Vertigo treatment in Ellisville, MO. Vertigo goes beyond a brief moment of dizziness; it’s a complex condition that can cause you to lose your sense of being in the world, heavily affecting your daily life. At Axes Physical Therapy in Ellisville, 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 Ellisville, 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 return to the activities you love, free from vertigo.

Whether you’re seeking vertigo treatment in Ellisville, 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 start getting your best you back today.

Vertigo: Causes, Symptoms, & Diagnosis

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 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 commonly associated with various conditions influencing the vestibular system, comprising parts of the inner ear and brain that processes sensory information vital for maintaining balance and eye movements. Listed 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 tiny calcium particles (canaliths) move into the wrong position in the inner ear. The inner ear transmits information to the brain about how we’re positioned and where we’re moving. BPPV alters these signals, causing vertigo.
• Meniere’s Disease: This disorder of the inner ear can lead to dizzy spells (vertigo) and hearing loss. In Meniere’s disease, a buildup of fluid in the inner ear leads to pressure changes, affecting balance and hearing.
• Vestibular Neuritis or Labyrinthitis: This condition involves swelling of the inner ear or the nerves that send signals from the inner ear to the brain. This inflammation obstructs 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 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 develop immediately or sometime after the injury.
• Other Causes: More rarely, 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 age-related degeneration of the inner ear structures.

Identifying the cause of vertigo is a pivotal step in treatment, as it enables our Ellisville, MO physical and occupational therapists to tailor interventions targeting the specific source of what’s affecting you. With a focus on the underlying cause, patients can realize more lasting and profound relief from their symptoms.

Vertigo Symptoms

This condition can also come with several additional symptoms beyond dizziness, differing widely in severity from person to person. Common additional symptoms include:

• Nausea or Vomiting: The confusing sensations of vertigo frequently cause nausea and, in serious cases, vomiting.
• Balance Problems: Challenges in achieving balance, increasing the risk of falls, especially in elderly individuals.
• Tinnitus: Humming or other noises in one or both ears, which may occur simultaneously with vertigo episodes.
• Hearing Loss: In instances related to Meniere’s disease or other inner ear problems, hearing loss may 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 a professional diagnosis is the first step to treating vertigo in Ellisville, MO. It often involves a thorough examination, which can involve hearing tests, balance assessments, and possibly imaging studies to rule out other causes. Our Ellisville, MO physical therapists, skilled in vestibular rehabilitation, play a significant role in diagnosing vertigo. They’ll assess the type and cause of vertigo to tailor personalized treatment plans for you, together with your doctor if needed. Because of Direct Access Physical Therapy, a new law which allows patients in Ellisville, 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.

Ellisville, MO Physical Therapy for Vertigo Treatment

Physical therapy is a cornerstone of vertigo treatment in Ellisville, 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 Ellisville, MO physical therapists will develop a customized 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 Ellisville, MO could involve:

• Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT): VRT is a targeted treatment method designed to alleviate both the both acute and chronic symptoms caused by vestibular disorders. It involves a series of personalized exercises aimed to retrain the brain to interpret and process signals from the vestibular system more efficiently. 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. One such exercise 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 aids in teaching 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 aid in enhancing steadiness and lowering the risk of falls. These exercises often begin with simple tasks like balancing on a single leg or walking heel-to-toe and progress to more complex tasks that involve walking with head movements or on uneven surfaces.
  • Habituation Exercises: Habituation exercises are intended for those who experience dizziness from self-motion or from visual stimuli. These exercises involve repeated exposure to specific movements or visual stimuli that induce dizziness, with the objective of diminishing the sensitivity to these triggers over time. An example is moving the head from side to side at a steady speed for a specified number of repetitions.
• The Canalith Repositioning Technique (Epley Maneuver): For patients diagnosed with BPPV, the Epley Maneuver is recognized as a gentle procedure that aims to move the dislodged crystals inside the inner ear to where they’re supposed to be, effectively reducing vertigo that are characteristic of this disorder. It entails specific head movements with the guidance of a specialist, aiming to shift these crystals and offer relief from the unsettling sensations of dizziness.

For safe and effective vertigo treatment, it’s best to meet with our Ellisville, 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 Ellisville, MO

Selecting the right provider is essential when seeking vertigo treatment. Axes Physical Therapy is a premier choice for Ellisville, MO individuals suffering from vertigo, dizziness, and balance issues. Here’s why:

• Expertise and Personalization: Axes Physical Therapy boasts a team of skilled Ellisville, MO physical therapists with specializations in vestibular disorders and post-concussion syndrome. Our team comprehends the nuances of vertigo and commit to providing individualized care designed for your particular needs and conditions.
• Comprehensive Care: From the initial assessment to the development of a customized treatment plan, Axes Physical Therapy offers a holistic approach to vertigo treatment in Ellisville, MO. We employ a range of therapeutic techniques aimed at reducing symptoms, enhancing balance, reestablishing normal function, getting you back to the activities you love, and having you feeling great in your daily life.
• Patient-Centric Approach: At Axes Physical Therapy, our Ellisville, MO patients are the center of everything they do. Recognizing the challenges that come with vestibular disorders, we aim to create a caring environment where patients feel heard, appreciated, and supported.
• Accessibility: With multiple locations in and around Ellisville, MO, Axes Physical Therapy ensures that professional vertigo treatment is accessible for anyone seeking help.

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

Other services we offer in Ellisville, MO include:

• Back Pain Treatment
• 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

Call Axes for Your Vertigo Treatment | Ellisville, 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 turning around feel challenging. Physical therapy, especially vestibular therapy offered by specialized providers 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 experiencing 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 balanced and happy life. Call the location nearest you or contact us online today.