Vertigo Treatment in Clearwater, MO | Vestibular Therapy | Physical Therapy for Vertigo Near Clearwater

Vertigo treatment in Clearwater, MO. The condition known as 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 Clearwater, MO, our approach to vertigo treatment goes beyond temporary fixes. We attack root causes of your vertigo with vestibular therapy and other physical therapy treatment modalities. Our expert team of Clearwater, MO physical and occupational therapists work with you and your doctor to offer personalized, evidence-backed care plans. Our goal? To assist you in regaining balance and resume the activities you love, without the constraints of vertigo.

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

What Is Vertigo?

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 often associated with various ailments affecting the vestibular system, which includes parts of the inner ear and brain that processes sensory information vital for maintaining balance and eye movements. Below 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 small calcium particles (canaliths) clump up in canals of the inner ear. The inner ear sends signals to the brain about how we’re positioned and where we’re moving. BPPV alters 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, fluid accumulation in the inner ear results in pressure changes, affecting hearing and balance.
Vestibular Neuritis or Labyrinthitis: This condition involves inflammation 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 experience 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 shortly or long after 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 affect the inner ear, or age-related degeneration of the inner ear structures.

Recognizing the cause of vertigo is a pivotal step in managing the condition, as it allows our Clearwater, MO physical and occupational therapists to customize interventions aimed specifically at the underlying issue of what’s affecting you. Concentrating on the underlying cause, patients can experience more profound and durable relief from their symptoms.

Vertigo Treatment in Clearwater, MO | Vestibular Therapy | Physical Therapy for Vertigo Near Clearwater

Symptoms of Vertigo

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

Nausea or Vomiting: The disorienting sensations of vertigo commonly result in nausea and, in severe cases, vomiting.
Balance Problems: Challenges in maintaining balance, increasing the risk of falls, especially in elderly persons.
Tinnitus: Ringing or additional noises in one or both ears, which can occur concurrently with vertigo episodes.
Hearing Loss: In cases associated with Meniere’s disease or other inner ear issues, hearing loss may be a symptom.
Sweating: An episode of vertigo can lead to sudden sweating, not related to physical exertion or temperature.
Nystagmus: Abnormal or jerking eye movements, where the eyes may drift without control and then correct themselves.
Sensitivity to Motion: Challenges with changes in position, such as rapid changes in posture, which can exacerbate vertigo symptoms.

Diagnosis of Vertigo

Getting the correct diagnosis is the first step to vertigo treatment in Clearwater, MO. It usually involves a comprehensive examination, which may include hearing tests, balance assessments, and possibly imaging studies to rule out other causes. Our Clearwater, MO physical therapists, specialized in vestibular rehabilitation, are trained to diagnose vertigo. We’ll assess the type and cause of vertigo to tailor personalized treatment plans for you, together with your doctor if needed. Thanks to Direct Access Physical Therapy, recent legislation which allows patients in Clearwater, 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.

Clearwater, MO Physical Therapy for Vertigo Treatment

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

Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT): VRT is a targeted treatment modality aimed at alleviate both the both acute and chronic symptoms caused by vestibular disorders. It involves a series of personalized exercises intended to retrain the brain to process and recognize signals from the vestibular system more efficiently. 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. A common technique is the “VOR X1 exercise,” where you focus on a small target at eye level. As you keep your gaze fixed on the target, you slowly move your head from side to side or up and down. This helps conditioning your brain to maintain focus on an object regardless of movements.
- Balance Training: Exercises focused on balance training play a vital role for people with vertigo, as they help improving steadiness and reduce the risk of falls. Such activities may start with simple activities like balancing on a single leg 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 meant for those who suffer from dizziness from self-motion or from visual stimuli. Such activities involve repeated exposure to specific movements or visual stimuli that induce dizziness, with the goal of reducing the sensitivity of 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 method that aims to reposition the misplaced crystals within the inner ear back to where they’re supposed to be, effectively reducing vertigo that are characteristic of this condition. This maneuver involves 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 consult our Clearwater, MO physical therapists first, who can teach you what exercises are safe for you to do at home.

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

Selecting the right provider is crucial when seeking vertigo treatment. Axes Physical Therapy stands out as a top choice for Clearwater, MO people suffering from vertigo, dizziness, and balance issues. Here’s why:

Expertise and Personalization: Axes Physical Therapy features a team of expert Clearwater, MO physical therapists with specializations in vestibular disorders and post-concussion syndrome. We understand the complexities of vertigo and commit to providing individualized care designed for your specific 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 Clearwater, MO. Our team uses a variety of therapeutic techniques aimed at alleviating symptoms, enhancing 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 Clearwater, MO patients are the center of everything we do. Acknowledging the challenges that accompany vestibular disorders, we aim to create a supportive environment where patients feel understood, appreciated, and cared for.
Accessibility: With multiple locations in and around Clearwater, MO, Axes Physical Therapy ensures that expert vertigo treatment is accessible 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 Clearwater, MO include:

Call Axes for Your Vertigo Treatment | Clearwater, 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 vital role in treating vertigo by addressing the root causes and helping patients regain their balance and confidence.

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.