Vertigo treatment in Cottleville, MO. The condition known as vertigo goes beyond simply experiencing dizziness; it’s complex and can make you lose your sense of presence in the world, heavily affecting your ability to perform basic tasks. At Axes Physical Therapy in Cottleville, 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 Cottleville, MO therapists collaborate with your healthcare provider to offer personalized, evidence-backed care plans. Our goal? To assist you in regaining balance and return to the activities you love, without the constraints of vertigo.
Whether you’re seeking vertigo treatment in Cottleville, MO because of a years-long condition or if symptoms arose suddenly, you can trust in Axes. Reach out to the closest Axes location, contact us online, or request an appointment to start getting your best you back today.
Understanding 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. 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 associated with various conditions influencing the vestibular system, comprising parts of the inner ear and brain that manages information about our position in the world around us. Here are some of the most typical 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 alters these signals, causing dizziness and a spinning sensation.
- Meniere’s Disease: This condition 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 inflammation of the inner ear or the nerves that send signals from the inner ear to the brain. Such swelling obstructs the transfer of sensory information from the ear to the brain, causing vertigo and issues with balance.
- Migraine-Associated Vertigo: Many people who suffer from migraines suffer from episodes of vertigo or other types of dizziness even without having a severe headache. These episodes can affect balance and cause nausea.
- Head or Neck Injuries: Harm to the head or neck can cause vertigo, which may manifest shortly or long after the injury.
- Other Causes: In fewer cases, vertigo can be a symptom of a more serious neurological problem (such as a stroke or brain tumor), certain medications that affect the inner ear, or the wear and tear of inner ear structures due to age.
Identifying the cause of vertigo is a crucial step in managing the condition, as it enables our Cottleville, MO physical and occupational therapists to customize interventions aimed specifically at the root cause of imbalance. With a focus on the underlying cause, patients can experience more effective and lasting relief from their symptoms.
Symptoms of Vertigo
This condition can also come with several additional symptoms besides dizziness, varying greatly in severity from person to person. Common additional symptoms include:
- Nausea or Vomiting: The confusing sensations of vertigo often lead to nausea and, in severe cases, vomiting.
- Balance Problems: Challenges in maintaining balance, leading to a higher risk of falls, particularly in elderly persons.
- Tinnitus: Humming or additional noises in either ears, which may occur simultaneously with vertigo episodes.
- Hearing Loss: In instances 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, not related to physical exertion or temperature.
- Nystagmus: Unusual or jerking eye movements, where the eyes may drift without control and then realign themselves.
- Sensitivity to Motion: Difficulty with motion, such as quick movements, which can intensify vertigo symptoms.
Diagnosis of Vertigo
Getting a professional diagnosis is the first step to treating vertigo in Cottleville, MO. It often involves a thorough examination, which often includes hearing tests, balance assessments, and possibly MRIs or X-Rays to rule out other causes. Our Cottleville, MO physical therapists, skilled 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. Thanks to Direct Access Physical Therapy, a new law which allows patients in Cottleville, 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.
Cottleville, MO Physical Therapy for Vertigo Treatment
Physical therapy is a cornerstone of treating vertigo in Cottleville, MO, offering relief to many patients through targeted exercises. Various vertigo treatment techniques assist in repositioning particles in the ears that cause dizziness and affect balance. Our Cottleville, MO physical therapists will develop a unique treatment plan for your particular 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 Cottleville, MO might feature:
- Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT): VRT is a targeted treatment modality aimed at alleviate both the primary and secondary problems caused by vestibular disorders. It involves a series of personalized exercises intended to retrain the brain to recognize and process signals from the vestibular system more effectively. Exercises include:
- Gaze Stabilization Exercises: These exercises are aimed at improve 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 keep 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 despite movements.
- Balance Training: Exercises focused on balance training are crucial for individuals with vertigo, as they aid in improving steadiness and reduce the risk of falls. Such activities often begin with simple activities like balancing on a single leg 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 meant for those who experience dizziness due to self-motion or from visual stimuli. Such activities involve repeated exposure to specific movements 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 reposition the misplaced crystals within the inner ear to where they’re supposed to be, effectively reducing vertigo associated with this disorder. It entails specific head movements 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 best to consult our Cottleville, MO physical therapists first, who can show you what exercises are safe for you to do at home.
Why Choose Axes Physical Therapy for Vertigo Treatment in Cottleville, MO
Choosing the right provider is essential when seeking vertigo treatment. Axes Physical Therapy stands out as a premier choice for Cottleville, MO people suffering from vertigo, dizziness, and balance issues. Here’s why:
- Expertise and Personalization: Axes Physical Therapy features a team of skilled Cottleville, MO physical therapists with specializations in vestibular disorders and post-concussion syndrome. Our team of occupational and physical therapists understands the nuances 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 customized treatment plan, Axes Physical Therapy offers a holistic approach to vertigo treatment in Cottleville, MO. We employ a variety of therapeutic techniques designed to reducing symptoms, enhancing balance, restoring normal function, getting you back to the things you enjoy doing most, and making you feel great in your daily life.
- Patient-Centric Approach: At Axes Physical Therapy, our Cottleville, MO patients are at the heart of everything they do. Acknowledging the challenges that come with vestibular disorders, we strive to create a caring environment where patients feel understood, valued, and supported.
- Accessibility: With multiple locations in and around Cottleville, MO, Axes Physical Therapy ensures that expert vertigo treatment is accessible for those in need.
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 Cottleville, MO include:
- Geriatric Physical Therapy
- Injury Rehabilitation
- Pain Management Services
- TMJ Treatment
- Herniated Disc Treatment
- Rotator Cuff Tear Treatment
- Running Injury
- MCL Tear
- ACL Rehabilitation
- Functional Capacity Evaluation
Call Axes for Your Vertigo Treatment | Cottleville, 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 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 experiencing 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 balanced and happy life. Call the location nearest you or contact us online today.