Vertigo treatment in Desoto, MO. Vertigo is more than just simply experiencing dizziness; it’s complex and can cause you to lose your sense of presence in the world, heavily affecting your ability to perform basic tasks. At Axes Physical Therapy in Desoto, MO, our approach to vertigo treatment targets root causes of your vertigo with vestibular therapy and other physical therapy treatment modalities. Our expert team of Desoto, MO therapists collaborate with your healthcare provider to offer personalized, evidence-backed care plans. Our goal? To assist you in regaining balance and resume the activities you love, free from vertigo.

Whether you’re seeking vertigo treatment in Desoto, MO because of a years-long condition or if symptoms arose suddenly, you can trust in Axes. Call the Axes location nearest you, contact us online, or request an appointment to initiate your path to recovery today.

What Is Vertigo?

Vertigo is often described as a spinning sensation, 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 often a symptom of various ailments impacting the vestibular system, comprising parts of the inner ear and brain involved in managing information about our position in the world around us. Here are several of the most typical 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 dizziness and a spinning sensation.
• Meniere’s Disease: This disorder of the inner ear can lead to dizzy spells (vertigo) and hearing loss. In Meniere’s disease, fluid accumulation 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 that send signals from the inner ear to the brain. Such swelling disrupts the transmission 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 influence balance and cause motion sickness.
• Head or Neck Injuries: Injuries to the head or neck can cause vertigo, which may develop immediately or sometime after the injury.
• Other Causes: In fewer cases, 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 the wear and tear of inner ear structures due to age.

Understanding the cause of vertigo is a pivotal step in managing the condition, as it allows our Desoto, MO physical and occupational therapists to tailor interventions that directly address the root cause of imbalance. With a focus on the underlying cause, patients can experience more profound and durable relief from their symptoms.

Symptoms of Vertigo

This condition 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 achieving balance, leading to a higher risk of falls, particularly in elderly persons.
• Tinnitus: Ringing or other noises in one or both ears, which may occur alongside vertigo episodes.
• Hearing Loss: In cases associated with Meniere’s disease or other inner ear problems, hearing loss is often a symptom.
• Sweating: An episode of vertigo may cause sudden sweating, not related to physical exertion or temperature.
• Nystagmus: Irregular or jerking eye movements, where the eyes might drift without control and then correct themselves.
• Sensitivity to Motion: Challenges with motion, such as rapid changes in posture, which can intensify vertigo symptoms.

Diagnosis of Vertigo

Diagnosis is the first step to vertigo treatment in Desoto, MO. It usually involves a thorough examination, which often includes hearing tests, balance assessments, and possibly imaging studies to rule out other causes. Our Desoto, MO physical therapists, expert 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 Desoto, 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.

Desoto, MO Physical Therapy for Vertigo Treatment

Physical therapy is a cornerstone of treating vertigo in Desoto, MO, improving the daily lives of many patients through targeted exercises. A number of vertigo treatment techniques assist in repositioning particles in the ears that cause dizziness and affect balance. Our Desoto, MO physical therapists will develop a personalized treatment plan for your particular 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 Desoto, MO could involve:

• Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT): VRT is a specialized form of therapy 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 interpret and process signals from the vestibular system more efficiently. Exercises include:
  • Gaze Stabilization Exercises: These exercises are designed to better vision and the ability to focus on a stationary object while the head is moving. One such exercise is the “VOR X1 exercise,” where you focus on a small target at eye level. As you maintain your focus fixed on the target, you slowly rotate your head from side to side or up and down. This helps teaching your brain to maintain focus on an object even with movements.
  • Balance Training: Balance training exercises are crucial for people with vertigo, as they help enhancing steadiness and reduce the risk of falls. These exercises often begin with simple activities 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: Habituation exercises are intended for those who suffer from dizziness from self-motion or from visual stimuli. Such activities involve repeated exposure to certain motions or visual stimuli that trigger dizziness, with the goal 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.
• Canalith Repositioning Maneuvers (Epley Maneuver): In cases of BPPV, the Epley Maneuver is recognized as a gentle method that aims to move the misplaced crystals inside the inner ear back to their correct location, thereby relieving the dizzy spells associated with this disorder. This maneuver involves specific head movements with the guidance of a professional, designed to relocate these crystals and offer relief from the uncomfortable sensations of dizziness.

For safe and effective vertigo treatment, it’s best to consult our Desoto, 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 Desoto, MO

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

• Expertise and Personalization: Axes Physical Therapy boasts a team of skilled Desoto, MO physical therapists specialized in vestibular disorders and post-concussion syndrome. We understand the nuances of vertigo and are dedicated to providing individualized care designed for your specific needs and conditions.
• Comprehensive Care: Starting with your first evaluation to the development of a personalized treatment plan, Axes Physical Therapy offers a holistic approach to vertigo treatment in Desoto, MO. Our team uses a variety of therapeutic techniques designed to reducing symptoms, enhancing balance, restoring normal function, returning you to the things you enjoy doing most, and making you feel great in your daily life.
• Patient-Centric Approach: At Axes Physical Therapy, our Desoto, MO patients are at the heart of everything we do. Recognizing the challenges that come with vestibular disorders, we aim to create a caring environment where patients feel heard, valued, and cared for.
• Accessibility: With multiple locations in and around Desoto, 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 crucial step toward recovery.

Other services we offer in Desoto, MO include:

• Migraine Relief
• Sprain and Strain Treatment
• Geriatric Physical Therapy
• Injury Rehabilitation
• Pain Management Services
• TMJ Treatment
• Herniated Disc Treatment
• Rotator Cuff Tear Treatment
• Running Injury
• MCL Tear

Call Axes for Your Vertigo Treatment | Desoto, 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 seem daunting. Physical therapy, especially vestibular therapy offered by specialized providers like Axes Physical Therapy, plays a crucial role in treating vertigo by tackling the underlying issues and helping patients restore their balance and self-assuredness.

If you’re suffering from 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 get back to living a balanced and happy life. Call the location nearest you or contact us online today.