Vertigo treatment in Des Peres, MO. The condition known as vertigo is more than just a brief moment of 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 Des Peres, 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 Des Peres, 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.

If you’re in search of vertigo treatment in Des Peres, MO, regardless of whether your condition has been ongoing for years or if it’s a recent development, Axes is here to help. Reach out to the closest Axes location, 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 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 disorders affecting the vestibular system, comprising parts of the inner ear and brain responsible for managing sensory information essential for maintaining balance and eye movements. Listed are some of the most frequent causes of vertigo:

• Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV): BPPV is the foremost 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 head and body movements relative to gravity. BPPV alters these signals, causing vertigo.
• Meniere’s Disease: This disorder 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 causes pressure changes, impacting balance and hearing.
• Vestibular Neuritis or Labyrinthitis: This disorder entails inflammation of the inner ear or the nerves connecting the inner ear to the brain. Such swelling interferes with the transmission of sensory information from the ear to the brain, causing vertigo and issues 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 influence balance and cause nausea.
• Head or Neck Injuries: Trauma to the head or neck can cause vertigo, which may appear soon after or long following 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 cause ear damage, or age-related degeneration of the inner ear structures.

Understanding the cause of vertigo is a crucial step in managing the condition, as it enables our Des Peres, MO physical and occupational therapists to customize interventions that directly address the root cause of imbalance. Concentrating on the underlying cause, patients can achieve more effective and lasting relief from their symptoms.

Symptoms of Vertigo

This condition can also be accompanied by several additional symptoms besides dizziness, varying greatly in severity from one individual to another. Common additional symptoms include:

• Nausea or Vomiting: The confusing sensations of vertigo often lead to nausea and, in extreme cases, vomiting.
• Balance Problems: Challenges in keeping balance, increasing the risk of falls, particularly in elderly people.
• 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 conditions, hearing loss is often a symptom.
• Sweating: An episode of vertigo can lead to sudden sweating, independent of physical exertion or temperature.
• Nystagmus: Unusual or jerking eye movements, where the eyes may drift without control and then correct themselves.
• Sensitivity to Motion: Difficulty with motion, such as quick movements, which can intensify vertigo symptoms.

Diagnosis of Vertigo

Diagnosis is the first step to treating vertigo in Des Peres, MO. It usually involves a comprehensive examination, which may include hearing tests, balance assessments, and possibly MRIs or X-Rays to rule out other causes. Our Des Peres, MO physical therapists, expert in vestibular therapy, have years of experience diagnosing vertigo. They’ll assess the type and cause of vertigo to tailor specific treatment plans for you, together with your doctor if needed. Thanks to Direct Access Physical Therapy, recent legislation which allows patients in Des Peres, 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.

Des Peres, MO Physical Therapy for Vertigo Treatment

Physical therapy is a cornerstone of treating vertigo in Des Peres, MO, improving the daily lives of many patients through targeted exercises. Several vertigo treatment techniques aid in repositioning particles in the ears that cause dizziness and affect balance. Our Des Peres, MO physical therapists will develop a customized treatment plan for your unique situation. 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 Des Peres, MO might feature:

• Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT): VRT is a specialized treatment modality intended to alleviate both the both acute and chronic symptoms caused by vestibular disorders. It involves a series of customized 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 capability to focus on a stationary object while the head is moving. An example 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 rotate your head from side to side or up and down. This assists conditioning your brain to maintain focus on an object even with movements.
  • Balance Training: Exercises focused on balance training are crucial for people with vertigo, as they aid in enhancing steadiness and lowering the risk of falls. Such activities may start with simple activities like balancing on a single leg or taking heel-to-toe steps and advance to more complex tasks that involve moving while turning the head or on uneven surfaces.
  • Habituation Exercises: Exercises for habituation are intended for those who experience dizziness due to their own movement or from visual stimuli. Such activities involve continuous exposure to specific movements or visual stimuli that trigger dizziness, with the goal of reducing the brain’s sensitivity to these triggers over time. An example is moving the head from side to side at a controlled speed for a set number of repetitions.
• Canalith Repositioning Maneuvers (Epley Maneuver): In cases of BPPV, the Epley Maneuver stands as a gentle method that seeks to move the misplaced crystals inside the inner ear back to where they’re supposed to be, effectively reducing the dizzy spells that are characteristic of this condition. It entails precise head movements with the guidance of a specialist, designed to relocate these crystals and provide relief from the unsettling sensations of dizziness.

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

Why Choose Axes Physical Therapy for Vertigo Treatment in Des Peres, MO

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

• Expertise and Personalization: Axes Physical Therapy boasts a team of skilled Des Peres, 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 personalized care designed for your specific 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 Des Peres, MO. We employ a range of therapeutic techniques aimed at alleviating symptoms, enhancing balance, restoring normal function, getting you back to the activities you love, and making you feel great in your daily life.
• Patient-Centric Approach: At Axes Physical Therapy, our Des Peres, MO patients are at the heart of everything they do. Acknowledging the challenges that accompany vestibular disorders, we strive to create a supportive environment where patients feel heard, appreciated, and supported.
• Accessibility: With multiple locations in and around Des Peres, MO, Axes Physical Therapy ensures that expert vertigo treatment is within reach for anyone seeking help.

For anyone experiencing vertigo, dizziness, or balance problems, reaching out to Axes Physical Therapy can be a significant step toward recovery.

Other services we offer in Des Peres, MO include:

• Neck Pain Treatment
• 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

Call Axes for Your Vertigo Treatment | Des Peres, 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 walking up the stairs feel challenging. Physical therapy, especially vestibular therapy offered by experts like Axes Physical Therapy, plays a crucial 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.