Vertigo treatment in Doe Run, MO. 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 Doe Run, MO, our approach to vertigo treatment targets the underlying causes of your vertigo with vestibular therapy and other physical therapy treatment modalities. Our expert team of Doe Run, MO therapists work with you and your doctor to offer personalized, evidence-backed care plans. Our goal? To help you regain balance and return to the activities you love, without the constraints of vertigo.
Whether you’re seeking vertigo treatment in Doe Run, 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 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. 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 disorders affecting the vestibular system, comprising parts of the inner ear and brain that processes 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 a primary cause of vertigo and occurs when tiny calcium particles (canaliths) move into the wrong position in the inner ear. The inner ear communicates to the brain about head and body movements relative to gravity. BPPV disrupts 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 causes pressure changes, affecting hearing and balance.
- Vestibular Neuritis or Labyrinthitis: This disorder entails swelling of the inner ear or the nerves that send signals from the inner ear to the brain. Such swelling disrupts the transfer of sensory information from the ear to the brain, causing 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 affect balance and cause nausea.
- Head or Neck Injuries: Harm to the head or neck can cause vertigo, which may develop 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 affect the inner ear, or the wear and tear of inner ear structures due to age.
Identifying the cause of vertigo is a pivotal step in managing the condition, as it enables our Doe Run, MO physical and occupational therapists to customize interventions targeting the specific source of what’s affecting you. By focusing on the underlying cause, patients can realize more effective and lasting relief from their symptoms.
Symptoms of Vertigo
This condition can also present several additional symptoms besides dizziness, differing widely in severity from person to person. Common additional symptoms include:
- Nausea or Vomiting: The confusing sensations of vertigo commonly result in nausea and, in extreme cases, vomiting.
- Balance Problems: Difficulty in maintaining balance, increasing the risk of falls, especially in elderly people.
- Tinnitus: Ringing or other noises in one or both ears, which can occur concurrently with vertigo episodes.
- Hearing Loss: In cases related to Meniere’s disease or other inner ear problems, hearing loss can be a symptom.
- Sweating: An episode of vertigo may cause sudden sweating, unrelated to physical exertion or temperature.
- Nystagmus: Unusual or jerking eye movements, where the eyes may drift without control and then adjust themselves.
- Sensitivity to Motion: Problems with motion, such as quick movements, which can worsen vertigo symptoms.
Diagnosis of Vertigo
Getting the correct diagnosis is the first step to vertigo treatment in Doe Run, MO. It usually involves a comprehensive examination, which may include hearing tests, balance assessments, and possibly imaging studies to rule out other causes. Our Doe Run, MO physical therapists, specialized in vestibular rehabilitation, are trained to diagnose vertigo. We’ll assess the type and cause of vertigo to tailor specific treatment plans for you, in tandem with your doctor if needed. Because of Direct Access Physical Therapy, a new law which allows patients in Doe Run, 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.
Doe Run, MO Physical Therapy for Vertigo Treatment
Therapy is a cornerstone of vertigo treatment in Doe Run, MO, offering relief to many patients through targeted exercises. Several vertigo treatment techniques aid in directly attacking the issues that cause dizziness and affect balance. Our Doe Run, MO physical therapists will develop a personalized treatment plan for your unique disorder. 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 Doe Run, MO might feature:
- Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT): VRT is a targeted form of therapy designed to alleviate both the primary and secondary problems caused by vestibular disorders. It involves a series of tailored exercises designed 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. An example 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: Balance training exercises are crucial for individuals with vertigo, as they aid in enhancing steadiness and reduce the risk of falls. Such activities often begin with simple tasks 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: Habituation exercises are intended for those who experience dizziness due to self-motion or from visual stimuli. These exercises involve repeated exposure to certain motions or visual stimuli that induce dizziness, with the goal of reducing the 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): For patients diagnosed with BPPV, the Epley Maneuver is recognized as a gentle procedure that aims to move the misplaced crystals within the inner ear back to their correct position, thus alleviating the dizzy spells associated with this disorder. This maneuver entails precise head positions under the guidance of a professional, aiming to relocate these crystals and provide relief from the unsettling sensations of dizziness.
For effective and safe vertigo treatment, it’s best to meet with our Doe Run, MO physical therapists initially, who can show you what exercises are safe for you to do at home.
Why Choose Axes Physical Therapy for Vertigo Treatment in Doe Run, MO
Choosing the right provider is crucial when seeking vertigo treatment. Axes Physical Therapy stands out as a premier choice for Doe Run, MO people suffering from vertigo, dizziness, and balance issues. Here’s why:
- Expertise and Personalization: Axes Physical Therapy features a team of skilled Doe Run, MO physical therapists specialized in vestibular disorders and post-concussion syndrome. Our team of occupational and physical therapists understands the complexities of vertigo and are dedicated to providing personalized care tailored to your particular needs and conditions.
- Comprehensive Care: From the initial assessment to the creation of a customized treatment plan, Axes Physical Therapy offers a comprehensive approach to vertigo treatment in Doe Run, MO. We employ a variety of therapeutic techniques aimed at alleviating symptoms, enhancing balance, reestablishing normal function, returning you to the activities you love, and making you feel great in your daily life.
- Patient-Centric Approach: At Axes Physical Therapy, our Doe Run, MO patients are at the heart of everything we do. Acknowledging the challenges that accompany vestibular disorders, we strive to create a supportive environment where patients feel understood, appreciated, and cared for.
- Accessibility: With multiple locations in and around Doe Run, 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 Doe Run, MO include:
- Herniated Disc Treatment
- Rotator Cuff Tear Treatment
- Running Injury
- MCL Tear
- ACL Rehabilitation
- Functional Capacity Evaluation
- Total Knee Replacement Physical Therapy
- Vestibular Therapy
- Concussion Treatment
Call Axes for Your Vertigo Treatment | Doe Run, 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 standing up from a chair 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. Reach out to Axes Physical Therapy today to learn more about how their vestibular therapy services can help you navigate the complexities of vertigo and get back to living a harmonious and happy life. Call the location nearest you or contact us online today.