Vertigo treatment in Champ, MO. The condition known as vertigo goes beyond simply experiencing dizziness; it’s complex and can cause you to lose your sense of presence in the world, heavily affecting your daily life. At Axes Physical Therapy in Champ, MO, our approach to vertigo treatment extends beyond temporary fixes. We attack root causes of your vertigo with vestibular therapy and other physical therapy treatment modalities. Our expert team of Champ, 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 return to the activities you love, free from vertigo.

Whether you’re seeking vertigo treatment in Champ, MO because of a years-long condition or if symptoms arose suddenly, 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.

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 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 ailments affecting the vestibular system, comprising parts of the inner ear and brain involved in processing sensory information essential for maintaining balance and eye movements. Here 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) clump up in canals of the inner ear. The inner ear communicates to the brain about head and body movements relative to gravity. BPPV disrupts these signals, causing vertigo.
• Meniere’s Disease: This condition of the inner ear can lead to dizzy spells (vertigo) and hearing loss. In Meniere’s disease, a buildup of fluid in the inner ear leads to pressure changes, impacting hearing and balance.
• Vestibular Neuritis or Labyrinthitis: This condition entails inflammation of the inner ear or the nerves linking the inner ear to the brain. Such swelling obstructs the transmission of sensory information from the ear to the brain, leading to vertigo and problems with balance.
• Migraine-Associated Vertigo: Many people who suffer from migraines undergo episodes of vertigo or other types of dizziness even in the absence of an actual migraine. These episodes can affect 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: In fewer cases, 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 age-related degeneration of the inner ear structures.

Recognizing the cause of vertigo is a pivotal step in managing the condition, as it enables our Champ, MO physical and occupational therapists to personalize interventions aimed specifically at the specific source of imbalance. With a focus on the underlying cause, patients can experience more effective and lasting relief from their symptoms.

Symptoms of Vertigo

Vertigo can also come with several other symptoms besides dizziness, varying greatly in severity from person to person. Common additional symptoms include:

• Nausea or Vomiting: The unsettling sensations of vertigo commonly result in nausea and, in severe cases, vomiting.
• Balance Problems: Challenges in keeping balance, heightening the chances for falls, especially in elderly people.
• Tinnitus: Buzzing or additional noises in either ears, which can occur simultaneously with vertigo episodes.
• Hearing Loss: In instances associated with Meniere’s disease or other inner ear problems, hearing loss is often a symptom.
• Sweating: An episode of vertigo may cause sudden sweating, independent of your activity level or temperature.
• Nystagmus: Abnormal or jerking eye movements, where the eyes might drift without control and then correct themselves.
• Sensitivity to Motion: Difficulty with changes in position, such as standing up quickly, which can worsen vertigo symptoms.

Diagnosis of Vertigo

Diagnosis is the first step to treating vertigo in Champ, MO. It often involves a comprehensive examination, which often includes hearing tests, balance assessments, and possibly MRIs or X-Rays to rule out other causes. Our Champ, MO physical therapists, specialized 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, in tandem with your doctor if needed. Thanks to Direct Access Physical Therapy, a new law which allows patients in Champ, 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.

Champ, MO Physical Therapy for Vertigo Treatment

Physical therapy is a cornerstone of treating vertigo in Champ, MO, offering relief to many patients through targeted exercises. A number of vertigo treatment techniques assist in directly attacking the issues that cause dizziness and affect balance. Our Champ, MO physical therapists will develop a personalized treatment plan for your unique situation. 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 Champ, MO might feature:

• Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT): VRT is a specialized treatment modality designed to alleviate both the primary and secondary problems 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 effectively. Exercises include:
  • Gaze Stabilization Exercises: These exercises are aimed at 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 maintain your focus fixed on the target, you slowly turn your head from side to side or up and down. This assists conditioning 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 help enhancing steadiness and reduce the risk of falls. Such activities may start with simple activities like standing on one foot or taking heel-to-toe steps and advance to more complex tasks that involve walking with head movements or on uneven surfaces.
  • Habituation Exercises: Habituation exercises are intended for those who experience dizziness from self-motion or from visual stimuli. Such activities involve continuous exposure to certain motions or visual stimuli that induce dizziness, with the goal of diminishing 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.
• Canalith Repositioning Maneuvers (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 where they’re supposed to be, effectively reducing vertigo associated with this condition. It involves specific head positions with the guidance of a professional, designed to relocate these crystals and provide relief from the uncomfortable sensations of dizziness.

For effective and safe vertigo treatment, it’s best to consult our Champ, MO physical therapists initially, who can teach you what exercises are appropriate to do at home.

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

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

• Expertise and Personalization: Axes Physical Therapy features a team of skilled Champ, MO physical therapists specialized in vestibular disorders and post-concussion syndrome. Our team of occupational and physical therapists understands the nuances of vertigo and are dedicated to providing personalized care designed for your particular needs and conditions.
• Comprehensive Care: From the initial assessment to the creation of a personalized treatment plan, Axes Physical Therapy offers a comprehensive approach to vertigo treatment in Champ, MO. Our team uses a variety of therapeutic techniques aimed at alleviating symptoms, enhancing balance, reestablishing 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 Champ, MO patients are at the heart of everything they do. Recognizing the challenges that accompany vestibular disorders, we aim to create a caring environment where patients feel heard, valued, and supported.
• Accessibility: With multiple locations in and around Champ, 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 crucial step toward recovery.

Other services we offer in Champ, MO include:

• Workers Comp' Physical Therapy
• 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

Call Axes for Your Vertigo Treatment | Champ, 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 specialized providers like Axes Physical Therapy, plays a vital role in treating vertigo by addressing the root causes and helping patients restore their balance and self-assuredness.

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