Vertigo treatment in Clayton, MO. Vertigo goes beyond a brief moment of dizziness; living with symptoms that are largely “in your head” can be even more frustrating as others aren’t able to see the outward signs of an injury. At Axes Physical Therapy in Clayton, MO, our approach to vertigo treatment extends beyond temporary fixes. We attack the underlying causes of your vertigo with vestibular therapy and other physical therapy treatment modalities. Our expert team of Clayton, MO 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.
Whether you’re seeking vertigo treatment in Clayton, 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.
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 often associated with various ailments influencing the vestibular system, comprising parts of the inner ear and brain that processes sensory information vital for maintaining balance and eye movements. Here are several 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) clump up in canals of the inner ear. The inner ear transmits information to the brain about head and body movements relative to gravity. BPPV disrupts these signals, causing vertigo.
- Meniere’s Disease: This disorder of the inner ear often causes 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. This inflammation disrupts the transfer of sensory information from the ear to the brain, resulting in 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 impact balance and cause nausea.
- Head or Neck Injuries: Injuries to the head or neck can cause vertigo, which may appear soon after or long following the injury.
- Other Causes: Less commonly, 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.
Understanding the cause of vertigo is a pivotal step in treatment, as it enables our Clayton, MO physical and occupational therapists to tailor interventions targeting the underlying issue of what’s affecting you. Concentrating on the underlying cause, patients can achieve more lasting and profound relief from their symptoms.
Vertigo Symptoms
Vertigo can also present several other symptoms beyond dizziness, showing significant variation in severity from one individual to another. Common other symptoms include:
- Nausea or Vomiting: The confusing sensations of vertigo often lead to nausea and, in severe cases, vomiting.
- Balance Problems: Trouble in maintaining balance, leading to a higher risk of falls, particularly in elderly individuals.
- Tinnitus: Buzzing or additional noises in one or both ears, which may occur alongside 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 can lead to sudden sweating, not related to your activity level or temperature.
- Nystagmus: Irregular or jerking eye movements, where the eyes may drift without control and then adjust themselves.
- Sensitivity to Motion: Challenges with changes in position, such as standing up quickly, which can intensify vertigo symptoms.
Diagnosis of Vertigo
Diagnosis is the first step to vertigo treatment in Clayton, MO. It often involves a comprehensive examination, which may include hearing tests, balance assessments, and possibly imaging studies to rule out other causes. Our Clayton, MO physical therapists, skilled in vestibular rehabilitation, 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 Clayton, 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.
Clayton, MO Physical Therapy for Vertigo Treatment
Physical therapy is a cornerstone of treating vertigo in Clayton, MO, improving the daily lives of many patients through targeted exercises. Several vertigo treatment techniques help repositioning particles in the ears that cause dizziness and affect balance. Our Clayton, MO physical therapists will develop a personalized treatment plan for your specific circumstances. That could encompass 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 Clayton, MO might feature:
- Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT): VRT is a specialized treatment method designed to 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 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. An example is the “VOR X1 exercise,” where you focus 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 conditioning your brain to maintain focus on an object regardless of movements.
- Balance Training: Exercises focused on balance training play a vital role for individuals with vertigo, as they aid in enhancing steadiness and reduce the risk of falls. These exercises often begin with simple tasks like balancing on a single leg or walking heel-to-toe and progress to more complex tasks that involve moving while turning the head or on uneven surfaces.
- Habituation Exercises: Exercises for habituation are meant for those who experience dizziness from self-motion or from visual stimuli. Such activities involve repeated exposure to certain motions or visual stimuli that trigger 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 steady speed for a specified number of repetitions.
- The Canalith Repositioning Technique (Epley Maneuver): In cases of BPPV, the Epley Maneuver stands as a safe procedure that aims to move the misplaced crystals inside the inner ear to their correct position, thereby relieving vertigo that are characteristic of this disorder. It entails precise head movements with the guidance of a professional, aiming to relocate these crystals and offer relief from the unsettling sensations of dizziness.
For safe and effective vertigo treatment, it’s most advisable to consult our Clayton, 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 Clayton, MO
Choosing the right provider is essential when seeking vertigo treatment. Axes Physical Therapy stands out as a top choice for Clayton, MO individuals experiencing vertigo, dizziness, and balance issues. Here’s why:
- Expertise and Personalization: Axes Physical Therapy features a team of expert Clayton, MO physical therapists with specializations in vestibular disorders and post-concussion syndrome. We understand the nuances of vertigo and commit to providing individualized care designed for your specific needs and conditions.
- Comprehensive Care: Starting with your first evaluation to the development of a customized treatment plan, Axes Physical Therapy offers a holistic approach to vertigo treatment in Clayton, MO. Our team uses a variety of therapeutic techniques aimed at reducing symptoms, enhancing balance, reestablishing normal function, getting you back to the things you enjoy doing most, and having you feeling great in your daily life.
- Patient-Centric Approach: At Axes Physical Therapy, our Clayton, MO patients are the center of everything they do. Acknowledging 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 Clayton, 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 significant step toward recovery.
Other services we offer in Clayton, MO include:
Call Axes for Your Vertigo Treatment | Clayton, 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 seem daunting. Physical therapy, especially vestibular therapy offered by specialized providers like Axes Physical Therapy, plays a vital role in treating vertigo by tackling the underlying issues and helping patients restore 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 assist you in managing the complexities of vertigo and return to living a harmonious and happy life. Call the location nearest you or contact us online today.
