recognizing the challenges that come with vestibular disorders, we strive to create a supportive environment where patients feel heard, appreciated, and cared for.
• Accessibility: With multiple locations in and around Chain of Rocks, MO, Axes Physical Therapy ensures that professional vertigo treatment is within reach for anyone seeking help.

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 Chain of Rocks, MO include:

• Pain Management Services
• TMJ Treatment
• Herniated Disc Treatment
• Rotator Cuff Tear Treatment
• Running Injury
• MCL Tear
• ACL Rehabilitation
• Functional Capacity Evaluation
• Total Knee Replacement Physical Therapy

Call Axes for Your Vertigo Treatment | Chain of Rocks, 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 experts like Axes Physical Therapy, plays a crucial role in treating vertigo by addressing the root causes and helping patients restore their balance and confidence.

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 return to living a harmonious and happy life. Call the location nearest you or contact us online today.