Vertigo treatment in Chesterfield, 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 Chesterfield, MO, our approach to vertigo treatment targets the underlying causes of your vertigo with vestibular therapy and other physical therapy treatment modalities. Our expert team of Chesterfield, MO 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.

If you’re in search of vertigo treatment in Chesterfield, 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.

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 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 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 usually a symptom of various disorders influencing the vestibular system, comprising parts of the inner ear and brain responsible for processing sensory information essential for controlling balance and eye movements. Here are a few of the most common 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 vertigo.
• Meniere’s Disease: This condition of the inner ear may result in dizzy spells (vertigo) and hearing loss. In Meniere’s disease, a buildup of fluid in the inner ear results in 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. Such swelling interferes with the transmission of sensory information from the ear to the brain, leading to vertigo and issues with balance.
• Migraine-Associated Vertigo: Many people with migraines undergo episodes of vertigo or other types of dizziness even when they’re not having a severe headache. These episodes can impact balance and cause nausea.
• Head or Neck Injuries: Injuries to the head or neck can cause vertigo, which may appear shortly or long after the injury.
• Other Causes: More rarely, 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.

Understanding the cause of vertigo is a crucial step in managing the condition, as it enables our Chesterfield, MO physical and occupational therapists to personalize interventions targeting the root cause of what’s affecting you. Concentrating on the underlying cause, patients can experience more lasting and profound relief from their symptoms.

Vertigo Symptoms

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

• Nausea or Vomiting: The confusing sensations of vertigo commonly result in nausea and, in severe cases, vomiting.
• Balance Problems: Challenges in maintaining balance, leading to a higher risk of falls, especially in elderly individuals.
• 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 conditions, hearing loss can be a symptom.
• Sweating: An episode of vertigo might trigger sudden sweating, unrelated to your activity level or temperature.
• Nystagmus: Unusual or jerking eye movements, where the eyes might drift without control and then correct themselves.
• Sensitivity to Motion: Problems with changes in position, such as rapid changes in posture, which can worsen vertigo symptoms.

Diagnosis of Vertigo

Getting the correct diagnosis is the first step to treating vertigo in Chesterfield, 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 Chesterfield, MO physical therapists, expert in vestibular therapy, have years of experience diagnosing vertigo. They’ll assess the type and cause of vertigo to tailor personalized treatment plans for you, in tandem with your doctor if needed. Because of Direct Access Physical Therapy, recent legislation which allows patients in Chesterfield, 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.

Chesterfield, MO Physical Therapy for Vertigo Treatment

Physical therapy is a cornerstone of treating vertigo in Chesterfield, MO, offering relief to many patients through targeted exercises. Various vertigo treatment techniques assist in directly attacking the issues that cause dizziness and affect balance. Our Chesterfield, MO physical therapists will develop a unique treatment plan for your particular disorder. 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 Chesterfield, MO could involve:

• Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT): VRT is a specialized treatment modality designed to alleviate both the both acute and chronic symptoms caused by vestibular disorders. It involves a series of customized exercises designed 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 improve vision and the capability 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 keep your gaze fixed on the target, you slowly turn your head from side to side or up and down. This assists training your brain to maintain focus on an object even with movements.
  • Balance Training: Balance training exercises play a vital role for individuals with vertigo, as they aid in enhancing steadiness and lowering the risk of falls. These exercises may start with simple activities like standing on one foot or walking heel-to-toe and advance to more complex tasks that involve moving while turning the head or on uneven surfaces.
  • Habituation Exercises: Habituation exercises are meant for those who suffer from dizziness from their own movement or from visual stimuli. Such activities involve repeated exposure to certain motions or visual stimuli that induce dizziness, with the objective of diminishing the brain’s sensitivity to these triggers over time. For instance, moving the head from side to side at a controlled speed for a specified number of repetitions.
• The Canalith Repositioning Technique (Epley Maneuver): In cases of BPPV, the Epley Maneuver stands as a gentle method that aims to move the dislodged crystals within the inner ear back to their correct position, thereby relieving vertigo associated with this disorder. It involves precise head positions with the guidance of a professional, designed to relocate these crystals and offer relief from the unsettling sensations of dizziness.

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

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

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

• Expertise and Personalization: Axes Physical Therapy boasts a team of skilled Chesterfield, MO physical therapists with specializations in vestibular disorders and post-concussion syndrome. Our team comprehends the nuances of vertigo and are dedicated to providing individualized care designed for your particular 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 Chesterfield, MO. Our team uses a range of therapeutic techniques designed to reducing symptoms, improving balance, reestablishing normal function, returning you to the things you enjoy doing most, and having you feeling great in your daily life.
• Patient-Centric Approach: At Axes Physical Therapy, our Chesterfield, MO patients are the center of everything we do. Recognizing the challenges that accompany vestibular disorders, we strive to create a caring environment where patients feel understood, appreciated, and cared for.
• Accessibility: With multiple locations in and around Chesterfield, MO, Axes Physical Therapy ensures that professional 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 Chesterfield, MO include:

• 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
• Hip Replacement Physical Therapy

Call Axes for Your Vertigo Treatment | Chesterfield, 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 standing up from a chair feel challenging. 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 regain 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 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.